The idea of skin bleaching, especially by people of darker color has been on the rise over the past several years. People ritualistically lighten their skins because they erroneously think it makes them look more successful, attractive, and rich. Some do it because it is the in thing, everyone is doing it, so why not?

It is especially prevalent here in Jamaica and often times people bleach so badly, they become pink and have to walk with umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun they previously used to be able to stand in for hours. I often wonder if they really know what the skin they are bleaching is there for, and what side effects can occur.

The human being is a design masterpiece. Everything the body has is there for a reason as part of an elaborate system to protect and sustain life. There are three main reasons for our skin color:

  1. The cells contained within the dermis and epidermis provide a natural yellow, white colour
  2. Superficial blood vessels provide a blue or red tint determined by oxygen content
  3. Melanin produced by melanocytes scattered within the basal layer of the skin

Melanin determines how dark a person’s skin is; more melanin production results in darker skin. Melanin has another key function. It is the skins own natural protection from the harmful ultra violet rays of the sun. Without it, the skin is extremely vulnerable and we would have to cover exposed skins with sun screen or risk a greater chance of developing skin cancer.

Here is where the problem starts: there are two main chemicals found in skin lightening products, Hydroquinone or Mercury.

  1. Hydroquinone (C6H6O2) is a severely toxic and very powerful chemical used in photo processing, the manufacture of rubber and is an active agent in hair dyes.
  2. Mercury in the form of Mercury Chloride & Ammoniated Mercury is carcinogenic. They appear on the list of toxic substances that can only be purchased via pharmacies with prescribed labels of toxicity.

Both chemicals perform a similar process. In the short term they will initially cause the skin to lighten by inhibiting the production of melanin. Without melanin formation in the basal layer, no brown pigmentation will be visible. Now, removing this outer layer of skin can have harmful effects on the individual. It is okay in the short run, but in the long run these chemicals can cause severe problems which may include:

  1. Hydroquinone or Mercury applied to the skin will react with ultra violet rays and re-oxidise, leading to more pigmentation and premature ageing. More product is then applied in an attempt to correct the darker blotchy appearance.
  2. These are the beginnings of a vicious cycle. By altering the skins natural structure and inhibiting the production of Melanin, it’s natural protection, the skin is more susceptible to skin cancer.
  3. Prolonged use of Hydroquinone will thicken collegen fibres damaging the connective tissues. The result is rough blotchy skin leaving it with a spotty cavier appearance.
  4. Mercury will slowly accumulate within the skin cells stripping the skin of it’s natural pigment leaving behind the tell tale signs of gray/ blue pigmentation in the folds of the skin. In the long term the chemical will damage vital organs and lead to liver and kidney failure and mercury poisoning.
  5. Infections.
  6. Scarring.
  7. Sores.
  8. Darkening of the skin at the finger joints.
  9. Stretch marks.
  10. Skin dis-figuring and breaking.
  11. Tiny dome-shaped bumps.
  12. Grayish-brown spots.
  13. Allergic reaction.
  14. Redness.
  15. Diabetes.

Now, looking at this long list, why would anyone want to lighten their skin?! I guess the people who use such creams don’t read articles like these or really don’t care. The irony is they see the chronic users with skin problems everyday and still go ahead and bleach anyway. i guess it is like a crack user who sees the damage the drug does on a daily basis and still goes ahead and tries it….a part of the self-destructive nature of man.

It is like an epidemic, and is now prevalent in high schools. It is not uncommon to see parents bleaching and their high school sons (yes sons) and daughters doing the same!  Common sense should tell you that if you are bleaching and now have to use an umbrella every time you go outside, something must be wrong.

I hope this article makes a difference to a potential “bleacher” who reads it. To borrow a line from a popular 80’s song:

What I am is what I am, you’re what you are or what?

Lightening your skin will not change who you are.

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