Do you bleach?

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In society today, skin bleaching has become a common way of life, all in the name of beauty, without knowing the health hazards associated with it as we age. Most especially among Africans, some darker-skinned individuals (male and female) have been conditioned to think they would look more beautiful and get better opportunities if they had fairer skin. Naturally, some people really want to remain exactly the way they are, but due to some platforms, such as social media, influence today has affected our mentality of trying to look like others.

There is a boom in the use of skin lightening products by Africans as well as Asians, which is supported by billboard, television, and publication commercials saying that those with lighter complexions are more attractive, more successful, and have an appealing glow that draws people to them. This school of thought may have its roots in the period of colonialism, when lighter-skinned slaves received preference for the wealthy positions labouring in the homes of white colonisers while their darker-skinned counterparts were dispatched to the fields as labourers.

Is melanin pigmentation really helpful to our skin?

The quantity of melanin, or a type of pigment, determines the colour of your skin. Melanocytes are skin cells that create the pigment melanin. The amount of melanin varies with skin colour. Skin-lightening substances either lower the amount of hyperpigmentation present or stimulate its production. Melanin has advantages such as shielding from UV rays (visible in sunshine) and lowering the risk of skin cancer. This is likely the reason why people with darker complexions acquire skin cancer more rarely.

Additionally,melanin found in the brain and nerves, contributes to the healthy operation of these tissues. Skin-lightening medications can be used topically, taken orally as tablets or capsules, or injected directly into the veins in a drip form. The majority of these substances, including mercury and strong steroids, enter the body through the skin and travel through the blood stream to various organs, where they cause havoc.

Moreover, the long-term consequences of steroid and mercury creams have been thoroughly investigated and recorded. Early investigations have suggested that relatively more recent medications like pills and drips also damage organs in a similar way to creams. The long-term consequences of these medications are still completely unclear. These drips can cause a potentially fatal reaction called Steven Johnson's Syndrome, which can affect the skin, eyes, mouth, and genitalia.

Consequences of Bleaching in the Body

Liver: Irreversible liver damage can occur on prolonged use of skin lightening.
Kidney: Prolonged standing on skin lightening agents can result in excessive leaking of protein in the urine (nephrotic syndrom) and kidney failure. These patients develop symptoms such as swelling of the face, feet, and whole body, with a possible reduction in urinary volume.
Endocrine problems: often present health-related problems like Cushing's disease attributed to hypertension, diabetes, face swelling, and other changes in body habitus.
Heart: Findings show that skin-lightening agents cause cardiomegaly and failure.
Immune system: The body's immune system is compromised, increasing the risk of infection. Severe birth defects if a pregnant woman continues using bleaching cream during pregnancy.
Osteoporosis: Thinner bones, making them frail and prone to fracture. Psychiatric complications relating to nerve and brain damage.
Dermatitis:There are medical reports that have linked the use of skin bleaching products to dermatitis

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This is an inflammation of the skin caused by contact with certain substances. The symptoms of this include skin redness, skin ulcers, blisters, swellings, and itching.

Conclusions

Ignorance of bleaching skin has taken many people's lives, all in the name of looking beautiful and attractive. Even though it might not be able to persuade people to quit whitening their skin, it is crucial that they are aware of the effects of what they are doing and eager to take chances in spite of all these issues.

However,one can question whether risking one's life for the sake of aesthetics is truly worth it.

References

1. Nigeria, Guardian “3 Health Hazards of Skin Bleaching" The Guardian Nigeria News: Nigeria and World News, Nov. 28, 2019, guardian.ng/life/3-health-hazards-of-skin-bleaching.
2. https://walkindermatology.com/dangers-of-skin-bleaching/. walkindermatology.com/dangers-of-skin-bleaching. Accessed June 16, 2023.
3. “Skin Lightening Products Can Cause Health Problems Fact Sheet for the General Public—MN Dept. of Health.” Skin Lightening Products Can Cause Health Problems Fact Sheet for the General Public, MN Dept. of Health, www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/skin/gpfs.html. Accessed June 16, 2023.
   Adanijo, Monisola. “The Harmful Effects of Skin Lightening on Your Internal Organs.” Businessday NG, 9 Jan. 2021, businessday.ng/bd-weekender/lifestyle/article/the-harmful-effects-of-skin-lightening-on-your-internal-organs.
4. Adanijo, Monisola. “The Harmful Effects of Skin Lightening on Your Internal Organs.” Businessday NG, 9 Jan. 2021, businessday.ng/bd-weekender/lifestyle/article/the-harmful-effects-of-skin-lightening-on-your-internal-organs.
5. Ndoye, Thioro. “What Are the Negative Health Effects Associated With Skin Bleaching in West African Countries?” Jefferson Digital Commons, jdc.jefferson.edu/mphcapstone_presentation/359. Accessed June 16, 2023.