Skin lightening creams hazardous

Mercy Ngwebvu
COMMONLY, people have used the adage that no amount of lipstick on a frog can change the fact that it is indeed a frog. However, the psychological impact for many people to lighten one’s skin in order to fit within the larger society’s definition of beauty is now more widespread than ever.

The global issue of skin bleaching or lightening has become a public health crisis of epic proportions.
Oftentimes, people, especially women, purchase and use skin-bleaching products that later cause skin discolouration, skin cancer and other medical problems.

The issue of skin bleaching is more dangerous and deadly for people throughout the world because the practice also affects psychological and physical faculties.

Skin bleaching also symbolises more complex psychological issues such as self-perception and self-esteem that have plagued people.
Most African women have often been coerced through the mass media that skin bleaching makes a person more beautiful.

Apparently, media images portraying white women as beautiful greatly influenced their decision to whiten their own skin.
Furthermore, these women have added that although skin- whitening products may have harmful effects, they would still use these products to look and feel more beautiful.

A vendor who sells her wares near the Dangamvura rank and has bleached her skin confirmed this saying: “I was born dark in complexion, but I have always wanted to be light skinned so I use Bio Claire to bleach my skin.

“I don’t think there is anything wrong with this because I have been doing it for years and I should admit that I feel beautiful and it has boosted my self confidence.”

Although many African women may not view their actions as medically dangerous, numerous medical studies have already indicated that excessive usage of these skin-whitening products can have an adverse effect that may cause skin cancer.

Not only are skin-lightening creams hazardous to the health of those who use them, they are also illegal in countries like Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwean laws do not allow the purchase or sale of these products.

Being caught on the wrong side of the law along these lines can fetch a fine of $50 or more, depending on the gravity of the case.
Recently, 19-year-old Philemon Mlambo was arrested for selling skin-lightening creams and was slapped with a $50 fine by senior Mutare magistrate Mrs Sekai Chiundura.

In many instances, customers are uninformed about the medical risks involved in using excess amounts of skin-lightening creams such as Caro lite or Epiderm Cream.

These products, in particular, are globally advertised to encourage women of colour to purchase them in order to have lighter and more beautiful skin, according to ‘‘popular standards of beauty.’’

One is then left to wonder whether such a mass consumption of these products will eventually cause a self-induced public health crisis within a segment of the larger global population.

The reality is that without the conscious awareness of the negative impact of some coercive measures and a strengthening of one’s individual identity, those who are faced with similar issues will not be able to overcome similar challenges.

The moral issue involved in skin bleaching is that many skin-bleaching products cause great harm on customers’ skins owing to high levels of mercury.

Thus, many customers who buy these products are endangering the health of their skin, while skin care product companies continue to benefit financially from selling these harmful products.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mercury is a common ingredient found in skin-lightening soaps and creams. Although skin-bleaching products are hazardous to one’s health and banned in many countries, these products are available for sale even on the streets, something which provides unlimited access to potential customers.

The most dangerous effect of the inorganic mercury contained in skin-lightening soaps and creams is kidney damage.
Mercury in these products may also cause physical reactions such as scarring, reduction in the skin’s resistance to bacterial and fungal infections, and also psychological outcomes such as anxiety, depression or even psychosis.

Some critics may point out that people who choose to purchase and use skin-bleaching products in excess are responsible for their own health risks. But, as I see it, when a minority or vulnerable population consumes an excess amount of skin-lightening products, a significant global health care phenomenon is at risk of causing physical harm and life-altering health problems to people who otherwise would not face these challenges.

It therefore remains food for thought, whether or not someone is going to be a means to their own end.
Women remain most vulnerable to the issue of skin-lightening creams.
Before resorting to using these creams remember that prevention is better than cure.