At some point in their lives every dark-skinned girl and boy seriously contemplates whether to or not to bleach!
One seriously debates on this issue because the decision made will have a drastic effect on their lives afterwards. I for one think that guidance counselors at schools should be equipped with knowledge of the same and offer teenagers counseling about the pros and cons of bleaching as early as possible. unbiased information must be availed to individuals so that later in life when faced with the inevitable question they can at least make an informed decision and not just fall prey to peer pressure.
Wikipedia refers to Bleaching or skin whitening as the practice of using substances, mixtures or physical treatments to lighten one’s skin color.
Melanin is the pigment that gives human skin, hair and eyes color. Dark skinned people have more melanin in their skin than light skinned people. Melanin does offer some protection against the sun.
So, in lay man’s language, for one to become light skinned one has got to stop the production of melanin! Who cares about the sun rays anyway, melanin must go!
There are several ways of intentionally stopping the production of melanin. from topical creams to tablets and even injections one chooses the most convenient and affordable method.
Speaking to a beautician recently on the same, she assured me that most of the wealth she has accumulated is a result of bleaching and its effects. She offers consultation, body scrubs and sells an array of bleaching products. One of the products displayed at her beauty shop was sunscreen, she informed me that sun screen is a must for all skin types, yes including the dark skinned, however those who chose to lighten their skins must use it generously!
Some people are occasional bleachers. they Bleach for weddings, trips to the village while others make it a lifestyle. There are those who begin the process and then change their minds and revert to their original color. some are fortunate enough to do so without damaging their skins however there are those who cause irreversible damage to their skins!
Bleaching is blamed for the rise of cancer, products which contain hydroquinone were banned from entering the country however they can still be found on the shelves of several beauty shops.
Most “fair” skinned people will tell you that their lives have changed for the better after opting to bleach. They have received positive feedback from the opposite sex, promotions at work, business is booming, and they have no regrets whatsoever.
Health vs beauty! Unfortunately, humans have been making bad decisions since time memorial. Bleaching should be viewed in the same light as cigarette smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, using chemicals to treat hair, all these have adversary health risks but whether one chooses to bleach or not to bleach is entirely up to them, I would however urge them to soak in as much information on the side effects of bleaching before embarking on the journey which in most cases is irreversible.
