Skin lightening creams have commonly contained mercury, hydroquinone, and corticosteroids. Because these compounds can induce both superficial and internal side effects, they are illegal to use and market in multiple nations.

Is skin bleaching illegal in the US?

All OTC skin lightening products require an FDA approved new drug application before they can be legally marketed. As a result of CARES Act, effective September 23, 2020, manufacturers and distributors of OTC skin lightening products that do not have FDA approval must remove the products from the marketplace.

Are skin whitening products illegal?

Instead, they should talk to their health care provider about treatment options for certain skin conditions, including dark or age spots. There are no FDA-approved or otherwise legally marketed over-the-counter (OTC) skin lightening products.

Is skin bleaching a public health issue?

The global issue of skin bleaching or lightening has become a public health crisis of epic proportions. Many people of color purchase and use skin bleaching products that later cause skin discoloration, skin cancer and other medical problems.

What countries use skin bleaching?

Nigeria leads the purchasing trend with 77% of women using skin bleaching products (cream and non-cream based), followed by 59% in Togo, 27% in Senegal and 25% in Mali.

Why People Risk Their Lives To Bleach Their Skin | Shady | Refinery29

Why do Jamaicans bleach their skin?

It also brought the taboo subject of colorism into the open. Although 90 percent of Jamaicans are of African descent, the vestiges of colonialism and slavery mean that lighter skin and straight hair are favored in most aspects of life, from beauty standards to career advancement.

Why would people want to bleach their skin?

Skin bleaching is not medically necessary but something people choose to do for cosmetic reasons. Some people use it to lighten melasma, blemishes, and age spots, while others try to use it to alter their skin tone. People may feel this will make them more attractive or more confident.

Is skin bleaching a Epidemic?

A centuries-old cosmetic practice has evolved into a worldwide epidemic of potentially harmful skin bleaching, according to a specialist in skin of color dermatology and pigmentation disorders.

Why should bleaching skin be banned?

Although safer alternatives exist, many of the bleaching and lightening products used in Africa contain harmful ingredients such as mercury and high-dose steroids. These ingredients can cause kidney failure and other illnesses, making skin bleaching a public health problem that governments need to address.

How can I bleach my skin naturally?

Natural bleach face pack

To make a natural bleach face pack, bend 2 tsp of orange peel powder or lemon peel powder with a tsp of baking soda, 1 tsp of honey and 2 tsp of lemon juice. Apply this paste onto your face to remove pigmentation and also to bleach facial hair and to get glowing skin.

Is skin lightening same as bleaching?

Bleaching is achieved through the use of very harsh and possibly dangerous chemicals and is not recommended. The process of using skin products that lighten dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation is referred to as skin lightening.

Who started skin bleaching?

The practice of skin lightening has dated to 200 BCE. The Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks used honey with olive oil for purposes of lightening their skin [3, 4]. Ancient Greek men and women used white lead face masks.

Is skin bleaching permanent?

A common question associated with skin bleaching creams is whether they are permanent or not. The truth is skin bleaching creams do not get rid of the melanin permanently. This is because the skin is constantly being renewed, and this includes formation of new melanin by melanin-producing cells known as melanocytes.

Where is skin bleaching popular?

Where skin lightening is popular. Though it may not seem prevalent in the US, NPR reports that at a global level skin lightening products make up one-half of the entire cosmetics industry. Japan, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America are all places where lightning is popular.

How do you lighten black skin?

Here are some things you can do to naturally lighten black skin very fast:

1. Apply sunscreen daily. The sun is a crucial element in our very existence. ...
2. Keep the skin clean and well-moisturized. ...
3. Perform regular skin exfoliation. ...
4. Drink more water and follow a healthy diet.

Do dermatologists recommend skin bleaching?

Board-certified dermatologist warns consumers about the dangers of skin bleaching to achieve a lighter complexion. The increasingly popular trend can have harmful and sometimes permanent side effects.

Is skin bleaching safe?

Some people apply skin lightener to their entire body to change their complexion, but this can be very risky. The active ingredient in some skin lighteners is mercury, so bleaching can lead to mercury poisoning. Mercury is a toxic agent that can cause serious psychiatric, neurological, and kidney problems.

How can you tell if someone has bleached their skin?

Since it is very difficult to bleach the knuckles, lightened skin will appear extremely pale everywhere else, except at the knuckles, which will retain the original colour therefore standing out in contrast to the lighter fingers. Bleached skin looks thin and delicate.

How much does it cost to bleach your skin?

Each session can cost $150 to $400, depending on dosage and location. Some medical spas recommend 10 treatments, while others say as many as 30 could be necessary to see the desired result.

Why do teenagers bleach their skin?

In a study Charles authored in the Caribbean Journal of Psychology, the top three reasons given for bleaching skin were wanting a lighter or brighter complexion, getting rid of facial imperfections, and looking beautiful. Charles points out that many people who bleach their skin, like Cooper, are rewarded for it.

How many black people bleach their skin?

Statistics compiled by the World Health Organisation in 2011 showed that 40% of African women bleach their skin. In some countries the figure is higher: a staggering 77% of women in Nigeria, 59% in Togo, 35% in South Africa, 27% in Senegal and 25% in Mali use skin-lightening products.

Why do girls bleach their face?

“Skin lightening, or skin bleaching, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to lighten dark areas of skin or achieve a generally paler skin tone. It's usually used to improve the appearance of blemishes such as birthmarks and melasma (dark patches).

How long does skin bleaching last?

If properly maintained, bleaching effects will last nearly four weeks. As mentioned before, frequent bleaching your skin may damage your skin. 4 to 8 weeks of gap between each bleaching session is necessary.

Is it good to bleach your face?

There is no health benefit to skin bleaching. Results aren't guaranteed and there's evidence that skin lightening can result in serious side effects and complications. From a medical standpoint, there's no need to lighten the skin.