Whitening

Skin whitening is a term covering a variety of cosmetic methods used to whiten the skin, in parts of East Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. more...

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Skin lightening or whitening is a controversial topic as it is closely intertwined with the detrimental effects on health, identity, self image and racial supremacy. See article on colonial mentality.

Many skin whitening cremes are made from deadly chemicals.

Uses

Specific zones of abnormally high pigmentation such as moles and birthmarks may be depigmented to match to the surrounding skin. Conversely, in cases of vitiligo, unaffected skin may be lightened to achieve a more uniform appearance. The reason for singer Michael Jackson's change in skin is apparently vitiligo and depigmentation was used to achieve a more matching appearance.

Some people treat larger areas to lighten the natural complexion, out of esthetic preference or to avoid social/work discrimination and gain access to better income (this is true, for example, of prostitutes) or higher social position. This kind of colorism commonly occurs in India.

An additional application is genital or anal bleaching, intended to reduce the typically darker pigmentation of the genital and perianal area.

History

In Japan, geishas were (and still are) known for their painted white skin, which represents beauty, grace, and high social status. However, the skin-whitening products are not used in such a wide scale in Japan today. Geisha paint their skin white in geisha-based ceremonies to celebrate their culture and background.

In Iran, during the Achaemenid dynasty, farmers and civil workers used some kind of lightening lotion to keep their skin white and soft.

Today, skin whitening products are available in the form of creams, pills, soaps or lotions. The mechanism of permanent whitening is usually by the breakdown of melanin by enzymes, such as that contained in the droppings of the Japanese bush warbler or reducing agents such as Hydroquinone. Most whitening creams also contain a UV block to prevent sun damage to the skin.

Further information: History of cosmetics

Melanin and pigmentation

Uneven pigmentation affects most people, regardless of ethnic background or skin color. Skin may either appear lighter or darker than normal; there may be blotchy, uneven areas, patches of brown to gray discoloration or freckling. Skin pigmentation disorders occur because the body produces either too much or too little melanin. Melanin is the pigment produced by melanocyte cells. It is triggered by an enzyme called tyrosinase, which creates the color of skin, eyes, and hair shades.

Read more at Wikipedia.org