Beauty Taboos: Treatment for Hyperpigmentation, Liver Spots & Dark Scars
August 6th, 2008 by XinaHyperpigmentation, liver spots and dark scars are common amongst people of all races and can cause varying degrees of distress for the the individual; from “not bothered at all about it” to “I really, really need help getting rid of this”.
The treatment of these conditions come mainly in the form of creams and soaps that are applied topically to the affected areas. Sounds straightforward enough, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as that and this is where the taboo comes in.
These creams/soaps are called, bleaches, lighteners, whiteners or brighteners and are often used for something other than treating marks on the skin. In certain cultures the creams are used because having a lighter skin (ie looking more like a white person) is seen to be more beautiful. The products have caused controversy when they contain dangerous ingredients such as hydroquinone and mercury and yet are still used in order to look whiter.
In Asia and Africa sales of lightening creams and soaps are a multibillion dollar industry and openly recommend use in order to look whiter so that the user can have a “better life” (see below).
Lightening also has class issues too. In hotter countries if you are darker skinned, it’s often assumed that you do manual outdoor work, where as if you are lighter skinned it’s assumed that you have a more “professional” better paid office job.
It is the opinion here at Nature’s Parlour that the creams serve two separate and distinct markets to a greater or lesser degree:
- those who wish to become lighter for racial/socio-economic reasons
- those who would like treatments for hyperpigmentation/blotchy skin/uneven skin tone/liver spots/freckles/eczema scars/dark scars, etc
We do not wish to judge those from group 1, however, we are currently in the process of sourcing creams and soaps specifically for people from group 2. Our priority when researching these products will always be: Is it safe? Is it natural/organic? Would we in the Parlour use it (depending on skin type)? Would we recommend it to our friends and family? Some of the packaging of the products we’re currently looking at would attract those from group 1, but we reiterate that we would sell those products based on their suitability for those in group 2.
We will not be considering creams with hydroquinone, mercury, parabens, petrochemicals, or with PEG (polyethylene glycol in its varying forms). For the soaps we will not be considering anything containing SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) either.
Do you have scars you’d like to get rid of? Would you like to know which creams are safe and natural/organic? Do you know someone who could benefit from a natural/organic treatment for hyperpigmentation but wouldn’t know where to find them or would be too embarrassed to ask? Would you prefer to get rid of your scars rather than wear foundation to hide them? Would you like advice on how to use such creams so that your scars go but your complexion remains the way you’d like it to be? Perhaps you have freckles and would like to know if these products can remove or fade them?
We are aware that this is quite a sensitive topic and would like to remind people who take part in this discussion that we encourage people to remain polite whatever their view is; criticism must remain constructive and impersonal; abusive posts will be removed. Whatever your take is on this, we’d like to hear from you.
Yours naturally,
Xina
NB. “Hyperpigmentation” is increased melanin production (eg, spot scars, melasma). Hyperpigmentation should not be confused with “hypopigmentation” which is a reduction in the production of melanin (eg, vitiligo, albinism).
Tags: blotchy skin/uneven skin tone, dark scars, eczema scars, freckles, hyperpigmentation, lightener, lightening cream, liver spots, skin bleaching, skin brightener, skin discolouration, skin lightener, whitener
Brave post!
Some of the products being marketed heavily in Asia and Africa can cause serious long-term harm to skin cells if over used for the purpose of “whitening” the skin. Those adverts say so very much! Hyper-pigmentation and uneven skin tone can be a real problem to people of all skin types, but for people of color in the west, where there is a social awareness of the “taboo” of lightening creams, there is the added stigma for people seeking help with this issue. I hope you manage to source safe products for the treatment of these conditions, and that people take part in the debate as it’s an issue which does need discussion (particularly among the black community!).
Hopefully this will be a good start.
Seems as if the issue has made the mainstream media this week, with the controversy around the L’Oreal adverts, featuring Beyonce Knowles. L’Oreal has been accused of “lightening” up Ms Knowles in order to appeal to a wider audience, an accusation which they strongly deny.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/victoriaderbyshire/2008/08/a_whiter_shade.html
http://www.nypost.com/seven/08072008/news/nationalnews/beyonce_the_pale_123393.htm
What do people think of this? I know it’s not entirely on the subject of skin lightening creams, but it’s still an interesting subject for discussion. Has Beyonce “whited up” to get ahead, or is this just blown out of all proportion?
Hi
Yes, this is an interesting topic. I have absolutely no problem with anyone choosing to use blemish correction products in order to reduce the appearance of blemishes, scars, hyperpigmentation and liver spots. I’m not sure how I feel about its use for freckles because I personally find them cute and perceive anyone with them (how ever old and whatever complexion) to have a more youthful appearance.
That aside, I feel that people who use the these products in order to dramatically change their appearance, do so mainly because of the society/community in which they live. With this in mind, the matter is more a social than cosmetic. The products only serve to facilitate social attitudes that I consider to be morally incomatible with modern thinking.
I have one or two blemishes (on my legs, each self-inflicted by shaving carelessly in the shower) which could do with a little help to fade but to be quite honest, I am not worried enough by them to use products with a scarey list of ingredients. I’d rather wait for something less harsh and more natural to come onto the market. Until such time, I shall continue to live with my little imperfections.
By the why, Beyonce has been gradually getting lighter for the past few years now. She’s had the usual Hollywood makeover a well – she’s much thinner, her teeth are amazingly white and lets face it, she was never born blonde. The L’Oreal ad is ridiculous to begin with-it’s for a hair product but Beyonce famously wears a ‘lace-weave’ – the hair she wears in public isn’t her own (not that I have a problem with that). I just don’t think it’s suitable or fair when promoting hair products for real hair, after all you can buy your weave in any shade you like! and you wouldn’t colour your hair whilst wearing a weave, so what exactly is the point?
Anyway, I do think that L’Oreal lightening Beyonce (by way of Photoshop or studio lighting) are being socially irresponsible. Just who are they trying to appeal too?
Gay
Hi Peebee, welcome back to the Parlour! We’re still in the process of obtaining ingredient lists for products which are said to be natural/organic. The ingredient lists will determine if the products truly are or not. After getting the lists, we’ll still need to test them on our mozzy bite scars to see if they’re effective before selling them
There are plenty of bites to test on after I left my patio windows open earlier this summer.
Hi Gay, welcome back to the Parlour! I think you are like the majority of my customers and Parlour bloggers – ie, not remotely interested in using dangerous, toxic, chemical rich products – or trying to become something else. I’m looking forward to assisting people who simply want to get rid of marks they don’t like and I see this as being no different to giving someone, with acne for example, a natural/organic treatment.
I understand what you mean about freckles, to be honest I think they’re cute too! But that in itself can be a problem with freckles – if they’re in a position of authority it can be awkward to be viewed as “cute”
Some people with freckles just want to know what they’d look like without them too.
Regarding Beyonce’s advert, it really wouldn’t surprise me at all if they’d touched up her photo to gain a wider audience, it’s ridiculous what they do in order to get the general public to buy more products. I agree that having someone who wears a wig advertising hair dye is really silly!!
Selling hype isn’t restricted to Beyonce though, just have a look at this interesting video I found at Myth Buster Beauty
This is a wonderful post Xina. I have been trying to avoid the harsh chemicals to fade the #2 type of pigmentation issues you listed. My favorite natural products have gradually and safely lightened and treated my hyperpigmentaion and uneven skin issues.1. Suki – Intensive Brightening Cream/Masque http://sukipure.com/product.php?product_id=30 2. Baby Quasar – photo rejevenation device3. Caudalie – Vinoperfect Complexion Correcting Radiance Serum, http://www.caudalie-usa.com/site/page/pg389-de224-pr2045-pn_VINOPERFECT_Radiance_Serum.htmlThanks for the mention and keep up the fabuous work!
Funny – never really gave these products much consideration til having discussed them with yourself more recently Xina. Am aware they exisit, have tried some of the over-the-counter brands in the past (mainly to rid the odd stubborn mozzi bite) but just like Palmer’s cocoa-butter (smile), they’ve never really made much difference to me personally – so have never perservered with them. Much prefer a good ol’ concealer stick…!!! But i guess i’m wrong. It’s evident that some products are more effective than others and that they do have a place in todays’ society - particulalry for the type 2 users where hyperpigmentation concerns begin to impact on personal esteem and confidence. To this extent it is important for these people to have access to safe, reliable and natural products, so yes why not source them. Sorry but no time for type 1′s – these people really do need to WAKE UP!!! for real…
I thing precaution from sun is better option for the treatment of pigmentation problems of skin
Hi Pigmentation, welcome to the Parlour.
Protecting against direct sunlight is a great preventative measure for pigmentation problems as well as being the best anti-aging meaure you can take. However, it isn’t a treatment for pigmention.
Treatments are the steps you take after you’ve been affected by something. At that point, staying out of the sun will assist in not making the scarring any worse but will not remove the scar. Hyperpigmentation creams work to do just that.
Generally I do not post on blogs, but I would like to say that this post really forced me to do so! really nice post.
Thanks Andy
Hi Xina, i really enjoyed reading your post, even if i did come across it late!
I have mixed race skin and heavy scarring from blemishes. It does eventually at the age of eighteen impact on your self esteem, it seems like not just a option to wear concealer and foundation but a necessity!
I would hate to end up lightening my skin using harsh and unnecessary chemicals, and i feel people who wish to lighten their skin just need to be able to accept who they are. Of course everybody has their reasons but i feel skin colour is one thing we should never change about ourselves, nor wish to change, its part of our DNA.
Would love to hear any advice about creams to help people who just want to feel comfortable in their naturals skin, and not feel self conscious!
Thank you for posting
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