Skin whitening (skin bleaching)
Skin whitening, also known as skin bleaching, is the practice of artificially lightening the skin's color using various chemical products. These products primarily function by inhibiting or reducing melanin production, the natural pigment responsible for skin color. Historically, the notion of skin lightening emerged as a dermatological remedy for pigmentation issues, but it has since evolved into a widely adopted cosmetic practice driven by societal beauty standards. The desire for lighter skin is influenced by cultural perceptions linking lighter skin to higher social status, a belief that has persisted across various societies for centuries.
Skin whitening products often contain ingredients like hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and mercury, each with its own effects and potential side effects. While some individuals may seek professional treatments, many others use over-the-counter creams or unregulated home remedies, which can carry significant health risks. Common side effects include skin irritation, increased cancer risk, and potential skin damage. Given the potential dangers associated with skin whitening practices, it is essential for users to consult with healthcare professionals before beginning any skin lightening regimen.
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Skin whitening (skin bleaching)
Skin whitening,or skin bleaching, refers to the practice of artificially lightening the color of one's skin through the use of chemicals. These chemicals work by interfering with the body's supply of or ability to produce melanin, the pigment that determines skin color. Although the idea of using artificial means to lighten the color of one's skin has a long history around the world, the modern concept of skin whitening first arose as a legitimate dermatological treatment for pigmentation-related skin disorders. Since that time, however, skin-whitening methods have been widely adopted by people who simply wish to lighten the overall color of their skin for cosmetic purposes. For this reason, a broad range of different skin-whitening creams and compounds are currently being marketed by cosmetics companies around the world. Whether commercially manufactured or produced through homebrew methods, skin-whitening products can be dangerous when misused and may lead to serious side effects.
Background
In many Western cultures, there has long been a connection between skin color and perceived social status. For centuries, light skin was closely tied to elevated social status—an association based primarily on the perception that pale skin was attainable only for those wealthy enough to avoid having to work outside. This way of thinking dates back to antiquity. Women in both ancient Greece and ancient Rome frequently whitened their faces with various paints and chalks to give the appearance of wealth and privilege. Similar associations between skin color and social status prevailed in certain early Eastern cultures, as well. In India, for example, the caste system that defined the local social structure often placed lighter-skinned people at higher levels than darker-skinned people.
European interest in attaining the whitest possible skin continued for generations. In the Middle Ages, many European women relied on arsenic, a potentially poisonous chemical, to lighten their skin. During the Renaissance, arsenic was replaced by white face powder and sun-blocking parasols. Victorian era women often used makeup and a variety of soaps to whiten their skin as a way of convincing men that they were capable of producing purely white offspring.
The rise of colonialism eventually helped spread European ideas about skin color and beauty to other parts of the world. As a growing number of European colonies were established in Africa, traders often exported soaps and skin-whitening products to these colonies as part of a misguided effort to "civilize" Africa's dark-skinned native inhabitants. Africans largely rejected these seemingly useless products at first, but they gradually became more popular as European ideals of beauty began to further permeate African society. A similar phenomenon occurred in India, where European colonialism had an equally pervasive influence on local perceptions of skin color and where skin-whitening products became equally popular.
The use of skin-whitening techniques in professional dermatology originally emerged as a way to treat a variety of conditions that result in hyperpigmentation or depigmentation. Hyperpigmentation refers to an abnormal darkening of certain patches of skin, while depigmentation refers to an abnormal lightening of certain patches of skin.
Overview
Skin color is determined by the amount of melanin found in the skin. Melanin is a pigment produced by special skin cells called melanocytes. In effect, the more melanin a person has, the darker his or her skin will be. Melanin levels are largely a product of an individual's specific genetic makeup. In other words, those who are genetically predisposed to having high melanin levels will naturally have darker skin. Other factors that can effect melanin production include exposure to sunlight, changing hormone levels, skin damage, and exposure to certain chemical substances. Prolonged sun exposure, for example, temporarily increases melanin production and leads to a tanning of the skin that fades over time as production levels return to normal.
Skin-whitening products typically work by reducing melanin levels in the skin by either breaking down the skin's existing stores of melanin or inhibiting its production. Most of these products accomplish this through the inclusion of one of three main ingredients: hydroquinone, corticosteroids, or mercury. Hydroquinone is a substance that blocks the production of melanin. Corticosteroids are a class of anti-inflammatory drugs that can act as bleaching agents when used in sufficient quantities. Mercury is a potentially toxic heavy metal that has some skin-bleaching properties. Because of its dangerous nature, however, mercury is usually found only in black market skin-whitening products.
The effects of skin-whitening creams and topical solutions are only temporary. As a result, these products must be applied continuously if the user wishes to permanently lighten the color of his or her skin. Although some laser-based skin-whitening techniques offer a longer-term solution, these are generally intended for use only on small areas of skin and are practical only for use in clinical settings. A wide variety of homebrew and black market skin-whiting products are available, however. Since they are not regulated, these products can be more dangerous than others.
Many possible side effects are associated with the use of skin-whitening products. Prolonged use of skin whiteners can lead to premature aging of skin and may increase the risk of developing skin cancer due to sun exposure. Although many skin whiteners contain sunscreen, some do not, and those who choose to use these products should always apply sunscreen for extra protection. Some skin lighteners contain steroids that may increase the risk of skin thinning, acne, skin infections, and poor wound healing. Applying steroid-containing skin lighteners can lead to an increased risk of various conditions related to the absorption of steroids into the body. Excessive exposure to hydroquinone can result in untreatable skin discoloration. Bleaching agents also can cause skin irritation or trigger an allergic reaction.
Before using skin lighteners of any kind, it is wise to talk to a doctor and seek specific instructions on how to safely use such products. It is advisable to avoid skin-lightening products containing more than 2 percent hydroquinone. Skin-lightening products containing mercury should generally be avoided altogether.
Bibliography
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