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Skin Bleaching among Africans and its Effects

Skin Bleaching among Africans and its Effects

April 25, 2023 11:23 am

Ekai Kaoo

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Skin bleaching/lightening is a process of reducing/blocking the concentration of melanin in order to whiten the skin or give a fairer complexion. This can be achieved by either applying a cream, getting a laser treatment or cryosurgery which involves the use of liquid nitrogen to remove patches/moles on the skin.

With celebrities leading the example, this practice is gaining popularity hence more beauty products are coming up both safe and unsafe. Some of these products have mercury which is harmful to the skin. Many websites are promoting this act by writing articles on how one can lighten their skin and how to get effective results.

In Kenya, a socialite/video vixen, Vera Sidika admitted to bleaching her skin in an interview on Nation TV, the trend and this caused both positive and negative reactions on social media. She went on and on about how she used 50 million shillings and how in 10 years she will look the same. The model also accused African-American singers, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna of whitening their skins. The model is proud of her new complexion and apparently it gets her more money.

Nigerian actress, Tonto Dikeh also confirmed the rumours about her skin bleaching on an interview. She had always been a light skinned girl but she was more comfortable in a fairer complexion. These celebrities have several reasons why they whiten their skins among them to feel good about themselves and get their career moving. The late Michael Jackson claimed he had a disease by name vitiligo hence needed to lighten his skin. Vitiligo is a skin disorder that causes differing areas of light and dark skin.

While getting a light skin makes one more beautiful, it comes with side effects and risks. Some of these effects are;

Can cause permanent skin bleaching whereby the skin can never go back to the original color.
Too much use of the lightening creams can lead to pigmentation, which affects the color of the skin.
Irritation and redness of the skin.
Uneven skin tone.
Cancer.
Skin gets exposed to the sun.

On a light note, some lightening creams are effective without too many risks but some can be fatal. The toxic-free creams are more costly, therefore, most people cannot afford.

About the Author

Ekai Kaoo

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Emerging from the athletic heartland of Rift Valley, Eka Kaoo was destined to have a relationship with sports. However, instead of lacing up running shoes, Eka picked up a pen, weaving narratives around the athletes who brought pride to Kenya.

Growing up, Eka was deeply inspired by the marathoners and middle-distance runners from his region, often finding himself amidst training camps and local races, absorbing stories of dedication, sweat, and sheer willpower.

Eka pursued his passion academically at a renowned university in Kenya, specializing in Sports Journalism. This formal education, combined with his intrinsic understanding of the Kenyan sporting ethos, allowed him to produce articles that resonated deeply with readers. His pieces, rich with local anecdotes and broad insights, began to get attention both within the university and in the national press.

Upon graduation, Eka became a sought-after name in sports journalism. His writings, spanning across various sports but with a soft corner for track and field, offered a fresh perspective, blending personal athlete stories with technical analyses.

Eka Kaoo's articles soon began appearing in international sports magazines and journals, elevating him to the status of an ambassador for Kenyan sports on the global stage. He covered major events like the Olympics and the World Championships, consistently providing readers with unique, Kenya-centric viewpoints.

Beyond his journalistic endeavors, Eka has been instrumental in organizing grassroots sports events in Kenya, aiming to unearth hidden talents and provide them with a platform to shine.

Today, as one of the leading voices in sports journalism in Africa, Eka Kaoo continues to champion the stories of athletes, always reminding the world of the heart, soul, and spirit of Kenyan sports.