Friday, June 7, 2013

BEAUTY TIPS: SKIN CARE - EFFECTS OF BLEACHING

Post by DAZEITA BEAUTY

        
In many parts of Africa (Nigeria inclusive), light skinned women are believed to be more beautiful, considered more successful, sophisticated, 'fresher' and maybe more likely to get 'the ring' faster than dark skinned women. It is no wonder so many women in Nigeria have resolved to getting a light complexion not minding the cost and sadly the risks and dangers are often times overlooked.
Recent research by the World Health Organisation (WHO)  states that about 77% of Nigerian women use skin lightening products which is probably the world's highest percentage of women using such skin products (isn't black beautiful anymore?!).


SUN-RAYS AND THE SKIN
The skin as we know is the largest organ of the body, it contains a pigment called melanin which is responsible for the colour of the skin, hair and the iris of the eyes. How much melanin your skin produces depends on your genetic makeup, sunlight exposure, skin damage, hormones and exposure to certain chemicals. Some of its functions are listed below;

• It provides a natural protection from the sun. Generally, those with darker skin tones (more melanin) are able to tolerate exposure to the sun for more hours without getting sun burnt than those with lighter skin tones.
• It prevents UV radiation damage responsible for the formation of malignant melanoma and other skin cancers.
• It decreases degeneration of the skin (protection against premature skin aging)
• Provides thermo-regulation of the skin

Basically, melanin is the 'sun umbrella' for the skin and it is known that Ultra-violet rays from the sun causes more than 90% of all cosmetic damage, sagging, wrinkles and scaly skin.

When a skin lightener (or bleaching cream) is used, it contains chemicals that suppresses the production of melanin in the skin and in a bid to achieve a light skin tone, one ends up subjecting the skin to harsh chemicals and invariably losing the natural protection of the skin pigment. Some of the risks/dangers of  bleaching the skin are;

• Potential exposure to toxic mercury salts ( a common ingredient in most bleaching creams)
• Prolonged use of these creams might lead to premature aging of the skin
• Long term use may increase the risk of skin cancer
• Steroids in some of the creams may increase the risk of skin infections, skin thinning, acne and poor wound healing
• Hydroquinone (another common ingredient) may cause unwanted and un-treatable skin discoloration.

Nigeria has a tropical climate which is usually sunny throughout the year, we should keep that in mind before deciding to use whitening/bleaching creams that inhibits melanin production  (our 'natural skin protector') which functions to keep the sun's (UV) rays from harming the skin. Let's learn to love our skin pigment, our melanin ^_^.

Follow Us On Twitter @Dazeita For More Beauty Tips
XOXO

Drop a comment and feel free to ask any question

8 comments:

  1. Very informative. Wat line of products shuld dark ppl use 4 deir skin 2 keep it beautiful without bleachin it?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good .more prescription for the chocolate coloured women, so they don't end up buying creams that lightens the.m. What's d major ingredient required for us?

    ReplyDelete
  3. MM, Crystabel,There are a lot of products for dark skinned ladies U should get your skin tested to determine which is most suitable for you...u can also ask at the beauty counter for assistance when buying a cream...+ use a sunscreen whenever you are going outdoors. Thanks for the comments!xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  4. wow....things i didn't know here!thanks for the information.

    ReplyDelete
  5. It is no wonder so many women in Nigeria have resolved to getting a light complexion not minding the cost and sadly the risks and dangers are often times overlooked.

    ReplyDelete

  6. Best Dermatologist in Bangalore - Radiance Medispas


    It is the best skin specialist in bangalore. Radiance Medispas provide skin treatment as well as laser treatment also in all over in Bangalore & Hydrabad, India. Some of they Skin treatment service they provide are laser hair removal, melaglow, acne treatment, mole reoval, botox treatment, chemical peels. To fix an appointment in Best Dermatologist in Bangalore Call +9180-41733328 or Visit http://www.radiancemedispas.com/default.aspx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Besides using skin whitening products, people can also use natural methods. However, your article is very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
    the best skin whitening tips
    ~ MJMZ ~

    ReplyDelete
  8. Besides using skin whitening products, people can also use natural methods. However, your article is very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
    the best skin whitening tips
    ~ MJMZ ~

    ReplyDelete

Bookmark and Share

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...