Like any other teenager - I suffered with spots. Pimples. Zits. Call them what you wish. They arrived on my face unannounced one day and I was determined to exterminate them one by one.
As if the hormones in my body were not raging and colliding enough already- now I became even more self conscious that dark marks were now permanently etched on my cheeks, forehead and chin- and the world could see them as well.
I began to hide. Behind the loose powder and foundation- that was sitting on my mothers dressing table. I became introduced to Iman, Fashion Fair and MAC at an age far too innocent for such things.The powder only worked for so long- and usually by the time I had returned from school and looked in the mirror it had dissipated- leaving my skin bare, as if I had never put any on to begin with. So I sought for something stronger. Seek and ye shall find. Welcome to the world of bleaching creams.
My history with such creams was not an abusive one. I was strictly a beginner in all this. My sole purpose was to regain back the complexion that I once had- I would merely dab on the strong smelling ointment to black pits on my face- rubbing and wishing them to fade. And some of them did. Other marks were more stubborn and to this day have refused to depart from me.
I had no desire to completely alter my complexion and become two or three shades lighter. It didn’t even cross my mind- and I would laugh to myself as I walked past the women who had the fair skinned faces but ashy black knuckles, knees and toes.
Skin bleaching ultimately is the ‘black’ parallel to using fake tan and being left with orange hands. Bleaching is to the black community- what tanning is to the white community. Opposite effects but one common denominator.
In my mind this was always a female dominated arena. Men seemed to be the minimalistic grooming type. With routines consisting of, soap, water, razor, aftershave, fin. But the expansion of the male cosmetic market is vast. And we’ve all seen the adverts for the major companies using the faces of handsome sport stars to boost their products selling ability and the amount of men I’ve queued up behind in Boots re- buying their usual facial scrubs and moisturisers is testament to that.
A recent conversation with a young black male, left me contemplating as he expressed that getting darker whilst on holiday was not desirable and he would attempt to try and do whatever it took to prevent it from happening. I was a little alarmed that a guy so young would be consumed with image and how ‘dark’ he can appear. As if his ‘blackness’ was an offence to some. But with men such as Vybz Kartel becoming an ‘unofficial’ advocate for skin bleaching ( and even going as far as attempting to bring to the market his own male range of bleaching creams) it really is no surprise that bleaching abuse is crossing over gender boundaries.
Before AfterThe whole light/dark debate has been a big deal in the US concerning black women especially and their varying shades. Its a debate that I’d rather not get involved in. I’ll leave the Americans to get on and do what they do best. I hope that the documentary gives the exposure/ closure that some women need in relation to the issues they have with their skin- but personally I doubt it will.
Alright, so some people have a preference. Do I think it’s right to be discriminated upon because of the shade of your skin? Definitely not. But when you allow peoples’ perceptions to define who you are- you’ve missed the boat. I know of men who don’t find darker skinned women attractive as attractive as a lighter skin counterpart. Big deal. But on the contrary I also know guys who find darker skinned women more appealing. Every one is entitled to an opinion or preference- (however shallow or condescending)- its an opinion none the less. But it’s important that regardless of shade you appreciate the amount of melanin you have in your body.
At this present moment in time- I wouldn’t go back to bleaching. However, I wouldn’t want to be judged if I did. I believe that I can control myself and not go to the extreme like Mr Kartel himself. I’m aware of the implications and having tried milder fade creams they did 70% of the job for me. For now I’m happy, but there really is no telling what tomorrow may bring- I may wake up in the morning and decide I want to become Beyoncé's twin. (I joke! I kid!) .
I came. I saw. I blog.
Ruthie
