Skin lightening creams are dangerous … yet business is booming:writte

 

                                            written by; Zeeshan Asghar

These are also known as bleaching creams, whiteners, and skin brighteners. Skin lightening creams work by reducing a pigment called melanin in the skin. Melanin is a pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. People with dark skin have more melanin. These products do come with some risks, possible risks include visible blood vessels in the skin, scarring, kidney, liver or nerve damage. Other side effects may include skin inflammation, itchy or flaky skin. Many of these creams have ingredients that are banned but are still being sold in the market. In 2017, the global skin-lightening industry was worth $4.8bn (£3.4bn), and it is projected to grow to $8.9bn by 2027, fueled by a growing middle class in the Asia-Pacific region.  A World Health Organization study found that 40% of Chinese women regularly use skin-lightening creams. That number is 61% in India and 77% in Nigeria. It stands to reason that diaspora communities will be influenced. These stats prove that regardless of all the side effects, people still use them to attain a better complexion. Brands use different celebrities to target their markets and achieve the desired goals. Other than this different celebrities have their own skin care products and some of them do include these lightening creams.