Skin Bleaching

Skin Bleaching

Introduction

Since existence, human societies and communities have found no way to escape from their natural habits and self-driven beliefs, which have led to various societal issues. From the 17th century to 21st century, humanity seems to be stuck in the social issues of complexion and skin color stratification (Charles, 2012). History has identified 'Skin Bleaching' as a byproduct of social discrimination on the basis of complexion. Over the years, skin bleaching has become a common practice to define one's beauty and its presence in the society. The paper aims at investigating the ethnic history of skin bleaching by tracing it back to different communities and ethnic groups.

In the light of provided instructions, the paper examines various aspects of skin bleaching while identifying people who use skin bleaching products. In addition to this, the paper sheds light of varied reasons and motives that induce people to bleach their skin and even bodies regardless of gender and age. Skin bleaching is a practice that defines human beauty at the risk of severe health concerns. Hence, the paper discusses about different dangers and health consequences arising from the sustained and frequent use of skin bleaching. Finally, the paper draws conclusion on the overall understanding of the subject matter.

Discussion

According to Charles (2012), skin bleaching is centuries' old phenomenon, which is also known as skin whitening and skin lightening. Today, skin bleaching has become a global phenomenon and an epidemic practice among the US, the UK, the Caribbean, Asia and Africa (Blay, 2007; Mire, 2009). People engage in this practice to tone or lighten their skin for a varied range of purposes or reasons; however, the practice may endanger one's health and even life.

Skin Bleaching

Charles (2012) defines skin bleaching as a phenomenon of skin lightening through different chemicals and beauty products, which may include cosmetic products, homemade products and dermatological products. Practice has shown that people use bleaching products for their faces; while others use it to bleach their whole body and there are people who make use of skin bleaching only on some social junctures (Charles, 2012). According to research, skin bleaching is a common practice among people of all social classes, ages, complexion and races irrespective of their education and gender. The practice refers to color pliability and coercive power, which ties bond among ideas, people, institutions and values across trans-national borders (Charles, 2010).

Ethnic History of Skin Bleaching

Historical views identify skin bleaching as an old phenomenon, which has roots back to ancient ethnic cultures and societies. A look at the colonial history of human slavery defines new dimensions of skin bleaching (Charles, 2010). During that period, Europeans used to make subjective interpretations on the basis of beauty, race, color and purity. Their inferior views about African blacks gave birth to the practice of skin bleaching (Lletocpn, 2012). Since 17th century till to date, ethnic history of skin bleaching has been evolving around. According to Jablonski (2006), use of white lead on skin was common among ancient Egyptians and ...