Fakomi Olajumoke
Skin bleaching is now a raging norm in our society. It involves using creams which contain chemical products that are capable of whitening the skin. These chemicals work by inhibiting the release of melanin, a dark pigment responsible for giving dark skin its natural color Bleaching the skin can make it look bright and attractive for a short period of time but can leave disadvantageous effects on the skin pigment. One downside is that once bleaching is discontinued, the skin will never return to its original tone and complexion.
The skin bleaching epidemic in Nigeria has been at an all-time high in the last ten years. Bleaching products have become one of the most procured cosmetics in Nigeria as governments have done little to curb its unregulated sales. According to World Health Organization (WHO), 77% of Nigerian women use skin-lightening products. The stats show that Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of users of skin-lightening products. Even a number of educated Nigerians who know the implications of this self-destructive act indulge in it. The numbers are increasing and users seem to care less about the consequences. Since the government isn’t enforcing restrictions on the reckless sales of harmful bleaching products, there needs to be public sensitization on the dangers of long term usage.
There are numerous reasons why people bleach but all are geared at supposedly enhancing one’s beauty. Aisha, a dark skinned beautician wishes she were light skinned, “All my friends who are light skinned are more attractive to richer guys and have better job opportunities out there.” She reveals that she might get a lighter skin tone pretty soon.
Christiana Patrick tells me of a machine used for peeling off the black skin – that’s what she used – however the cost of maintaining the bleached skin is way expensive. If she doesn’t go for treatments in a week her skin will begin to smell and peel off. Apart from these side effects, Christiana said she’s enjoying the attention the bleached skin gives her. It should be noted that this beauty enhancement comes with a lot of debilitating effects but people still indulge.
The commonest form of skin bleaching is tone lightening which is considered ideal by many bleaching proponents. According to Dr Ajibade John a medical practitioner in The Royal Hospital, Ogun State, bleaching creams contain harmful chemical elements like mercury, hydroquinone, niacin amide, topical retinoid, and steroids among others. He explained that mercury is a very dangerous chemical metal found in the skin lightening creams. Mercury can damage the kidneys and the nervous system. An abnormally high level in the body can lead to irritability, headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, numbness, tingling in the hands, feet and lips, insomnia, depression and weight loss. Another harmful chemical is hydroquinone and it is used to treat skin discoloration. Studies have shown that this chemical is cell toxic and can be carcinogenic when used long term. These are both life threatening conditions which can be avoided by boycotting these products. Other harmful effects of hydroquinone are reddish skin, dry and leathery skin, dermatitis, pigment cells damage and increase sensitivity to sunlight. Steroids (topical corticosteroids) such as clobetasol propionate etc. are very popular skin bleaching agents sold recklessly within the country. They come in various tube creams and can cause skin thinning, stretch marks, bruising and broken veins.
It is not advisable to bleach the melanin pigment of the skin. However, if one must lighten the skin there are various safe alternatives to adopt. Dr Ajibade stated that there are functional natural ways of lightening the skin using Aloe Vera Gel, Oranges and Cucumber. The skin is an individual’s identity and a currency that should be safeguarded. An imbalance can pose regrettable effects on one’s life.
I believe that avoiding prepared foods will be the first step for you to lose weight. They could taste very good, but refined foods include very little vitamins and minerals, making you consume more only to have enough strength to get over the day. For anyone who is constantly consuming these foods, moving over to cereals and other complex carbohydrates will help you to have more power while feeding on less. Good blog post.