About Skin Whitening

Skin whitening is a controversial method practiced in Asia, Africa and the Middle East that focuses on lightening the pigment of skin to change a person's skin tone. Many people are against skin whitening because skin-whitening products contain harmful substances that permanently affect skin pigment. Nevertheless, 40 percent of Eastern Asians use skin-whitening products daily, according to a study conducted by Synovate.

History

According to CNN World, the Chinese first began whitening skin by eating ground white pearls. Persians lightened their skin by rubbing hydroquinone into their skin.

Significance

Africans, Asians and Middle Easterners believe that whiter skin implies greater intelligence or a higher social class. They also believe it looks more attractive.

Types

The most common types of skin-whitening agents are creams and supplements. Bleaches and soaps are less commonly used.

Function

Skin whitening agents break up the melanin in the skin, permanently changing the pigment.

Benefits

Skin-whitening agents, such as bleaches, lighten the elbows, underarms or private areas of the body. Creams and supplements lighten the entire body's skin color.

Effects

Skin-whitening agents typically include mercury or hydroquinone, which prevents melanin production in the top layer of skin. The controversial long-term effects include mercury poisoning and rough, scaly skin.