You must have followed the controversies related to the American recording artist Beyonce Knowles over the years. Whenever her new photographs are out, people's attention is focused on her skin tone. Many magazines have been accused of lightening her skin tone digitally to make her skin look fairer. What does this tell us? Everybody likes the fair skin or dare I say, white skin (hope, I am not sounding racist!). African-Americans have a dark or black skin. I understand their fixation about getting a fair skin, but there are many people I know, who even after facing the side effects of bleaching creams, are reluctant from discontinuing their usage. Michael Jackson can be a great example of this fixation. In this article, I will detail all aspects related to skin bleaching cream for African-Americans.
When to Use Skin Bleaching Creams
As we all know, the presence of pigment melanin decides the skin color. In African-Americans, the major problem is about hyperpigmentation, which is a cosmetic condition that results in dark or black spots. If you have such a problem, then you can use a bleaching or fade cream to reduce the pigmentation. Also, dark spots can be a result of acne, sun burn, inflammation, and scars from skin injuries, making the skin tone or complexion uneven. Only in such circumstances, you are advisable to use the various creams available in the market. But if your skin tone is even and without any observed pigments or scars, then let me tell you, all those catchy skin bleaching creams for black skin or for African-Americans' advertisements, are nothing but marketing tactics to sell their respective products. Yes, they might add a glow to your skin or may slightly speed up the lightening process, but complete whitening using a skin bleaching cream is not possible. You will need to undergo plastic surgery to whiten your skin. And trust me, it is not at all a good idea.
However, this is not the point to get disheartened for a black African-American. They are mostly brain washed to believe that lighter skin is better. But, black skin is beautiful as well. Beauty does not depend on the color of your skin. Even dark skin can be glowing. Accept yourself as God has made you.
Which Skin Bleaching Cream is Good
There are hundreds of skin bleaching creams available in market for dark skinned African-Americans. And as I said before, there is no clear and telling evidence that these creams have worked. I will list some of the skin bleaching creams for scars and dark spots caused most probably due to acne, cuts or sunburn.
- Makari Skin Lightening Cream
- MaMa Lotion
- Avon Anew Luminosity Ultra
- Ambi Fade Cream
- Fair and Flawless
- Palmer's Skin Success Fade Cream
- Reviva Labs Fade Cream
What are the Side Effects
The skin bleaching creams carry the risk of increasing breakouts due to the harsh chemicals, pore clogging agents or the chemical called hydroquinone, which can be a cancer causing compound. These creams are better used only after consulting a dermatologist. Even after the recommendation, try the cream for a week or so. If you see any positive effect, you can continue using it. If there are visible side effects like skin rashes or skin burning, then you should immediately stop the usage. Creams with Kojic acid, alpha hydroxy acid and Vitamin E or herbal skin creams are good to use. But if the chemicals are too harsh for your skin, you can always try some of the skin whitening home remedies like applying lemon juice with honey, or the good old orange peels method.
Remember, the skin bleaching creams for African-Americans in the market are primarily used to even out your complexion and 'not to change your complexion'. Always be proud of your skin color! Whether you are black or brown does not matter, what matters is the individual's character; physical beauty can only be superficial.