by Latoya Golden

Created on: July 22, 2009

In today's society, beauty is no longer skin-deep and people are definitely not comfortable in their own skin. The availability of numerous skin products makes it easier for individuals to mask their "true" appearances. Bleaching products should be banned because it encourages individuals to accept society's view of beauty. The long-term affects of bleaching could also be fatal.

Being dark-skin has always been a daily struggle for me. I was told as a child that I was ugly because of my complexion. Throughout school I would always befriend lighter-skin girls over girls my complexion because I often envied their skin color. I also wanted so badly to look more like them. I even questioned my mother as to why she did not mate with a lighter-skin man.

When I compare my skin color to the images of African American on television, I find few that are similar in complexion. I personally feel that seeing a lot of lighter-skin women in the media encourages people like me to go out and buy bleaching products. There have been times when I have felt that if I were to bleach my skin, I would be more popular and get more attention.

After trying different techniques to lighten-up my skin, I decided that there is nothing wrong with my skin color. I am perfectly fine the way I am. Even though television portrays a totally opposite image of myself, I have accepted my own personal beauty. Bleaching creams, and similar products, should be banned. It assists in destroying the natural beauty that lies within each individual. The usage of bleaching products sends out a negative image to me. It is saying to people like me that it is not okay to be dark-skin.

The outcome from using bleaching products can be more than what is expected. Bleaching removes dead skin cells while enhancing the skin tone. While removing dead skin cells is probably harmless, it is the method of bleaching that is possibly dangerous. The skin is exposed to numerous harmful agents, like the sun, on a daily basis. Adding a bleaching product could possibly increase the chances of skin cancer or other skin defects. In addition, different skin types may respond negatively to the ingredients in the bleaching products, causing irritation, peeling, and other problems.

In the end, bleaching is not going to solve the self-esteem issues, it only deepens the problem on the inside.

Learn more about this author, Latoya Golden.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.