I don't understand how a whole forum is dedicated to SKIN LIGHTENING!

Isn't it known that people look better with color?

NO! People look better when they have confidence in who they are. Being dark doesn't make someone beautiful or not beautiful. Each individual is beautiful based on their uniqueness.

Agreed Chi... If one has areas of their skin that are extremely darker than the rest of their bodies due to a skin condition, then they may want to lighten that area so it is uniformed... that is certainly my case... you get so conscious when you see people looking at you because of the discoloration... that's all you think about... you just want to do something about it

Skin lightening doesn't just mean trying to "be lighter". Skin lightening can mean evening out your skin, or lightening up certain parts of your body that are very dark, much darker than everything else. For instance, people's stomachs, butts, and faces could be very dark while the rest of their body isn't.

That's not attractive... at least not to me.

And others just want overall brighter and lighter skin. Nothing wrong with that either. Whether you want lighter or darker skin, if you have the means to achieve that, go ahead! It's your life, your body. You're the only one who has to live in your skin.

I don't understand how a whole forum is dedicated to SKIN LIGHTENING!

Isn't it known that people look better with color?
Well number one..

The media etc. has made it so that different is bad and conformity is good, making people feel bad about how they look etc is one of the ways that they break people down and make them subservient.

Its all part of a bigger plan, and everyone here is probably asleep to it...

Why do people want to be LIGHT?Hello again, a:

I don't want to be LIGHT. I spend ALL day in the sun trying to get DARK. It IS pretty strange. White people want to get dark, and dark people want to get white. Ain't it a wonderful world we live in?

excon

Ooo yeah, it also gives the white population a superiority complex dividing people even more...
I'm white by the way...

Hello again, a:

I don't wanna be LIGHT. I spend ALL day in the sun trying to get DARK. It IS pretty strange. White people wanna get dark, and dark people wanna get white. Ain't it a wonderful world we live in?

excon

Agreed!
Everyone thinks the other person has more fun,is more loved,has a better life,is more richer,has a better job...

I am not light skinned,but I like getting even more tanned/darker.
You should see the shocked look on many faces when I say I enjoy being out in the sun,especially other female friends who are trying out the lightening lotions to get fairer skin.

For some it becomes an obsession,which I am sure can't be doing them any good,because skin lightening products always don't work the same for different skin types.
And trying out too many different types of products gets even worse results because there must be a limit to chemicals the skin can bear during any given period.

Even though I am half black, I still like to be darker.
I don't look vibrant in winter because I lose my color.

Winter: http://photos-e.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v215/63/26/672593407/n672593407_757892_9881.jpg

Summer: http://photos-407.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v318/63/26/672593407/n672593407_1333785_6191.jpg



But yes, I do believe that darker black people people don't want to become darker.

Thanks excon!

NO! People look better when they have confidence in who they are. Being dark doesn't make someone beautiful or not beautiful. Each individual is beautiful based on their uniqueness.


I totally agree with your response, but generally people that have confidence in themselves tend not to be desperate to have lighter skin. Confidence in yourself comes from within and not from a tube. And I think that what is initially being asked is why people try so desperately to be lighter, and I don't think that she is referring to people with blotches, or people trying to even out their skin tone. It is something that is truly sad, and it is not something that is recent. Anyone ever heard of the paper bag test?

To you avaan, I think that it is a societal thing. Unfortunately, it is something that afflicts mainly Black American women. People think that fairer skin is beautiful. The television, magazines, and billboards depict this. I am a woman of color, and I used to model, I would have been more successful if I had fairer skin. I have been described as breathtakingly exotic. Does anyone know what that is code word for? A black woman that has the shape of a white woman (tall, modelesque and void of the general curvature or thickness of a black woman), but the color of a black woman (just plain dark).

I think that the variances in color is what is beautiful. If the people of the world were all just one color I think that it would eliminate the word beauty, and introduce words like common, mundane, and same old same old.

If you are trying to lighten your skin to even out your skin tone, by all means go for it, but if you are simply doing it because that is what you think is beautiful then my suggestion would be to first read The Bluest Eyes by Toni Morrison, then go to the therapist to find out why you don't feel that you are beautiful enough the way that you were born.

I totally agree with your response, but generally people that have confidence in themselves tend not to be desperate to have lighter skin. Confidence in yourself comes from within and not from a tube. And I think that what is initially being asked is why people try so desperately to be lighter, and I don't think that she is referring to people with blotches, or people trying to even out their skin tone. It is something that is truly sad, and it is not something that is recent. Anyone ever heard of the paper bag test??

To you avaan, I think that it is a societal thing. Unfortunately, it is something that afflicts mainly Black American women. People think that fairer skin is beautiful. The television, magazines, and billboards depict this. I am a woman of color, and I used to model, I would have been more successful if I had fairer skin. I have been described as breathtakingly exotic. Does anyone know what that is code word for?? A black woman that has the shape of a white woman (tall, modelesque and void of the general curvature or thickness of a black woman), but the color of a black woman (just plain dark).

I think that the variances in color is what is beautiful. If the people of the world were all just one color I think that it would eliminate the word beauty, and introduce words like common, mundane, and same old same old.

If you are trying to lighten your skin to even out your skin tone, by all means go for it, but if you are simply doing it because that is what you think is beautiful then my suggestion would be to first read The Bluest Eyes by Toni Morrison, then go to the therapist to find out why you don't feel that you are beautiful enough the way that you were born.

Interesting!
So do you still model?

^^^^^ you have beautiful hair... I wish I would have stayed natural.

Avaan, no I no longer model. It was not something that I had a passion for. I actually got stopped on the street to do my first photo shoot. My passion is money and anything involving finance so when I figured out that I can make money off my looks then I said hey why not. But eventually that fizzled for me and I went to chase my real passion. So now I am a boring old finance major, that aspires to be like the Donald. (Trump that is)

^^^^^ you have beautiful hair...I wish I would have stayed natural.

It's never too late. My friend shaved off all of her hair because she had processed her hair like two years prior and it started looking horrible. When it grew back it looked healthier and shiner than before she processed it.

I would love to start myhair off all over again but am scared because I don't know how to do hair. One reason is that natural hair you can just wash and go. Plus, when its natural is it curly and coiled. My hair is every healthy to say its relaxed. It is finailly touch my bra in the back. I am scared to start all over again... am so confused but I love natural hair. I decied that whenever I have kids and if they are girls I will NOT relaxe their hair until they are older to see if that is what they want to do. I will try to get them to stay away from relaxers.

Avaan,
I was just on another forum and someone mistook me for an African American and started calling me all sorts of vile degrading names and wanted me out of the place.

He even went as far as to say I got AIDs(I don't have AIDs/HIV,but he assumed.. ) because of my skin color and that he would never go into a relationship with a colored woman because of fear of AIDs.

It wasn't a regular member,but this person was adamant that he will not get AIDs from anyone except colored women! What nonesense!

I was shocked,but I realised this was why many African Americans are taking up the issue of color and discrimination because they must be facing such vile people in their daily lives.

^^^^^ you have beautiful hair...I wish I would have stayed natural.


Thanks!

Avaan, no I no longer model. It was not something that I had a passion for. I actually got stopped on the street to do my first photo shoot. My passion is money and anything involving finance so when I figured out that I can make money off of my looks then I said hey why not. But eventually that fizzled for me and I went to chase my real passion. So now I am a boring old finance major, that aspires to be like the Donald. (Trump that is)

Cool! Oh god, now I want to see what you look like. Pics?

avaan,
I was just on another forum and someone mistook me for an African American and started calling me all sorts of vile degrading names and wanted me out of the place.

He even went as far as to say I got AIDs(I dont have AIDs/HIV,but he assumed..) because of my skin color and that he would never go into a relationship with a colored woman because of fear of AIDs.

It wasnt a regular member,but this person was adamant that he will not get AIDs from anyone except colored women!!What nonesense!

I was shocked,but I realised this was why many African Americans are taking up the issue of color and discrimination because they must be facing such vile people in their daily lives.

Actually, I am never faced with issues like that.

avaanstar,you are very beautiful both in winter and summer.I am half black too and recently cut off all my relaxed hair and it's been a year now,but I am loving my natural hair and I was really inspired when I saw your pictures and how beautiful you are and your hair.are you half black and half white?just want to know what mix you are with black.

To each his own I guess :-)

avaan,
I was just on another forum and someone mistook me for an African American and started calling me all sorts of vile degrading names and wanted me out of the place.

He even went as far as to say I got AIDs(I dont have AIDs/HIV,but he assumed..) because of my skin color and that he would never go into a relationship with a colored woman because of fear of AIDs.

It wasnt a regular member,but this person was adamant that he will not get AIDs from anyone except colored women!!What nonesense!

I was shocked,but I realised this was why many African Americans are taking up the issue of color and discrimination because they must be facing such vile people in their daily lives.

This saddens me. I believe that people can be vile, but moreover it's the ignorance that bothers me. If you come across a person like that ask them if they know about the history of AIDS, because if they did, they would never spout such ignorance.

Cool! Oh god, now i want to see what you look like. Pics?

I don't take pictures anymore, and I'm not being facetious. I don't know why, maybe it just brings back bad memories and every time I see a camera I want to curl up in the fetal position and just suck my thumb. I am so just kidding. But that's one part of my life that is over, and as I look at pictures of myself I realize that I can not turn back time. I think that that was a time when I was most beautiful. I still think that I am beautiful, but not like that, and it just does something to me.

Anyway, I think I smell an aspiring model. If you want to model, in the process of modeling, or have something in mind about modeling I will give you this piece of advice. It was hard when I did it awhile back, and I know that it is even harder for a woman of color nowadays. Do anything you can, print (that includes catalogs, mags. Etc), runway (high fashion-especially if you are over five ten), commercials, extras in movies, even trade shows. Anything you can to build your portfolio. If an agency won't pick you up, no sweat, do freelance work. If you have the look, a great attitude (which is mega important, no one want to work with a biotch or a prima donna), and you are on time eventually photographers will request to work with you. And that is important. You are going to want to build your portfolio as much as possible. Even the not so well known models can live quite comfortably.

Good luck

People wants to be light caus' they dark loll

I've been wondering the same thing!!

Just didn't have the guts to post the question in fear of it getting erased..

Why can't people just be happy with what God gave them?

I understand if it's a medical condition, like they have weird spots that are darker than others, but people who use it to try and change their skin color just for asthetics.. now that's ridiculous

Then we should be saying this about everything that we do in life. No one should colour, straighten, perm their hair. NO one should use a sun bed. No one should wear make up. No one should have plastic surgery...


I am so glad that we live in a world where mostly, there is freedom of choice. If it's not for you, then it's not for you, but if someone wishes to change something about themselves that they believe will make them happier, I personally, think that no one should stand in judgement and wonder why. Each to their own I say.


And I don't think that anyone would have deleted your post. You are entitled to your opinion just like everyone else.

I don't understand how a whole forum is dedicated to SKIN LIGHTENING!

Isn't it known that people look better with color?

It's a matter of personal preference. Some westerners want a tan. Some coloured people would like to be lighter.

I'm happy with my colour. I'd love it to be more even though.

Then we should be saying this about everything that we do in life. No one should colour, straighten, perm their hair. NO one should use a sun bed. No one should wear make up. No one should have plastic surgery............


I've changed my hair color, because sometimes I like my hair auburn, light brown, or jet black. I straightened my hair to make it more manageable (it takes awhile to style curly hair). I want to get a breast lift, because I breastfed for a year, and my ducks are flying south (if you know what I mean). I sometimes wear eye shadow and liner, because it makes my eyes stand out and look sexy. People tan because the want to add some color to their skin, mainly they don't want to look like casper, or my favorite, the feeling that they just came from an awesome vacation.
Now, Maharani, what reasons would someone want to use a permanent skin lightener?

lofftopic... lol^ at ducks are flying south... thats a cute expression... made my day. :-)

Me personally I don't want to be WHITE. I would like to have olive skin tone. I am just a bit darker than olive.

The way I see it, if white people want to be tan / olive then why can't darker people want the same?

If someone wants white skin, a thin nose, wear light eye contacts etc then I believe they are trying to be white.

Me personally I don't want to be WHITE. I would like to have olive skin tone. I am just a bit darker than olive.

the way I see it, if white people want to be tan / olive then why can't darker people want the same?

If someone wants white skin, a thin nose, wear light eye contacts etc then I believe they are trying to be white.

They're trying to be white? There are plenty of Africans/blacks/Asians/Hispanics with thin noses, light eyes, and lighter skin.

So maybe they just want certain features. White people don't own thin noses, light eyes, or light skin. They don't have a monopoly on these features, and they aren't the only ones who naturally have them.

Just sayin'.

They're trying to be white? There are plenty of Africans/blacks/Asians/Hispanics with thin noses, light eyes, and lighter skin.

So maybe they just want certain features. White people don't own thin noses, light eyes, or light skin. They don't have a monopoly on these features, and they aren't the only ones who naturally have them.

Just sayin'.

Well how can anyone try if they already have it? You're missing my point. What I am talking about is physically changing ones appearance to look white. That is, skin lightning, nose job, wear blue contacts etc

If you look at the MAJORITY of white celebrities in particular, they do not have wide noses, which is why most would use the term thin or small.

avaanstar,you are very beautiful both in winter and summer.i am half black too and recently cut off all my relaxed hair and it's been a year now,but i am loving my natural hair and i was really inspired when i saw your pictures and how beautiful you are and your hair.are you half black and half white?just want to know what mix you are with black.


Thanks!
Yeah, I'm half Ugandan (african) and white.

I don't take pictures anymore, and I'm not being facetious. I don't know why, maybe it just brings back bad memories and everytime I see a camera I want to curl up in the fetal position and just suck my thumb. I am so just kidding. But that's one part of my life that is over, and as I look at pictures of myself I realize that I can not turn back time. I think that that was a time when I was most beautiful. I still think that I am beautiful, but not like that, and it just does something to me.

Anywho, I think I smell an aspiring model. If you want to model, in the process of modeling, or have something in mind about modeling I will give you this piece of advice. It was hard when I did it awhile back, and I know that it is even harder for a woman of color nowadays. Do anything you can, print (that includes catalogs, mags. etc), runway (high fashion-especially if you are over five ten), commercials, extras in movies, even trade shows. Anything you can to build your portfolio. If an agency won't pick you up, no sweat, do freelance work. If you have the look, a great attitude (which is mega important, no one want to work with a biotch or a prima donna), and you are on time eventually photographers will request to work with you. And that is important. You are going to want to build your portfolio as much as possible. Even the not so well known models can live quite comfortably.

Good luck

Thanks, but no thanks.
A model is not what I want to be. :]

I am more into math and psychology.

Whoa avaanstar you got the looks and the brains! You go girl!

Thanks, but no thanks.
A model is not what i want to be. :]

I am more into math and psychology.


Good for you. I love it when women, aspire to be more than the "traditional" female role.

Well, I choose to be lighter because hate being darkskin. I got teased for it in elementary, and some of middle school and constantly got looked over by guys all through high school because of it. I never accepted my skin color and begged my mother to take me to a derm so I can get hydroquinone which she did.

Ever since I was 17 I have bleached my skin. I observed that I get noticed more from men. Much more, they break their backs to get to me then. When the cream stops working, the men don't notice me as much. It has nothing to do with having less confidence when I am darker.. a lot of times I don't even realize how dark I have gotten until I notice that guys aren't checking me out as often as they used to. That's when I know I need to find another bleaching cream.


So in essence, I hate being dark and will NEVER accept it. If I had never used a bleaching cream in my life, I'd probably would have never dated at all. Without the cream, I am very very chocolate. I look at my pics from childhood and cringe. Some of them I rip apart and throw away in the garbage. I don't ever want to go back to that color again. I despise it. If some people want to accept it, and stay their natural dark selves good for them, but that doesn't mean other people have to, all of our experiences are different and maybe they didn't have it as difficult as others. I just know how lighter complected women are treated in scoiety. And I see everyday, when a woman has lightskin or mixed kids, I watch how people over compliment the baby, and say how gorgeous and lucky he/she is to have lightskin and light eyes. Why would I not want that kind of attention? So that's why I bleach and wear colored contacts.



Now, when I am darkskin I do get some men, but the quality of men really suck, and they are few and far between. When I am lighter, guys are more struck by my beauty, and treat me a lot nicer. When I am darker, they are kind of 'meh' about me, and don't really pursue me. It's like I have to try much harder.

So that is why I use bleaching creams, (light colored contact lenses help a lot too) and will not stop until the day I die.

Wow some of these comments... its sounding to me like bleaching your skin is not the issue perhaps seeing a counselor would be more beneficial in peoples sense of self worth


You always hear black men being brought up with ''dark'' skinned women issues perhaps date outside of your race broaden your horizons
Black men have widened their options in the dating pool for years its about time some women do the same if the black men YOU choose to seek out are so hung up on skin color
If the love isn't coming to you go and find it elsewhere

I'm a black woman and have NEVER experienced any negativity from black men nor do I have any problem getting them

I honesty believe this not ALL but quite a big part is to do with yourself if you mix with people who are hung up on color and are narrow minded and only see that then no wonder you have a poor self opinion on yourself

This is why it is important to broaden your social circle you really do learn so much more that way travel see the world mix with people you normally wouldn't mix with and these issues of being treated ''better'' because you are ''dark'' will be yesterdays news

As you will soon learn YOUR own self of sense WORTH will be what is important to YOU not some hood rat color struck black man!

I'm not interested in widening my dating options. For one financially it is not an option to move anywhere, and two I am not attracted to non black men. I don't really care for them at all. I plan on getting plastic surgery as well so that my features are more keen and not the broad West African featues I have. I loathe when people ask me if I am from Africa or Jamaica. It pisses me off because they are looked down upon even more than Black Americans and the women are not considered to be as attractive as East African women.

I have NEVER heard that Jamaican women are looked down on in terms of there looks before Nigerian yes
But again this proves my point about the social circles we choose to mix in not everyone thinks the same way that you speak of black people

I did not mean you have to up sticks and fly across country but your response clearly shows that you think YOU have to do something to YOURSELF to find approval from the outside world rather than finding INTELLIGENT non color struck black men to associate yourself with that in itself I find rather crazy

Clearly darkskingirl your issues are very deep rooted why you are now looking for surgery to ''water'' down your ethnicity in terms of appearance to the outside world

I often wonder when people have that kind of surgery if they have children one day what will you tell your child when they say they are ugly because they have a broad nose or ''African'' features... will you tell them yes you are ugly for now but wait until you turn 18 then you can have surgery to change it?


People will do as they please just like you and many others will continue to spend hundreds if not thousand trying to bleach your skin for the rest of your life so as to keep up with the small minded people that you surround yourself with


I can only hope you find peace in your life some day because there are some wounds there that need healing

I don't know what I will tell my children if I have any. Maybe they will be happier with their looks more than I was so they won't need any affirmation from me or the outside world. Maybe they won't come out looking anything like me. I don't know. I just feel that I'll be much happier if I did not have such an African looking face. It irks me when people ask me if I am from Africa when I don't have an accent, and most black americans look like them too. I don't want to look so much like them that people think I am from there. Black guys don't even find african girls attractive, they think latina and mixed looking girls are where it's at. So I'd much rather achieve that look through bleaching my skin and plastic surgery.

ImageShack - Hosting :: cassievn0.jpg (http://img382.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cassievn0.jpg)

This is the color I want to be. And I'd like to have that mixed look like her. She has the kind of beauty and features that all black men would find attractive. Not one black guy would say she wasn't hot, whereas with darker complected girls like me with black features not all guys would agree that we were attractive. She probably can get into all the clubs and get all kinds of guys asking her out

Again you generalize a lot in your thinking this goes back to my point of socializing I know plently of black MEN who do not find cassie stunning but I'm assuming you are quite young


I'm puzzled as to why you brought up clubs? Have you been refused entry to a club due to your skin shade? Have you ever thought that if you had a more positive outlook on yourself that perhaps you wouldn't find what few comments black men may make irk and upset you?

What is your color celeb wise

Jennifer hudson/gabrielle union's complexion now. But w/o skin bleaching I am darker. I can't think of a celeb darker than them because you don't see too many chocolate girls on TV

When I do go to clubs (I don't go anymore) I don't stand out at all. I'm not light enough, my clothes are not provocative enough, everything just isn't right. So I refuse to go because I never have a good time. I've talked to black guys and they say lightskin girls stand out in dark clubs because you can see them better than the chocolate girls. And they also say that you see more pretty lightskin girls than darkskin girls.

So is the skin shade you are with bleaching considered where you come from still dark skinned?

That stuff about the clubs is so much BS its unreal are you from the south in America?

jennifer hudson/gabrielle union's complexion now. but w/o skin bleaching i am darker. i can't think of a celeb darker than them because you don't see too many chocolate girls on tv

when i do go to clubs (i don't go anymore) i don't stand out at all. im not light enough, my clothes are not provocative enough, everything just isn't right. so i refuse to go because i never have a good time. i've talked to black guys and they say lightskin girls stand out in dark clubs because you can see them better than the chocolate girls. and they also say that you see more pretty lightskin girls than darkskin girls.



How old are you?

so is the skin shade you are with bleaching considered where you come from still dark skinned?

that stuff about the clubs is so much BS its unreal are you from the south in America?

Yeah, the shade I am is still considered darkskin (gabrielle union/jen hudson) sometimes brown. But during the summer, even when I use sunblock I get darker almost to my original shade, even when I don't go outside. I am in the USA

I used to feel really inferior whenever a lightskin girl was around, I just wanted to run and hide. I would feel incredibly ugly. I am working on that now. But I don't like to go out to clubs or parties or anything, because I feel I won't be light enough or pretty enough. Or that there will be very beautiful lightskin women there who will get all the attention, and I won't be able to get at least one guy to look my way.

Once when I had a boyfriend, we went to the movies, and I saw all these cute lightskin girls going inside the theater while we were in the parking lot. Out of nowhere, I said that I wanted to go home. We had a spat, and he was literally trying to drag me out of the car to go. He didn't understand my change of mood. I was scared that he might see them, and wish that he had one of 'em. I refused to go inside, and he ended up dropping me off at home. We rarely went anywhere, because I had this fear that he'd see girls who were lighter and prettier and want to be with them.

Even recently, there was this guy in my class who would always spark up a conversation with me, I noticed that whenever we were talking he would stare down lightskin women. There was this lightskin lady who was a secretary that would always pass by, and he would start gazing at her. I felt so humilated each time he did this. I became depressed again. I didn't know why he would always come and talk to me, if all he wanted to do was check out lightskin women in my presence. It pretty much ruined myself esteem and I'd always leave campus feeling incredibly miserable. I don't even date or try to. I figure any man will just settle for me because I am dark, and darkskin girls are not as good of a catch as lightskin ones


avaanstar, I am 22 years old.

Yourself esteem is so low it really is its like you hold light skinned women at the root of your problems

Have you ever thought of counseling I can tell that you really are hurting by this which is so sad it really is

I would really look into counseling as the pain you have is so deep I think you need to talk to someone to really get a hold of it and to see yourself better

Well, I choose to be lighter because hate being darkskin. I got teased for it in elementary, and some of middle school and constantly got looked over by guys all through high school because of it. I never accepted my skin color and begged my mother to take me to a derm so I can get hydroquinone which she did.

Ever since I was 17 I have bleached my skin. I observed that I get noticed more from men. Much more, they break their backs to get to me then. When the cream stops working, the men don't notice me as much. It has nothing to do with having less confidence when I am darker..a lot of times I don't even realize how dark I have gotten until I notice that guys aren't checking me out as often as they used to. That's when I know I need to find another bleaching cream.


So in essence, I hate being dark and will NEVER accept it. If I had never used a bleaching cream in my life, I'd probably would have never dated at all. Without the cream, I am very very chocolate. I look at my pics from childhood and cringe. Some of them I rip apart and throw away in the garbage. I don't ever want to go back to that color again. I despise it. If some people want to accept it, and stay their natural dark selves good for them, but that doesn't mean other people have to, all of our experiences are different and maybe they didn't have it as difficult as others. I just know how lighter complected women are treated in scoiety. And I see everyday, when a woman has lightskin or mixed kids, I watch how people over compliment the baby, and say how gorgeous and lucky he/she is to have lightskin and light eyes. Why would I not want that kind of attention? So that's why I bleach and wear colored contacts.



Now, when I am darkskin I do get some men, but the quality of men really suck, and they are few and far inbetween. When I am lighter, guys are more struck by my beauty, and treat me a lot nicer. When I am darker, they are kinda 'meh' about me, and don't really pursue me. It's like I have to try much harder.

So that is why I use bleaching creams, (light colored contact lenses help a lot too) and will not stop until the day I die.

This comment to be honest, is very sad. I think to some point. I can go very dark in the summer and always get teased. I got teased when I was a kid too.

But being dark didn't stop men checking me out and most were very attractive, a few indian males too, they were hot! I had no problems dating and have dated white, my own race, korean etc.

Men will like you not just based on your skin color, but multitudes of things. Your figure, your personality, your smile etc. You can't just blame your skin color for the reason why quality men don't look at you. It could just very well be that you're showing some sort of negative energy that make men run when you're feeling and looking dark.

I find a lot of people that are pale want to tan and get darker and a lot of people with dark skin want to get lighter. I think of it like wanting what you don't have. A lot of people with curly hair want straight hair and others who have straight hair want curly hair.. I'm short and wish to be tall and my girl friends always tell me they wish to be petite like me. Go figure..

. It has nothing to do with having less confidence when I am darker..





DarkSkin, I am reading your posts and I know you have a self confidence issue. Let me explain. You know how when you get a new outfit or your hair looks good you feel better about yourself? That's how most women feel. They feel better when they think that they look better. But those examples that I just listed are somewhat accessory items-things that enhance their beauty. Lightening your skin on the other hand is not. You want to change who you are. You just don't want to be light to please yourself. It seems like you want to be light to get attention from men.

I'm dark. Like Iman dark, and I love it. I embrace it. It makes me who I am. Yes, you see a lot of light skinned pretty women, but you don't see that many dark skinned pretty women. So you do stand out. You may not realize it because you are so wrapped up in this thing that you are inferior to a lighter skin woman. Unfortunately, people do view lighter skin as beautiful. I have seen some very unattractive women, but because they have lighter skin people say they are pretty. It's a very skewed perception on their part, but expect more from a darker women in order to consider her pretty.

And I'm sorry I don't know where you live, but I have lived in Chicago, Indiana, and Florida (and that is where I got my skin tone to where it is now), and not to mention I have visited a lot of other places. But I get hit on by a lot of men whenever I go out. Black, white, spanish, and indian. Did I mention that I am dark? And I get hit on in a hat and sweats.

You also keep on referencing the bar. Are you trying to find a husband at the bar?? Because if you are then someone stopped payment on your reality check. People should not go to bars to find their significant other, maybe that's the reason why you can't find a quality man. Oh, but wait, you did say that when you are lighter skin that you find great men. Why aren't you still with one of them? Is it because your skin lightening cream wore off and all of a sudden they found out that they were actually dating a dark skinned girl? I'm just being facetious. You don't need a bunch of men falling head over heels in love with you, trust me dating more than one guy can get messy. All you need it one, but you won't be able to find him if you are so wrapped up in the losers that are obsessed with your skin tone.

And what television are you looking at, because I see a lot of dark skinned women on television.

I don't want my response to come off sounding harsh, I am not trying to be that way at all. I just want you to understand that maybe it is something in your head.

Good luck

I have went to counseling a few times. In therapy, there were some students and when I discussed my insecurities the lady told me "at least you're not ugly. you're not ugly." Like that didn't really sit too well with me and made me feel worse. Like Im not pretty either, huh? That replays over and over in my mind. I don't feel pretty at all.

Yes, for example many men ( like myself) very much prefer dark women, it is a matter of each person has their own ideas of what they like.

And who ever teased you in school for being dark, would have for being skinny, or fat, or wearing glasses, or being short, people who make fun of others make fun of everyone.

Darkskin I don't blame you for lightening, I also see that the lighter I am the more attention I get, so who cares if people cannot understand why you want to be ligh, like hello do they walk around in your shoes, I love my new color and I will continue to lighten, ohh and I also got permanent contacts in my eyes they look so natural and their not detectable by the naked eye the surgery cost me 7500 US$

Good luck girl

darkskin i dont blame you for lightening, i also see that the lighter i am the more attention i get, so who cares if people cannot understand why you want to be ligh, like hello do they walk around in your shoes, i love my new color and i will continue to lighten, ohh and i also got permanent contacts in my eyes they look so natural and thier not detectable by the naked eye the surgery cost me 7500 US$

good luck girl

What doctor did you go to? I have been considering this

Well, how do I feel pretty even when other people may not think so?

I am starting to compare myself to other women, even darkskin women too, thinking "I'm not as pretty as her. My eyes are not distinct enough." Ya know. Even when I go out, I wonder, "if I looked like Beyonce he probalby would have asked me for my number." or I wonder if this waitress would have been nicer to me or complimented me if I looked like this celeb or that person. I can't stop doing it . It's starting to just drive me crazy. I want to be happy with myself

Well, how do I feel pretty even when other people may not think so?

I am starting to compare myself to other women, even darkskin women too, thinking "I'm not as pretty as her. My eyes are not distinct enough." Ya know. Even when I go out, I wonder, "if I looked like Beyonce he probalby would have asked me for my number." or I wonder if this waitress would have been nicer to me or complimented me if I looked like this celeb or that person. I can't stop doing it . It's starting to just drive me crazy. I want to be happy with myself

Do you have body dysmorphic disorder?

do you have body dysmorphic disorder?
I don't know what that is.

Not sure either, but putting disorder aside true happiness comes from inside, I am somewhat superficial but to a great extent I am grounded and day by day I grow on accepting myself more and morem through meditation and trying to conect with the soul within

YouTube - Too Ugly To Live - Part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmetF0PcxWo&feature=related)

I posted this on a diff thread but I think it's more appropriate here

Skin lightening is such a touchy issue and not accepted by people which I think is a double standard because there are so many products out there to DARKEN people's skin. Just like weight loss products people go crazy to lose weight to even attain unhealthy body weight but it's unheard of for people in the western society to want to increase body weight. But I've heard middle eastern men PREFER big women.

In my opinion most of the academic/research happens in western countries and it's driven by the market.. ie. What white people want. White people want to tan their skin so companies research and come up with products that the western society want. I bet if there was more of a research interest and money spent towards products desired by other cultures they would have a good product out for skin-lightening today.

Well that was a lot of rambling sorry about that.

Personally, I like myself a lot better when I look pale. When I get sunburn, I feel dirty. I don't think there is anything wrong with preferring light skin. And no it is not "known that people look better with color." Some like light, some like dark.

Personally, I like myself a lot better when I look pale. When I get sunburn, I feel dirty. I don't think there is anything wrong with prefering light skin. And no it is not "known that people look better with color." Some like light, some like dark.

That's the problem. Why do you feel dirty because you are dark? There is absolutely nothing wrong with preferring light skin, but there is something wrong when you think negatively of dark skin. I would never want to have light skin, but I don't go around saying that there is anything wrong with people that do have light skin.

My skin is naturally white. I have always had an aversion to dark skin. No I am not brainwashed by the media, I preferred light skin from as long as I can remember. So when my face gets a tan, or a burn, it grosses me out, especially since it doesn't match the rest of me.

To DarkSkinGirl:
I'm a little late to this post, but I just joined the group. This whole post has made me very sad. I wish I had double majored in Chemistry along with Engineering, because it has now become my sincere wish to see a Safe and Effective skin lightening product developed.

There should NOT be any Taboo assigned to skin lightening. White women use fake tanners and our society doesn't bat an eye. No one scoffs at them - why? What about the middle aged white women who are sun damaged from years of sun bathing. They look old and leathery - In my opinion. Even with all the scientific evidence that it's dangerous, I still see young white women sun bathing all the time! Yet it's OK for them to want to be darker.

The OP will never understand your trials. She is light, the men in her world like her. Does she have a great personality? - I'm sure she does. Does she have confidence? - That goes without saying. But it's easy to have such confidence when finding a mate is as simple as walking out the door in the morning.

I have female black cousins that are in your shoes. Yes they have great personalities, and yes they are proud black women - but honestly they are hurting because the men in their world often pass them by whenever a lighter skinned woman enters the scene. I'm certianly not going to say that all black men want light women - that's just not true. But it does seem like the majority of them do. Especiallly this new generation. One of my male black cousins - won't date ANY black women.

So it's not just you and it's not all in your head. Oh and the door swings both ways, I'm a mixed race but I look white, well almost white;) And I've had my share of rejections from the females who only like "all-white" men or men with long straight hair. So I feel your struggle too. Let me know if you want to talk. God bless.

To Avvanstar:
I hope this sheds a little light as to why "Some" of us would like to be lighter. (Can't speak for all). Another thing you should do is ask a white person (that actively tans) - Why she tans. She'll probably say, "because it makes me feel more attractive." There's your answer.

Well said farmer, its all about the individual being comforteble in their own skin, and its not up to anyone to judge them

Over and over again I am hearing in this post that when people give their explanations of wanting to be lighter skin it usually involves how someone else, or rather how they think that someone else perceives them. Is that really where people's self worth come from?? Farmers, I ask you why is your or anyone else's self worth determined by how easy it is to walk out the door and find a mate? You may not agree that that is what you are trying to say, but essentially that is what you are saying. Newsflash, the reason that black men are steering away from black women is not because of the hue of their skin tone. It's because of their personality, the way that they carry themselves, and they can smell the desperation they have to find a man. I tell you what, any woman that can not find a black man that is interested in dark women come and hang around me I will give you my left overs. Of course I am being facetious, but before anyone takes the narrowminded approach and just chalks everything up to their skin color they should really look at themselves and see what they actually have to offer to someone.

Fj its is well know that acceptance is a natural human desire, We all want to be accepted and rejection is often very difficult to deal with as human beings.

Having said that some people believe that being lighter will allow them to be accepted by society and others without great effort or difficulty. No, one sees the beauty inside when the first meet someone, so appearances does matter, and society has norm or what they consider to be attractive, the fact is that it is their and there is no need to hide our heads in the sand in denial, every society has an image they consider to be sexy. Attractive and we are essentially all products of the society we live in.
I have been whitening for some months now, I had to stop for now, but I will continue to whiten when the time is right again. I like being light skinned and I do know there are black men that prefer dark skinned woman I have dated a few, but lightening is a decision that I made for myself and me alone.

fj its is well know that acceptance is a natural human desire, We all want to be accepted and rejection is often very difficult to deal with as human beings.

Having said that some people beleive that being lighter will allow them to be accepted by society and others without great effort or difficulty. No, one sees the beauty inside when the first meet someone, so appearances does matter, and society has norm or what they consider to be attractive, the fact is that it is their and their is no need to hide our heads in the sand in denial, every society has an image they consider to be sexy. attractive and we are essentially all products of the society we live in.
I have been whitening for some months now, i had to stop for now, but i will continue to whiten when the time is right again. I like being light skinned and i do know their are black men that prefer dark skinned woman i have dated a few, but lightening is a decision that i made for myself and me alone.

Preach lol.

fj its is well know that acceptance is a natural human desire, We all want to be accepted and rejection is often very difficult to deal with as human beings.

Having said that some people beleive that being lighter will allow them to be accepted by society and others without great effort or difficulty. No, one sees the beauty inside when the first meet someone, so appearances does matter, and society has norm or what they consider to be attractive, the fact is that it is their and their is no need to hide our heads in the sand in denial, every society has an image they consider to be sexy. attractive and we are essentially all products of the society we live in.
I have been whitening for some months now, i had to stop for now, but i will continue to whiten when the time is right again. I like being light skinned and i do know their are black men that prefer dark skinned woman i have dated a few, but lightening is a decision that i made for myself and me alone.

Lighterrr, I hear you for most people in the world they want to be accepted, and rejection is quite hard to deal with, but that is where your level of self esteem comes in to play. If someone isn't interested in me I don't run the nearest drug store blaming the color of my skin for that. Yes, it is so unfortunate that society dictates how a person wants to look. But it is quite apparent that within just our society beauty is viewed at many different shades, body types, and so on. For instance, most people view Angelina Jolie as beautiful and at the same time view Halle Berry as beautiful. Beauty is not determined by the color of your skin. It is a culmination of traits, characteristics, and personality attirbutes. It is unfortunate that people keep perpetuating the cycle by saying that beauty is strictly governed by the color of your skin.

And if you like to be light skin because it's your personal preference then by all means go for it, but don't use the excuse that society's view on beauty is based strictly on having lighter skin. Moreover, it isn't such a good argument to say that other people are not attracted to you because of the color of your skin, because guess what, you will have a new portion of society that isn't attracted to you.

I know my dark skin is sexy, but I prefer to be lighter, thtats my preference and I don't believe that self esteem has anything to do with whitening
I don't believe that is the motive behind my lightening journey, the thing is that everyone has something on their body that they would like to change it just so happens for me its my skin color

i know my dark skin is sexy, but i prefer to be lighter, thtats my preference and i dont beleive that self esteem has anything to do with whitening
i dont beleive that is the motive behind my lightening journey, the thing is that everyone has something on their body that they would like to change it just so happens for me its my skin color

I don't think that you fully read my response. So I am going to give it to you again briefly. I said if it is your personal preference then go for it. That means if it is something that makes you happy then by all means go for it. But if your reason for lightening your skin is because you think that men will be attracted to you, or you will be more aesthetically pleasing to society then you have self esteem issues and that goes for anything that you do. For example, women that dress sexy because it makes them feel good, do it for themselves, but a woman that dresses sexy just to attract a man has self esteem issues. You get it, for yourself=no self esteem issues, for others=self esteem issues.

I don't think that you fully read my response. So I am going to give it to you again briefly. I said if it is your personal preference then go for it. That means if it is something that makes you happy then by all means go for it. But if your reason for lightening your skin is because you think that men will be attracted to you, or you will be more aesthetically pleasing to society then you have self esteem issues and that goes for anything that you do. For example, women that dress sexy because it makes them feel good, do it for themselves, but a woman that dresses sexy just to attract a man has self esteem issues. You get it, for yourself=no self esteem issues, for others=self esteem issues.


I agree with lighterr in answer to your question about why people would want to change their physical appearance based on how others perceive them in that it being probably just human nature.
Your question is however different I think from what the OP was asking which is why one would specifically would want lighter skin and I think that answer was already given by several posters as it being just a personal preference like wanting lose weight to feel more attractive etc.

I just realized that the OP's question was already answered in the FAQ by PunkChic. PunkChic gives the absolute BEST answer there. See FAQ - "Why do people use skin lightening products?"

People who ask this question are usually not into skin lightening/brightening, they have no intention of using any skin brightening products, they sign up to ask just this one question and then disappear. (Not realizing this is a personal and emotional subject) the question creates a perfect storm of people arguing over the right and wrong reasons for doing it, or even if it should be done at all. Also, people (myself included) get emotional and say things that are best kept between themselves and their family/friends. Ultimately nothing constructive comes of it and the OP is long gone.

My advise in the future: If a person logs in and asks this/similar question, just refer them to PunkChic's FAQ answer and be done with it.

Lighterrr, I hear you for most people in the world they want to be accepted, and rejection is quite hard to deal with, but that is where your level of self esteem comes in to play. If someone isn't interested in me I don't run the nearest drug store blaming the color of my skin for that. Yes, it is so unfortunate that society dictates how a person wants to look. But it is quite apparent that within just our society beauty is viewed at many different shades, body types, and so on. For instance, most people view Angelina Jolie as beautiful and at the same time view Halle Berry as beautiful. Beauty is not determined by the color of your skin. It is a culmination of traits, characteristics, and personality attirbutes. It is unfortunate that people keep perpetuating the cycle by saying that beauty is strictly governed by the color of your skin.

And if you like to be light skin because it's your personal preference then by all means go for it, but don't use the excuse that society's view on beauty is based strictly on having lighter skin. Moreover, it isn't such a good argument to say that other people are not attracted to you because of the color of your skin, because guess what, you will have a new portion of society that isn't attracted to you.

... But it just so happens to be true that women with fairer skin are seen as more attractive in cultures all over the world. So speaking of societal pressures is not an "excuse", it's just the truth. I'm sure many people would not want to lighten or darken their skin (or otherwise alter themselves) if they didn't feel some sort of pressure from society.

...But it just so happens to be true that women with fairer skin are seen as more attractive in cultures all over the world. So speaking of societal pressures is not an "excuse", it's just the truth. I'm sure many people would not want to lighten or darken their skin (or otherwise alter themselves) if they didn't feel some sort of pressure from society.

Know your facts. In other countries darker skin is not view as a way of classifying attractiveness. It is a way of classifying social class. True in some parts of the world the darker your skin tone, the lower the class you belong to. They have this idea that if your skin is dark, then you must be a laborer, working in the sun all day. Let's not get me started about mixing the classes because it something that is perceived as a no no. But essentially, it has nothing to do with the way that beauty is perceived. In places like Italy which is closer to Africa they view dark skin as very beautiful. I think that most Americans try to use that as a crutch to justify their reasons for not being viewed as beautiful. I think attractiveness is a culmination of various attributes that the person has. And it is horrible for anyone to say that someone is unattractive because they have dark skin or vice versa.

Know your facts. In other countries darker skin is not view as a way of classifying attractiveness. It is a way of classifying social class. True in some parts of the world the darker your skin tone, the lower the class you belong to. They have this idea that if your skin is dark, then you must be a laborer, working in the sun all day.

That is true, if you're living in the 19'th Century.

Deal with it. Some people are not attracted to dark skin. Period. Same way that some people don't like very pale skin. It is not horrible to not be attracted to a dark person.

There's nothing to deal with Barr. Read the original post. No one is talking about whether it is wrong or not to like someone because of the color of their skin. People have personal preferences. That is what life is all about. Everyone is not going to be attractive to everyone.

Know your facts. In other countries darker skin is not view as a way of classifying attractiveness. It is a way of classifying social class. True in some parts of the world the darker your skin tone, the lower the class you belong to. They have this idea that if your skin is dark, then you must be a laborer, working in the sun all day. Let's not get me started about mixing the classes because it something that is perceived as a no no. But essentially, it has nothing to do with the way that beauty is perceived. In places like Italy which is closer to Africa they view dark skin as very beautiful. I think that most Americans try to use that as a crutch to justify their reasons for not being viewed as beautiful. I think attractiveness is a culmination of various attributes that the person has. And it is horrible for anyone to say that someone is unattractive because they have dark skin or vice versa.

Well that's a nice fantasy to have, but the reality is, dark skin is not as attractive as light skin (in particularly women... dark men are often seen as attractive in many cultures), to many people all over the world. The scale really does tip toward ligher skinned women.

I remember reading a fairly tale as a young girl it went something like this " mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all" hmmm now as an adult I can see this concept reigns supreme worldwide, fair, light skinned people are more appreciated everywhere, so that is the point I would like to make no one is saying that being black is unattractive, but being like is more socially acceptable, ohh vic by the way I liked the other pic better

i remember reading a fairly tale as a young girl it went something like this " mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all" hmmm now as an adult i can see this concept reigns supreme worldwide, fair, light skinned people are more appreciated everywhere, so that is the point i would like to make no one is saying that being black is unattractive, but being like is more socially acceptable,, ohh vic btw i liked the other pic better

It is a German fairy tale. It actually says "mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the most beautiful of them all?" . White racists intentionally translated it wrong to proof their point that light is more beautiful.

^Wow :0

it is a German fairy tale. It actually says "mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the most beautiful of them all?" . White racists intentionally translated it wrong to proof their point that light is more beautiful.

That's really ignorant. The term "fair" doesn't necessarily mean light. It means beautiful.

Wow,avaanstar really stirred something up from posting this topic.it's always good to know how other people think.

Well see it depends on your personal choice and where and how you grew up! JUST the way someone wants a good height, big eyes, good figure, slim and trim waist, nice dress , good husband :)... so skin lightening is a part of it as well... and that's how I perceive it . TO some people it offends but that's an individual choice... just the way you can't get angry at someone who wants to be skinny , so its like that as well...

I prefer it as I grew up being reminded of dark skin every day of my life so this is important for me... for others it might not be... but again this is very personal.

Fair to me means light and beautiful

Well a tanned uneven skin tone is not beautiful no matter how unique you are!

That's really ignorant. The term "fair" doesn't necessarily mean light. It means beautiful.


Have you watched Snow White? I am guessing the German Fairy Tale is similar to that movie. The character in Snow White is very very pale and when the evil witch looks in the mirror and says, "Who's the fairest of them all?", It is very obvious that the message is that she wants to be the whitest which is beautiful in her mind.

To be honest I don't think people understand their skin, so they look to others who to them look so perfect but in reality its just them using their money to take real good care of what they have, when people take more care with their skin, exfoliating, brightening, good dieting, good natural products their skin flourishes and glows and they soon become the envy of other people, its all about being the best you can be getting rid of marks and imperfections, discolorations and what not till people in their own right achieve perfection, but instead everyone wants to look at the people getting the women and men and think yes that's the way to go bleached skin, then I'm in. Its all backwards, spending so much time trying to look like the people in the magazines you no longer have an indentity of your own, spending your life trying look like someone else.
Skin should be a brand that one wears to portray and reflect ones self , not that of someone else. Wrecking up your skin till it no longer looks like skin just a very damaged and worn out sheet covering your body.

I don't want to be light, I just want even skin tone.

I dont want to be light, i just want even skin tone.

That's what more people should be aiming for looking after the skin you've already got.

avaan,
I was just on another forum and someone mistook me for an African American and started calling me all sorts of vile degrading names and wanted me out of the place.

He even went as far as to say I got AIDs(I dont have AIDs/HIV,but he assumed..) because of my skin color and that he would never go into a relationship with a colored woman because of fear of AIDs.

It wasnt a regular member,but this person was adamant that he will not get AIDs from anyone except colored women!!What nonesense!

I was shocked,but I realised this was why many African Americans are taking up the issue of color and discrimination because they must be facing such vile people in their daily lives.

Firstly, he's just ignorant. If he knew anything AT ALL He'd know that AIDS was a disease started by a WHITE MALE!

I dont want to be light, i just want even skin tone.

Same here. I am an African American woman and for the past couple of years I've been suntanning like CRAZY during the summer. Lately I've noticed that my skintone has become dull and blotchy because some areas tan darker and stay dark while others fade in the winter. My face/neck has started to look dull, my hyperpigmentations have gotten darker... it's a mess. I simply want bright, even toned skin that is my natural, untanned, skin color. If I want to be darker, I'll try spray on tans.

I can't knock anyone for their preference. Some people just prefer lighter skin. I just don't agree with spending hundreds of dollars on stuff that doesn't work. I also don't agree with using chemicals like MONO to lighten, unless you have vitiligo. Some of the people on here are suffering from low self esteem and changing your skin is not the way out. Get some self love first, and the rest will follow.

I think a lot of people just want the opposite of their natural color. That might be why a lot of light people go tanning and why a lot of dark people bleach their skin. My skin is very uneven, so I want to lighten some areas of it. A lot of people think it's wrong to change the way god has made you, but if you really think about it, about everyone has changed the way god has made them. People dye their hair, and wear makeup all the time, which almost the same thing as changing your skin color in my opinion.

Please people stop hating... so what if someone wants to get a few shades lighter? Go for it people!

Same here. I am an African American woman and for the past couple of years I've been suntanning like CRAZY during the summer. Lately I've noticed that my skintone has become dull and blotchy because some areas tan darker and stay dark while others fade in the winter. My face/neck has started to look dull, my hyperpigmentations have gotten darker...it's a mess. I simply want bright, even toned skin that is my natural, untanned, skin color. If I want to be darker, I'll try spray on tans.

I can't knock anyone for their preference. Some people just prefer lighter skin. I just don't agree with spending hundreds of dollars on stuff that doesn't work. I also don't agree with using chemicals like MONO to lighten, unless you have vitiligo. Some of the people on here are suffering from low self esteem and changing your skin is not the way out. Get some self love first, and the rest will follow.


I will disagree with the low self esteem part... not necessarily... just like someone may want to pierce their ear or straighten their hair.. it's a personal thing. If you look in the mirror, love yourself and want to make a change here and there... then I see nothing wrong with that.

I believe people want to be "light" because for many years in North America there have been only caucasians who would appear in television, magazines, and movies because they had the money to be apart of those kinds of projects. When a person grows up and only (or mostly) sees caucasians in the media... (some people) will find some of their "beauty" appealing and then may want to emulate it.

to be honest, society has made black people have low self esteem. I mean how many dark skinned chics do you see on TV? Only about a handful. But the videos and movies are filled with light skinned chics with light eyes, oh yea and don't forget the big booties.
now, I've had a lighter complexion since forever, my brothers and sister who are darker than me were always jealous and thought I got more love from my parents which is not true. Wow, now within the last year a combo of pregnancy and sun has made me become a bit browner, nothing too serious in my mind until random people started telling me how different I look now that I'm darker. I mean, this damn lady who is a family "friend" saw me and said in front of EVERYONE how I look so UGLY now that I've gotten darker. I mean, who says that!! Even the damn guy at the gas station said that I look better with lighter skin after I showed him my id. ITS NOT FICTION THAT WE MADE IN OUR HEADS THAT LIGHTER IS BETTER, It's a REALITY THAT IS TOLD TO US EVERYDAY BY TV AND EVEN OUR OWN ENVIRONMENT. So I don't blame anyone for wanting to lighten their skin, I just think that it needs to be done safely and maybe not as extreme like michael jackson.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL MY GIRLS. AND PLEASE BE SAFE!!

So true mysterious5