WHAT IS SKIN BLEACHING?
Skin bleaching is a cosmetic practice designed to change the tone of your skin permanently. Products that bleach skin often contain chemicals which have been linked to higher risk of melanoma, cancer, and other life threating skin conditions. Today, skin bleaching products are still sold in many beauty supply stores worldwide, continuing to perpetuate the idea that the lighter your skin is, the better. These products continue the spread of harmful colorist narratives. By refusing to purchase these items, we can create a society where skin tone does not correspond with expected worth.
(Skin bleaching products are not to be confused with dermatologist recommended treatments for hyperpigmentation)
FACTS ABOUT SKIN BLEACHING
It's a growing market
The global market for skin bleaching is 8 billion as of 2020 and is projected to be 11.8 billion by 2026.
It's is a global market
Skin bleaching is found in several places globally. The Asia Pacific market accounted for 54.3% of global revenue in 2018. In Mumbai 54% of respondants have used skin bleaching products at some point. In Nigeria 75% of women practice skin bleaching.
It's dangerous
There are several legal and illegal markets worldwide that sell products which contain hydroquinone or mercury, which pose serious health risk and are not approved by the FDA.