Skin Bleaching Epidemic

Skin Bleaching: is the process of using bleaching agents to lighten the skin’s pigment. Commonly seen in African and Asian cultures to lighten whole sections of the skin.

I have always heard of this phenomena of skin bleaching but it wasn’t until last year when I became more aware of the beauty industry techniques, in which many women were conforming to this trend. Especially, women in Africa and the Caribbean Islands this trend is very popular. The trend has been around for centuries dating back to the Elizabethan age and it’s not going anywhere. In certain cultures, having lighter-skin is a sign of social status and one will be perceived as more attractive.

Colorism

The issue of skin bleaching needs to be addressed and it shows the heavy stigma of colorism and black women accepting themselves. I believe the issue is happening due to colorism and it starts at a very young age. I remember as young little black girl growing up and questioning my skin color because I was raised in a predominately white neighborhood. Growing up in a predominately white neighborhood, I started to see myself differently and wanting to conform in any way possible to be accepted amongst my white peers. I remember at one point wishing to have lighter skin and straight hair, to meet the European standards of my white peers. I know there are many young black girls like me who have battled with this concept.

Dealing with colorism starts at a very young age with the environment, media, and peers which influences black women. Of course, over time I had to teach myself self-love and acceptance of who I am. A black women’s confidence is often taught within herself. Society won’t give black women the confidence and affirmation when it comes to our beauty. Women of European features are praised and given a higher standard when it comes to beauty. I have always said and believed, "the more confident you are, the better equipped you’ll be to deal with racism."

The Motives of why Black Women are Bleaching their Skin

1. The need to fit into the fair skin idea of beauty

2. The racism that comes from having dark skin

3. Society’s preference for light/white skinned women

4. Stigmatization and colorism surrounding a dark skin complexion

5. The belief that having lighter skin enhances one’s success and self-concept

Historical

Women in Jamaica, Nigeria, and many other African/Caribbean countries skin bleach heavily. It’s sad to see black women turning to these techniques to feel attractive. The desire for a lighter complexion is deeply rooted in a history of slavery and colonialism. Christopher Charles, PhD at University of the West Indies has observed and conducted extensive research on the subject. Charles believes the skin bleaching epidemic stems from following standards that are dictated by Euro-centrism. Also, it’s a response to hundreds of years of colonial indoctrination that has been passed down through socialization since independence. In other words, through the years of slavery and colonialism of the Europeans whom were in power at the time, influence and systematize black people.

Capitalizing Skin Bleaching

Not only are women in Africa and Caribbean countries influenced by skin-bleaching, it’s happening in the United States. Celebrities such as Blac Chyna, Nicki Minaj, Sammy Sosa, and Lil Kim have been accused for bleaching their skin. Back in late November, Blac Chyna visited Lago, Nigeria to promote a skin bleaching product: “X and Lightening Cream Blac Chyna Diamond Illuminating.” Blac Chyna received social media backlash after announcing plans to sell the skin-lightening cream. Blac Chyna is exploiting and profiting on the desire of having fair skin in Nigeria. This is truly disgusting and shameful for a black woman (Blac Chyna) to endorse and influence women of all ages to bleach their skin.

The Side Effects of Skin Bleaching

Importanly, skin bleaching can be very damaging to the body. Skin bleaching can leave irreversible side effects such as scars, flaky skin, skin irritation and inflammation (redness and swelling). Along with this, the ingredients (hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and mercury) in many skin bleaching products are very toxic to the skin which can cause thinning of the skin, kidney, liver, or nerve damage, and visible blood vessels in the skin. The list of side effects of skin bleaching is ever long and show how dangerous the product is. I could not imagine ever putting a poison on my body. Realistically, the person has to continually use the skin bleaching product to ensure their skin does not revert to their previous complexion. A person is damaging their body and potentially setting their self-up for cancer to bleach their skin, I wish many would realize this. Point blank period, it is not worth causing damaging to lighten your skin, leave your skin be!

Stop Skin Bleaching!

I truly believe women who are bleaching their skin need therapy and healing. Black women should not aspire to have light skin but to love the skin they have! Having lighter skin should not be directly related to being privilege, attractive, and a way to succeed through life. Teaching our young girls from a young age with praise and strength to love their skin is very crucial. Society is defining how beauty standards which appeal to one particular group (Caucasians) which leads to others to conform to unrealistic standards. Black is beautiful and it's time we teach this to all black women and girls. Our skin is amazing, rich, and full of history, be proud of your skin and flaunt it!

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