Skin bleaching: The risks behind the beauty craze│DW The 77 Percent

Summary

The video explores the dangerous and widespread use of skin-bleaching products in South Africa, driven by societal pressures to achieve lighter skin. It follows the experiences of Leoan, a long-time user, and the travel twins, a rising hip-hop duo, who turn to bleaching in hopes of enhancing their appearance and careers. Experts warn of the severe health risks, including skin damage, hyperpigmentation, and even cancer, but these products remain easily accessible despite being banned. The story highlights the harmful impact of colorism and ends on a hopeful note, with the twins choosing to embrace their natural skin tones and promote self-acceptance in their music.

Takeaways

• 😀 Skin bleaching is prevalent in South Africa, with many individuals, like Leoan, using bleaching creams for years without understanding the long-term risks.
• 😀 Leoan mixed skin bleaching creams with body lotion in an attempt to lighten her entire body, not just her face, showing the lengths people go to in pursuit of lighter skin.
• 😀 Skin bleaching products are readily available in supermarkets, salons, and street vendors, often without any medical guidance or warnings about potential dangers.
• 😀 Many skin bleaching creams contain harmful ingredients like hydroquinone, steroids, and mercury, which are linked to severe health issues, including skin irritation and permanent damage.
• 😀 The World Health Organization reports that 40% of Africans bleach their skin, often unaware of the risks due to the unregulated availability of these products.
• 😀 Doctors are concerned about the widespread use of dangerous bleaching products, with some formulations, like hydroquinone, banned in South Africa due to their harmful effects.
• 😀 Long-term use of bleaching products can cause conditions like steroid acne, ochronosis (permanent darkening of the skin), and an inability to stop the cycle of bleaching.
• 😀 People who use bleaching creams often develop a dependency on them, as stopping leads to skin darkening, prompting them to bleach again in an attempt to even out their skin tone.
• 😀 The rise of skin bleaching is fueled by societal pressures, particularly within the media and entertainment industries, where lighter skin is often associated with beauty and success.
• 😀 Young African influencers and artists, like the Travel Twins, have turned to skin bleaching to enhance their appearance for the camera, despite the risks involved.
• 😀 The Travel Twins, after experiencing the early signs of skin damage, decided to stop using bleaching products and instead promote the message of embracing natural skin tones in their music.

Q & A

What prompted Leoan to start using skin bleaching products?

Leoan was influenced by the gradual lightening of her friend's complexion, which made her feel jealous and led her to try the same bleaching products. She also mixed the bleaching cream with her body lotion to lighten her skin all over.

What were the immediate side effects Leoan experienced from using skin bleaching creams?

Leoan began experiencing redness, irritation, and itching, especially when she was exposed to the sun. Her skin became damaged as a result of prolonged use of bleaching products.

Why is it so easy for people in South Africa to buy skin bleaching products?

Skin bleaching products are widely available in supermarkets, salons, and even street vendors in South Africa. These products are often inexpensive and are sold without any medical guidance or regulation, making them easily accessible to the public.

What are the potential health risks associated with using skin bleaching products?

The use of skin bleaching products, especially those containing harmful chemicals like hydroquinone and steroids, can cause severe skin damage, including redness, irritation, and a condition called ochronosis, where the skin becomes permanently discolored.

What is the role of celebrities and influencers in the rise of skin bleaching in South Africa?

Many South African celebrities and influencers, like Kanyi B, promote and sell skin bleaching products online. Their influence perpetuates the idea that lighter skin is more desirable, contributing to the normalization of bleaching within society.

How does skin bleaching contribute to colorism in South Africa?

Skin bleaching reinforces colorism, a form of racism where lighter skin is seen as more beautiful, successful, and desirable. This is often reflected in the media, where lighter-skinned black artists are celebrated more than those with darker skin tones.

What are the long-term consequences of using hydroquinone in skin bleaching products?

Hydroquinone, a common ingredient in skin bleaching products, can cause permanent skin damage, such as the development of ochronosis (a condition where dark spots appear on the skin), and increase the risk of skin cancers like melanoma if used long-term.

Why do people continue to bleach their skin even after experiencing negative side effects?

Many individuals become addicted to the results of bleaching, and when they stop, their skin may become darker, prompting them to continue bleaching in an attempt to even out their skin tone. This cycle of continuous use leads to further damage.

What was the turning point for the Travel Twins in their use of skin bleaching products?

The Travel Twins, Major and Puppy, stopped using bleaching creams after learning about the dangers, including the risk of skin cancer and irreversible skin damage. They chose to embrace their natural skin tones and decided to spread this message through their music.

What message do Major and Puppy, the Travel Twins, want to send to their fans regarding skin bleaching?

Major and Puppy want to encourage their fans to embrace their natural skin tones and reject the idea that lighter skin equals success. They plan to spread this message through their music and use their platform to challenge societal beauty standards.