Depigmentation: A Practice to Be Discouraged

 In order to make their skin clear, many Africans engage in depigmentation. This practice affects almost all strata of society and mainly women. In reality, for these people, having clear, radiant and luminous skin is a sign and proof of beauty.

But the people who resort to this practice seem to be unaware of the risks to which they are exposed. What are the health consequences of this practice? What are the alternative solutions to make the skin beautiful without having to resort to depigmentation? We look into it in this article.

Depigment your skin: What does it means ?

In a very simple way, depigmentation refers to discoloration of the skin. In this context, it is voluntary depigmentation which is a very recurrent phenomenon in black Africa. It consists of lightening the skin by unsavory methods, for purely aesthetic reasons.

Indeed, through the use of certain depigmenting cosmetic products or substances, Africans neutralize melanin, the natural pigment responsible for the black color in people with dark skin.
Injections and capsules are also used by some people (more comfortable financially) for a fairly quick and effective result. Others, on the other hand, given their financial condition, unable to afford these luxury products, go to the markets and obtain them at a lower cost. These low cost products are most often recommended by sellers who know absolutely nothing about dermatology or cosmetics.


Depigmentation: What Drives Followers of This Trend?

Depigmentation takes more and more proportions in black Africa. Black skin is considered less attractive, light skin having been erected as an ideal.
Studies on the subject also reveal that Africans lose color for essentially aesthetic reasons. In reality, a fair complexion is perceived as a weapon of seduction that pleases and attracts the eye.
Complexes, aesthetic choices, social status and fads are among the reasons that lead these people to use it.

What are the health risks associated with depigmentation?

Africans generally use two depigmentation techniques: the cutaneous method and the intravenous method. The cutaneous method consists of applying cosmetic products directly to the skin.

These come in the form of cream, beauty milk, soap, etc. The intravenous technique, as its name suggests, consists of injecting a product, in particular glutathione, directly into the body. There is a third form, which consists of hanging the product to be injected in the form of capsules.

Most of these products are made up of substances that can harm the epidermis such as: topical corticosteroids, hydroquinone and mercury. Diverted from their medical use to be applied directly to the skin, these products are not without consequence on the health of practitioners. The most common complications include:

The development of diseases related to the epidermis such as: scabies, fungal infections, infections caused by certain bacteria, the severe appearance of acne on the face and the whole body. There are also pigmentation disorders, because the skin has been attacked and damaged.

Serious and irreversible diseases such as: diabetes, hypertension and more kidney and neurological complications.

What are the natural alternative products for beautiful skin?

To do without depigmentation, while having beautiful skin, natural alternatives exist. They are very effective products, without harmful side effects and accessible at a lower cost. This is the case, for example, with black soap, aloe vera, shea butter, cocoa butter, etc.

Black soap

Cult product in women's beauty care routine, black soap is presented in different forms (paste, creamy cream, and solid [hard soap].

It is a natural cleanser without chemicals or additives used for body care and face. Indeed, the black soap cleanses the skin in depth and unclogs the pores. It gets rid of dead skin and all the impurities accumulated during the day. In doing so, the skin cells are renewed and it becomes resplendent.

It acts as an antibacterial agent and a natural exfoliant.

The aloe vera

Also known as the plant of immortality, aloe vera is a plant that nourishes and hydrates. It is also widely used in cosmetics.

You can apply it directly to your skin or use its gel in the form of juice. It is very effective, whatever your skin type.

Thanks to the fibroblasts that aloe vera holds, it protects the skin against premature aging. With its moisturizing, soothing and degeneration properties, it makes the skin attractive and seductive.

You can do the treatments whenever you want.

Shea butter

Extracted from shea nuts, shea butter is very famous in Africa. It is rich in vitamins A, E, F, fatty acids and is highly recommended for daily care [body and face care].

It makes the skin more supple and softens it at the same time. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, it solves all types of skin problems. It gives radiance to your skin and makes it more beautiful and radiant.

You will see the results for yourself.


Cocoa butter

Cocoa butter comes from cocoa beans. Less known than shea butter, it is also used in cosmetics due to its content of vitamins A, B, C, E and mineral salts. It is an antioxidant that protects you against aging in addition to naturally illuminating your skin.

It is very popular with women because it preserves the elasticity of the skin and rejuvenates it.