Effects of bleaching, makeover

MAKEOVER means a complete transformation of the appearance of something or someone, while skin whitening is the practice of using substances, mixtures or physical treatments to lighten skin colour. Bleaching creams are used by those who perceive their skin as being too dark.

To bleach and apply makeup to one’s face means becoming fairer than the original skin colour. Bleaching and makeover were not heard of in the past. But due to the emergence of civilisation, many things came into vogue.

Science and technology brought the use of synthetic items. Physicians find it difficult to stitch bleached skins, compared to other skins.

A pregnant woman who undergoes caesarean operation during delivery faces a lot of challenges if she bleaches her skin because more caution must be taken during opening up and stitching of the skin. It also takes longer time for the skin to heal up.

Many people venture into shady businesses like theft and fraud to raise the money needed for the purchase of these items.

People bleach and use make up so as to beautify themselves, to be attractive and socially acceptable. Some ladies apply makeup to please their boyfriends. A few men with low esteem also change their skin colour to please women.

Also, many people who want to clear the spots and acne on their faces end up bleaching their whole body just as they also use makeup. The society also encourages this act by giving them more attention in terms of feminine jobs like modelling, ushering and flight attendant.

Black is beautiful and being dark in complexion has many advantages. People with dark skin need not spend much cash on creams, soaps and makeup; they cope better with pimples and other skin infections than the light-skinned ones.

Let us not create problems for ourselves by spending too much on makeup.

Ogundeji Mary.

The Polytechnic, Ibadan.