Skin is the largest organ in the human body which serves as an overall natural mirror to the health status of an individual. Unquestionably, a healthy-looking skin is something that nobody would want to trade off. However, in a failed attempt to enhance the skin beauty, many have ended up falling as victims of various diseases that worsen their skin and even threaten their lives. Below are hazards you are probably exposing yourself to when you bleach your skin:
Skin cancer
The melanin pigment of the black skin protects against sun radiations. This explains why black people have a lower risk of skin cancer than white people. Mercury content present in bleaching creams denies black people this privilege of protection hence exposing themselves to skin cancer.
Premature aging
Skin products such as hydroquinone and mercury work best by blocking melanin production by the basal layer of the epidermis. Since melanin is the pigment responsible for the dark color, prolonged use of those chemicals makes the skin lighter. These chemicals react with the ultraviolet rays, become oxidized and then causes disgusting pigmentations on the skin. Hydroquinone also may interfere with connective tissues of the skin and the result is a spotty, wrinkled skin.
Damage to internal organs
Continued use of those skin lightening creams, may be harmful to your internal organs especially kidneys, liver, and brain. For instance, heavy metals like mercury are the best cause of your kidney injury and failure. In large doses, the liver and brain may not be spared as well.
Proneness to skin injury
It's a fact that many of the skin lighteners contain steroids which in prolonged use, interferes with the skin health and leads to skin atrophy, a condition that reduces skin functionality. Therefore, light-skinned individuals are more prone to skin injuries like bruises, abrasions, and cuts.
However, it's in recognition of these unpleasant problems that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that everyone be proud of their skin color.