Whoever said that being light skinned or yellow is the definition of beauty have poisoned many women across the continent. Don’t get me wrong I have no hate for people who are light skinned but what has become a concern now is some ladies are using intravenous skin-lightening treatment to compete with our fellow yellow borne sisters. Let me bring this closer to home it was we all call ‘bleaching’. Many celebrities and socialites are resorting to it to be labeled as beautiful.
It is so shocking how African ladies are dedicated to bleach their skin though it has disastrous results. It is all in the name of enhancing their ‘beauty’ or is that some don’t know the upshot of using lightening products? Personally true beauty currency lies in being true to yourself and embracing what God gave you but it seems like African women can’t get that through their mind. In essence the concept of beauty is a faltering and complex issue. I know many can relate here right!!
The trend of using skin enhancing cosmetics has gone popular throughout the African continent. A current research in South Africa links this popularity with historical racism which deemed dark skin as an inferior shade and supposed benefits of light skin. The motivation driving most women across the continent is awarded to the desire to lighten one’s skin because of the known notion of increased privileges. C’mon we all know you’ll man are attracted by the physical appearance of a women and being light skinned is seen as gold. The things that women do for man’s attention!! But why does color determine beauty though? Like I said it is a sensitive issue.
Many black women are addicted to skin bleaching. They believe that being lighter is more beautiful without realizing the dangers of skin bleaching. Trust me I have no issue with one lighting their skin but the stereotype that it signifies beauty that’s what is absurd. Here me out, I have a reason why. This perceived line of thought of beauty and skin lighteners are now encouraging de-stigmatization of dark skin. Light-skin is believed to be associated with increased marital prospects but seriously what does color has to do with it?
Many celebrities throughout the continent have used skin bleaching products. Let’s cross the border to South Africa, television personality and actress Khanyi Mbau recently made headlines for using an intravenous skin-lightening treatment between her toes and knuckles. This has prompted calls for an urgent investigation into the safety of the product. As much as bleaching has the so called ‘benefits’, research proves that extensive use can cause a condition resulting in permanent dark spots.
Word of advice as much as skin lighteners come with benefits as most perceive, it also come with consequences. Every shade and skin color is beautiful in its own way. It is absurd to think otherwise, lets rule out the vile of thoughts of viewing other skin tones as inferior. The color of your skin shouldn’t determine your marital opportunities or used to label someone’s worth.
Main image from Answers Africa
