Just Before You Bleach

Are you wondering why this lady looks the way she does? Are you cussing in ur mind whoever it was that poured hot water or acid on her? Are u thinking it was makeup that went wrong? Are you thinking of the skin infections that she must have?...

ARE YOU THINKING OF BLEACHING?

If you are, this post is dedicated to you. If you are not, this post is dedicated to you still. In order words, you have to read this post whether you have bleached, are bleaching, are thinking of bleaching or you have decided never to bleach.

Why do people bleach/tone?
Some people obsess about whitening their skin because they just want to be seen as light skinned. Others look for skin whitening products because they have been struggling with acne scars and they they think the only way to overcome their acne problems is by being light-skinned.
Some only bleach their faces. Others bleach faces and bodies. Some forget to rub the cream on their necks and knuckles. That is why we see lots of fanta faces and coke body parts.

This bleaching practice occurs regardless of gender and level of education. It used to be a trend for only women but now, men have joined the lightening hussle and have refused to be left behind

Some bleach to 'look beautiful' while others believe that bleaching makes them stand out, thereby feeling special. Many believe that they can only attract the opposite sex by being light skinned.

According to the World Health Organization, 77percent of Nigerian women use skin lightening products. We are still waiting for the survey for the bleachinh men as they are not carrying last in this practice.

Experts believe that skin bleaching is a result of societal pressures and low self-esteem. Another reason is the popularity of the practice.

It all boils down to insecurity about one's self and poor self image. If you are not so beautiful as a dark person, being light-skinned cannot make you more beautiful. Beauty actually is from within!

Bleaching involves removing the melanin pigments of the skin which is actually on the skin to absorb ultraviolet light, thereby protecting humans from harmful ultraviolet radiation. So, removing the melanin with chemicals is one of the most potentially harmful things one could do to the body.
Most of the active agents in bleaching products include hydroquinone (which damages the connective tissues in the skin and cartilage), steroids, mercury, and lemon. Some people mix jik and hypo in their body creams. Some even go as far as using battery water.
People who continually use these bleaching products often end up witg rough blotchy skin. Then they get caught in the 'bleaching trap' and use more cream to try and correct the problem. They end up doing more damage.

Risks involved in bleaching are numerous and I will gladly list many of them here to effectively discourage you from bleaching. They include: premature skin aging, risk of skin cancer, fungal infections, scabies, skin-thinning, acne, skin infections, delayed wound healing, skin discolouration, and permanent stretch mark.
There are also neuroligical deficits to bleaching such as insomnia, irritability, neuropathies, and loss of memory. Eye problems such as glaucoma and cataracts. Also, adrenal insufficiency, kidney problems and hypertension are some of the complications that arise with bleaching.
Nursing mothers should not attempt bleaching because they stand a risk of passing mercury to their babies through breast-feeding.

I have to ask this question. Must we all be light-skinned? What happened to being unique in our differences. There are many races in the world and not all of them are light-skinned. What is the craze about?
Variety is what makes the world beautiful. We have to change our mindset. Let us all not be brighter than the future.
Incase you were thinking of mixing or buying that hypo, you should forget it right now, unless it is your clothes you are mixing it for.
Black is beautiful.