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Harmful Effects of Bleaching.





Hello friends! How's the week going for you?

Our point of discussion today will be on the harmful effects of bleaching the skin.
Enjoy!

Bleaching is defined by the Meriam Webster as the process of removing stain or color from something .

Dictionary.com also defines it as the process of making whiter or lighter in color by exposure to sunlight or chemicals.

So in the context of our write up bleaching is simply the process by which the skin is made lighter in color through the use of chemicals mostly.

Bleaching of the skin is an age long practice among human beings either for aesthetic or medical reasons. Bleaching was used in the not too distant past as a medical procedure for helping persons with problems of hyperpigmentation which was as a result of some abnormalities in the process involved in the production of melanin; the pigment that gives the skin it's characteristic colour. Creams and topical preparations containing compounds like HYDROQUINONE were used but strictly under the supervision of a Physician and for a stipulated period of time.

But as with every other thing being subjected to abuse, so also this procedure. People who had no skin problem whatsoever but felt less beautiful began to get these prepations and use to bleach the skin to what they wanted.

How does the bleaching agent work?

Bleaching agents work by interfering with the melanin production pathway. This it does by inhibiting the enzymatic conversion of Tyrosine to DOPA( Dihydoxy-phenylalanine). This inhibition leads to decrease in the number of melanocytes (cells responsible for melanin production) and consequently a decrease in melanin production.

Types of Bleaching Agents.

Some bleaching agents also used aside Hydroquinone are;
-Mercury
- Kojic acid gotten from the fermentation of malting rice.
- Azelaic Acid.
Aside from these chemicals we also have certain natural bleaching agents.
- Lemon juice.
- Tomato Juice.
- Milk


Harmful Effects of Bleaching.
- Thinning of the skin.
- Risk of brain, nerves and kidney damage especially with preparations containing mercury.
- Blotched skin due to uneven color distribution.
- Premature ageing.
- Risk of skin cancer.
- Prone to skin injury

Because of the rate of abuse of these bleaching agents and their harmful side effects, most countries now have banned their use and where they are allowed it must be strictly on a doctor's order and not something you get over the counter.

The natural agents do have minimal side effects though but like with any other thing, excessive use will most times lead to problems like the ones listed above.

Therefore it's important that having seen the side effects of these agents that one stays away from them or if for any reason that has to be done let it be under the supervision of a doctor.

Credits: WebMD.com
              : Dictionary.com
              : thedermatologygroup.com
    Photo:small starters.com



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