Bleach refers to a number of chemicals
that whitens, disinfect or remove colour, often through oxidation. So
unfortunately, this is a trend that most women and some men are following in
the plight to appear light in complexion. However, #MikellzBluez wants you to know some things before you use your
money to buy that bleaching cream or soap….
Firstly, the major chemicals used in
bleaching products are not skin-friendly and they include:
Hydroquinone
(C6H6O2):
This is a severely toxic and powerful chemical used in photo processing. It is
also the active agent in hair dyes. It lightens the colour of the skin areas, which
it is been applied, by killing of the melanin-making cells called Melanolyte. It is also an active
chemical in ‘face-off’ creams for freckles, age spots and so on.
This chemical was discovered in the
thirties by some African-American employees working in rubber plantation. They
found that spots of discolouration appeared on their skin. They discovered that
the chemical substance responsible for it was Monobenzyl, ether of Hydroquinone.
Mercury:
This slowly accumulates within the skin cells, stripping the skin its natural
pigment and leaving behind stories or signs of gray/blue pigmentation in the
folds. Mercury in the form of mercury chloride and ammoniated mercury is
carcinogenic.
Other chemicals are Ammonia, Sodium
Thiosuyate, and Calcium Hypochlorite.
Secondly, the side effects, which
comes in short and long terms.
Short
Term Effect:
Both Hydroquinone and Mercury in
products will initially cause the skin to lighten by inhibiting the production
of melanin. Without melanin formation in the basal layer, no brown pigmentation
will be visible.
Long
Term Effects:
1. Hydroquinone or Mercury applied to
the skin will react with ultra violet rays and re-oxidize, leading to more
pigmentation and premature ageing.
2. By altering the skin’s natural structure
and inhibiting the production of melanin, the skin is more susceptible to skin
cancer.
3. Prolonged use of Hydroquinone will
thicken collagen fibres, damaging the connective tissues. The result of this is
rough blotchy skin with a spotty cavier appearance.
4. Long use of mercury will damage
vital organs and lead to liver and kidney failure, and mercury poisoning.
PHYSICIAN’S
ADVICE:
People should eat healthily, do exercises, use cream rich in Vitamin E and what
have you, rather than using bleach/bleaching cream.
Muna
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