Bleaching - The Pros & Cons

The other day at the market I saw this woman with a burnt face I was filled with so much pity but at a second gaze, the face has 3 different colours black, blue and brown. “OMG! Her face is reacting to a strong chemical (cream) she used” I said to myself. I’ve seen quite a lot of skin reacting to chemicals but this was bizarre, what was she looking before it got to that, why don’t  they learn from others do I blame it on ignorance or illiteracy or the sun they are daily exposed to because most of these blue and black faces I see around the markets and streets.
To the educated dark skinned who gradually or suddenly developed a thirst for a brighter completion? Do I call it covetousness? No, I’m not a pastor neither am I a saint but I know it’s nothing far from a deep seated sense of insecurity and unworthiness, even knuckles, ankles and pregnancy disagree with the act.
Hydroquinone is the skin bleaching agent contained in most of the bleaching creams. Hydroquinone works by subduing the enzyme tyrosinase, which is important in melanin development. It is important to be aware that melanin actually provides protection against UV radiation, more effective than any sunscreen known to man and diffuses UV radiation and turns it into harmless heat.
Some even go to the extent of combining hydroquinone with skin products that contain other bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide, benzoyl peroxide or other peroxides, or any of the new resorcinol-based skin lightening treatments which is harmful to the skin. Hydroquinone is considered to be safer for light skinned Caucasians and other light skinned but not as safe for darker skinned like Africans.
Prolonged use of hydroquinone and excess sun exposure while using have been linked to the development of exogenous ochronosis (a persistent blue-black pigmentation) especially when hydroquinone is combined with any of the other bleaching agents listed above.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 77% of Nigeria women use skin lightening products, while some men have followed suite some women even apply on their kids.
There is a big difference between seeking a glowing face, healthy and even-toned skin and unhealthy fixation on becoming light skinned by using harmful skin products. You can take good care of your skin by using the healthy skin brighteners, vitamins supplements and lots of vegetables.
Healthier alternatives to hydroquinone includes Kojic acid, Azelaic acid, Arbutin, Vitamins C etc