Since I joined amhd I've noticed "skin lighting" threads I've no idea what this is about, can anybody explain this practice to me?

... What is it you really want to know?
The art or the reason?
Both the former and later have a thousand methods and reasons respectively.

sohotitsscary,

Whilst you are pondering this question , you might find it helpful to also ask why some people tan, dye their hair , get a nose job, wear certain clothes... etc and it might give you an idea of some of the reasons people lighten. It may just simply be a preferred choice and that is as simple as it may get.

Sometimes too much is analysed, rather than just seeing that in a free society, we are, thankfully, able to make choices of how we want to look and yes if people want to question it, that is also fine, but those who ask these questions, should also look at everything else that goes on in this world and realise the answer is already there. Why does anybody do anything ? Because they can, because they want to and the list goes on.

So what your saying is its like a life beauty choice?

Does it damage the skin?

so what your saying is its like a life beauty choice??

does it damage the skin??

It's a choice...
Damage? If done right,no damage.If done badly... kiss damage welcome.
Did you know that tanning and bleaching have one common disease? Cancer!!

Oh like what Michael jackson was doing to his skin?
( I just using mr. jackson as exsample cause I don't know how to word what I'm asking so I don't offened any body )

Yeah but MJ did it because he had too...

Its a choice...
Damage? If done right,no damage.If done badly...kiss damage welcome.
Did you know that tanning and bleaching have one common disease? Cancer!!!!!!!!

Can you show me where someone was diagnosed with cancer because they bleached their skin:confused:

since i joined amhd ive noticed "skin lighting" threads ive no idea what this is about, can anybody explain this practice to me?

Why people lighten their skin?
Simple: Why not?

Can you show me where someone was diagnosed with cancer because they bleached their skin:confused:

... and because they tanned their skin too?
Truth be told,I have read that when one destroys the black pigment on the found on the epidermis,it exposes the dermis layer to dangerous UV rays and makes the skin more prone to skin cancer.

Same too with tanning as I read... over expose to UV rays causes darkening of the skin and this too can lead to... yes.

I am just saying what I read... Its funny that either way MAY/CAN end up the same way.
But again... there are so many people who have had cancer when they didn't do any of these... I get scared reading these stuff sometimes.Cancer is like everywhere... At one point they said canned food causes cancer.It keeps coming on and on.

oh like what micheal jackson was doing to his skin?
( i just using mr. jackson as exsample cause i dont know how to word what im asking so i dont offened any body )

Sounds like you up for argument
Your not really asking.
Why don't you say what you want too.
Which sounds like "why you guys bleaching,that's so wrong"

Sounds like you up for argument
Your not really asking.
Why don't you say what you want too.
Which sounds like "why you guys bleaching,that's so wrong"

Calm down.

I really think that the OP has no idea at all what skin lightening is, how it's done.

I don't think she's admonishing anyone for choosing to lighten, I think she really doesn't know what it is.

I have to admit, before I came to this site I didn't know that there were tons of products out there just for lightening skin. I had no idea that it was even possible. Yes, I live in a box. ;)

Just try to remember that everyone isn't out to get you or question why you're doing what you're doing. Some people really don't know about these products. This is your chance to educate.

Okay? :)

Sounds like you up for argument
Your not really asking.
Why don't you say what you want too.
Which sounds like "why you guys bleaching,that's so wrong"

I really haven't a clue what its about so I asked to get a better understanding... its called askmehelpdesk for a reason

If I wanted to say anything about it I would but I was raised better than that.

If you don't want to answer my question.. don't write on the thread!

Sad thing, none of our lightening people even tried to tell her what it was basically, what some of the uses are, they wanted to start talking about tanning and other issues.

I have to wonder, why so defensive, she asked a very valid question of a person who most likely never heard of it.

Does anyone actually want to answer her ?

... Not really. I just think people are kind of tired of answering the same question over and over. It has been discussed in many threads.I remember posing about this some weeks ago.
Anyway,people do it for several reasons.
Some because:
*Complex
*Beauty
*Skin condition called vitiligo

Just be patient and check.You will find more elaborate answers.

Sohotitsscary - Hi so hot since I joined amhd I've noticed PEOPLE LIKE YOU asking about "skin lighting" threads.

The funny thing is I've no idea WHY YOU ARE HERE when you don't wish to lighten but show so much CURIOSITY about LIGHTENING ?

Can YOU EXPLAIN this practice to me?

Sohotitsscary - Hi so hot since i joined amhd ive noticed PEOPLE LIKE YOU asking about "skin lighting" threads.

The funny thing is ive no idea WHY YOU ARE HERE when you dont wish to lighten but show so much CURIOSITY about LIGHTENING ?

Can YOU EXPLAIN this practice to me?

Why are you so defensive, that's what I'd like to know. It's just a question, no harm intended, just curiosity about something she didn't know about.

If you have any questions that I can answer then feel free to ask. That's what this site is for, asking questions and getting answers. If you don't want to answer the question then don't, but to come here with a huge chip on your shoulder, being rude, when no one on this thread has given any reason for it, that's not okay.

And what do you mean by "people like you"? I thought we were all human beings, or is that not how you feel?

I think like Violaename said, the answer has been given and I don't really believe it goes any deeper than that, for the majority. The comparison to things like tanning and dyeing ones hair is to give those who do not lighten something to maybe clarify why anybody does anything.

If this cannot be understood and further clarification is needed, I am more than happy to try and explain further if necessary.

Calm down.

I really think that the OP has no idea at all what skin lightening is, how it's done.

I don't think she's admonishing anyone for choosing to lighten, I think she really doesn't know what it is.

I have to admit, before I came to this site I didn't know that there were tons of products out there just for lightening skin. I had no idea that it was even possible. Yes, I live in a box. ;)

Just try to remember that everyone isn't out to get you or question why you're doing what you're doing. Some people really don't know about these products. This is your chance to educate.

Okay? :)

I disagree totally, sorry the original poster is not asking about products to learn, they are asking why do we do it, which it is been answered already, nothing more is need after that.

Why do people tan? Because they can
Why do people lighten? Because they can, end of

Sad thing, none of our lightening people even tried to tell her what it was basicly, what some of the uses are, they wanted to start talking about tanning and other issues.

I have to wonder, why so defensive, she asked a very valid question of a person who most likely never heard of it.

Does anyone actually want to answer her ?

Lol what answer are you looking for? The first two posts has answered the question perfectly. Is there a particular answer you looking for?

Lol what answer are you looking for?? The first two posts has answered the question perfectly. Is there a particular answer you looking for?

No one has answered my question thou so thank you to the people who pointed that out

Telling someone 'cause they can' is not an answer I have a gun should I go around killing people cause I can ( I don't really have a gun but I just saying )

I asked a straight forward question and I've yet to get a straight forward answer!!

Any opened minded people out there what to tell me about skin lighting please pop in :)

no one has answered my question thou so thank you to the people who pointed that out

telling someone 'cause they can' is not an answer i have a gun should i go around killing people cause i can ( i dont really have a gun but i just saying )

i asked a straight forward question and ive yet to get a straight forward answer!!!

any opened minded people out there what to tell me about skin lighting please pop in :)

Yeah shooting people and lightening are the same! :rolleyes: what a great example but anyway, I didn’t say I answered your question, others have unless you are looking for particular answer.

I would say it has a lot to do with the media portrayal of black people. Pop stars and TV/movie stars are doing it and people wish to emulate them. It's not much different than women starving themselves to look like the photos they see in magazines not knowing that all of the images are photoshopped and that the women have personal trainers. The reasoning behind which the stars feel the need to lighten their I couldn't tell you but you'll notice that whenever someone here wants to show progress they put up a picture of a celebrity.

I'm really having a hard time understanding why everyone is so defensive when it comes to this question. If you're skin lightening then why not explain how it's done, what it's about, the products used, the dangers, the benefits, etc. etc. This is your chance to educate the general public, why not take it instead of being defensive about it?

I don't know why the OP's question was answered with rudeness, with discussion about tanning (which has nothing to do with the original question) and with general animosity. The OP didn't come here to fight, she didn't come her to look down on people, she came here to ask a question about something she didn't know about. That's what this site is about, asking questions and getting answers.

Again, if you don't want to answer, or if you read the post and feel defensive (for whatever reason) then don't answer. Leave it to people with an open mind, people willing to discuss skin lightening, people that are willing to talk to people, willing to open their minds enough for a discussion. So far I haven't seen anyone like that on this thread. I'm sure there's someone on this site that can just answer the question reasonably, without rudeness and without judgment.

We're not here to fight, we're here to learn from each other, but you can't teach with rudeness and judgment, can you?

So, is anyone up to the challenge of actually reading the OP without being defensive?

So, is anyone up to the challenge of actually reading the OP without being defensive?
Some areas of a person's body, such as elbows and knees and knuckles, have more concentrated melanin (a skin pigment -- dark-skinned people have more melanin than light-skinned people), so that those areas are darker than the rest of a person's body. After reading some of the skin lightening threads (I too was curious about this subject), I learned that some of the lightening is done to even out skin tones.

Hello so:

I read all the answers. They spoke about choice, beauty and elbows. Nobody mentioned the REAL reason. The REAL reason is that light skinned people are revered throughout the world, whereas the darker skinned ones are frowned upon.

Yes, white people tan and it's cool, because everybody knows they're white underneath.

excon

[QUOTE=excon;2326845]Hello so:

I read all the answers. They spoke about choice, beauty and elbows. Nobody mentioned the REAL reason. The REAL reason is that light skinned people are revered throughout the world, whereas the darker skinned ones are frowned upon.

Yes, white people tan and it's cool, because everybody knows they're white underneath.

excon[/QUOTE

What you have said is true... but not totally true.I beg to differ. You can't say the REAL reason.As if to mean the other reasons are fake or not good enough. It would sound acceptable if you say maybe MANY people lighten because light skin people are... But to classify that as the main reason...

Yes, white people tan and it's cool, because everybody knows they're white underneath.

What's the REAL reason? To tan or to lighten or to do neither, it is about how we all have our ideals to beauty. That being answered, I also like to focus on how humanity chooses to reach their ideals of beauty and methods used to achieve whatever that ideal maybe. As there are safe methods and unsafe methods.

And the REAL reason as of what someone does concerns you, and what another does (which is the same and yet opposite) is like totally "cool"? :confused: like say if I had a gun, for example. And if I found it cool to go around shooting people with this gun... tanning increases skin cancer.. but it's the "cool' thing to do... to you http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/05/05/health/webmd/main693191.shtml. But the other percentage of world population may disagree with that, and some may also agree of it's coolness. Everyone has a voice, but everyone does not have to really think alike nor agree with everyone else's choices. Yet, everyone has their own ideal of beauty. Simply put.

That is why there are safer options (same for skin lightening :)). Safer options so people who tan can feel happy about it and more people can "tan" guilt-free. So, anyone who want to achieve that "tanned", darkened, "bronzed" look, and anyone (even those who are unable to tan) who try to use it as an excuse... can now just spray on a can of some "Saint Moritz" Self-Tanning Mousse or some other mousse, spray, or lotions. And the next morning instantly become 2-14 shades darker. And there are instant tanning salons on almost every corner now, wow...or why? A tanning bed. A bed that cooks your skin like an oven that you have to first apply a layer of glaze and cook until your done, and some people actually have these mini ovens inside of their homes.

But, many wonder why they "can not" or "unable" to just accept their own color they were born with, instead of trying to achieve that "golden-bronzed glow'? Because they might try and speak about choice, beauty, and shoulders. Nobody mentioned the REAL reason. The REAL reason is that many (for their own reasons) find pale skin as pasty and pale, as unattractive, ill, sickly, not youthful, unhealthy, and not revered. Whereas the darker skinned ones are praised upon. Hmmm...
And some may find that skin tanning really isn't cool because they do not like the orange skinned look.



because everybody knows they're white underneath. :confused: Everyone remains the same "underneath" and well, we are all very well should be aware of that. But in all actuality, we are rather shall I say red ...or blue when the blood is not exposed to oxygen. Made up of blood, bone, muscle tissue, water, organs, flesh, etc. WE are rather the same "underneath".



But, back to the answer. Some people find it "cool" to do recreational drugs. And some do not find this as cool, for many reasons.

The REAL reason of why someone would want to get Lip Injections (usually with the use of collagen) to make them larger and more ethnic, because mostly thinned lips are looked down upon by many many many (at least in the West and other places). And I'm unsure if this is still used, but actual buttocks fat was injected into the lips to make them look more ethnic and rounded. What if they leaked while giving a kiss? Because it's "cool" :(... I think? Well, what is the REAL reason for others choosing the less risky option of applying these new and improved products on the lips to make them "pout", in which it is just agents applied to actually cause the lips to become irritated and swell up. Ingredients such as cayenne pepper, cinnamon, harsh acids and strong chemicals to make them look BIGGER in 60 seconds.


But what is the REAL reason why someone would spend their paycheck of having their buttocks enlarged and rounded. To actually go through surgery and literally have their buttocks cut and reshaped. :confused: because to them it's cool... but what is the REAL reason to this? Some work around this method by purchasing "booty" padded pants, buttocks padded under garments, and there is this the Special Exercise Reshape Your Buttocks Salsa Ethnic Dancing & Squats & Hip hop & Joomla! Butt-lift Explosion :eek:.
Just to change the shape, lift, and of their buttocks to make it round. That I can not personally relate in exact, BUT (no punt intended) that is their decision to do, just as I have my own preferences. They do it because it is their ideal and choice of beauty and it makes them feel good.


I mean no disrespect, but I guess it is only "cool" to lay all of the cards on the table. As I have seen veeeery naturally fair-toned people also lighten, but I guess that would be considered "cool" too, which it is... to them. What one chooses to do, another may find it be completely crazy and have the inability to grasp because they do not like it. Yet the other may find it to be beautiful, or as you say, "cool".

Because it's called freedom of choice. Because everyone has their own ideal of beauty. Because... it's part of life of how ALL of humanity seek to alter themselves in one way or another, whether from having that nose job to remove that lump on the nose, lighten 2 or 3 shades, or to just get buttocks implants, fill in their bald spots on their head with Rogain, or inject lips with collagen.

In another month or so, the only question that will linger in someone's mind, absorbing their every thought with anticipation and angst. Distracted with this probing thought and having the inability to focus on anything else for the rest of the day and night... instead of focusing on more important things such as work, family, their children, saving the earth, the probability of nuclear war, or studying more important things such as quantum physics law of attraction or if it is instead the placebo effect.


Because they just have to have some other answer that has not been provided yet or not enough. Through a swift matter of minutes I have read an estimate of 10 accurate and truly valid answers to the question, some being given in per few posts. There may be more if I chose to thoroughly dissect everyone's response, perhaps to find a few additional strictly valid answers from THOSE who actually lighten.

With these thoughts as of why someone chooses to lighten will all be forgotten and asked again in a continuous pattern... as the question should also be asked "why would you allow it to affect your daily thoughts and activity?" It's quite simple, actually. Because it is the same reason as of why some choose to tan, yet in the opposite form. Some like the night. Some like the day. That's it.

Well, this is my answer in it's most open-minded form as well as an answer to the challenge. But, I know that it will not be accepted and still asked again in 5 minutes or 5 months from now, as though it was never answered.


But, who am I to judge?

Golden Girl, even though you have given great answer and pointed out that the question was answered right from the start.

It is not what they are looking for, they are looking for a particular answer in their head, more like excon answer, that why they feel the question was not answered.

I don't know why the OP's question was answered with rudeness, with discussion about tanning (which has nothing to do with the original question) ?

It has everything to do with it, as people answered the question, they said ,it is personal preference. What more do you need?

Please look at it this way, you go to someone and ask why do you cut your hair? They say because I like it that way, then would you go and say, oh but why do you like it? Can you explain to me? Why do you need to cut your hair? Why wear false lashes? I don't understand this practice, and please don't be rude answering me ! ;)

Honstly what type of response would you get? It is the same thing.
If someone perefer something how the hell they are going to explain that?

Yes, I know. You and Imgorgeous are in all honesty correct with this. I think a sticky of answers from those who lighten (such as a collection produced of our exact statements for those who are curious) and nailed here should be made. Something I had mentioned a few months back once before and something I seriously doubt will ever happen. Along with the sticky, the beauty category as of why do many women choose to wear lip stick sticky for those who continue to be filled with curiosity about those who want to know more about the lipstick practice. And sticky made for those who are considering digesting tanning pills and rub self-tanners on their back.

Along with so many other subjects, instead of taking the time to read that the answer has already been answered more times than it was actually asked. There are hundreds of thousands of skin lightening posts. And yet, as you said... a particular answer is already created in the mind of the individuals asking in order for someone to think... "you know, that's just not it. So let me just TELL you why you lighten and why it's so cool and radical for me to do whatever I want without being questioned for what I do...because I'm so cool". Yawn.

Hello again,

I don't disagree with anyone who says it's done for beauty. I DO notice, however, that nobody, except ME, says that it's done because we live in a racist society.

excon

Hello again,

I don't disagree with anyone who says it's done for beauty. I DO notice, however, that nobody, except ME, says that it's done because we live in a racist society.

excon


If you read through well,you will see that I mentioned ''Complex''.Rasicm isn't synonymous to complex but it could be as a result of racism that one gets complexed.

but it could be as a result of racism that one gets complexed.Hello V:

Could?? COULD?? I cannot imagine anything MORE complex than a person of color trying to wend their way through a white society, that STILL doesn't like 'em very much.

excon

Hello V:

Could???? COULD??? I cannot imagine anything MORE complex than a person of color trying to wend their way through a white society, that STILL doesn't like 'em very much.

excon

People get complexed for other reasons aside racism.

Excon - I don't agree entirely . I have seen a spate of african and asian people BORN in white land and are coloured yet are BRIMMING with CONFIDENCE !

Why? Because they live around people who deem themselves superior. They get accepted and over time they are treated as equals to the extent they treat their own races from colored land as inferiors.

Its not about RACISM and COMPLEX ALONE !

In whiteland, either you look like them or speak and behave like them. If you are from colored land, you have to look GOOD to them or else your inferior!

And My reason for lightening is to LOOK GOOD and thereby be attractive to ALL RACES!

Let me tell you about this Nigerian guy born in UK who had his birthday a few days ago. He met me hugged me invited me to his birthday party. When I asked him about who will be coming, he said lots of hot girls. I guessed some would be nigerian, and guess what he said ?

OH I Don't LIKE NIGERIAN GIRLS UNLESS THEY ARE EXCEPTIONAL!!

Can you believe the statement made by this guy ?

I have seen Nigerian girls who are so stunning they look better than this prick. But the attitude of a winner because he lives in whiteland and accepted by them.

Similarly with asians born in whiteland. They just don't consider other south asians from homeland as equals. If you don't know this. Wake up and smell the coffee.

To edge these ers out I want to be lighter than them and make them feel like shiite!I am lighter than many I come across any way but I want to make them feel like total shiite!

That's MY THEORY!

Any questions ?

For every stupid question, there is a BLATANT answer! That's mine.. Sohotitsscary - COOL DOWN NOW.. Perhaps you will look Less SCARY!

Oh so Only darker people do this!!
So that's why people was being so rude to me, I really didn't think asking about it would have cause so much bitterness, that doesn't excuse some people thou.

I have dark skinned friends should I ask them about skin lighting to get a better understanding?

Excon - I dont agree entirely . I have seen a spate of african and asian people BORN in white land and are coloured yet are BRIMMING with CONFIDENCE !

Why? Because they live around people who deem themselves superior. They get accepted and over time they are treated as equals to the extent they treat their own races from colored land as inferiors.

Its not about RACISM and COMPLEX ALONE !

In whiteland, either you look like them or speak and behave like them. If you are from colored land, you have to look GOOD to them or else your inferior!

And My reason for lightening is to LOOK GOOD and thereby be attractive to ALL RACES!

Let me tell you about this Nigerian guy born in UK who had his birthday a few days ago. He met me hugged me invited me to his birthday party. When I asked him about who will be coming, he said lots of hot girls. I guessed some would be nigerian, and guess what he said ?

OH I DONT LIKE NIGERIAN GIRLS UNLESS THEY ARE EXCEPTIONAL !!!!!!!!!

Can you believe the statement made by this guy ?

I have seen Nigerian girls who are so stunning they look better than this prick. But the attitude of a winner because he lives in whiteland and accepted by them.

Similarly with asians born in whiteland. They just dont consider other south asians from homeland as equals. If you dont know this. Wake up and smell the coffee.

to edge these ers out I want to be lighter than them and make them feel like shiite!I am lighter than many i come across any way but I want to make them feel like total shiite!

thats MY THEORY!

Any questions ?

For every stupid question, there is a BLATANT answer! Thats mine .. Sohotitsscary - COOL DOWN NOW.. Perhaps you will look Less SCARY!

Thank you :)

oh so Only darker people do this!!!
so thats why people was being so rude to me, i really didnt think asking about it would of cause so much bitterness, that doesnt excuse some people thou.

i have dark skinned friends should i ask them about skin lighting to get a better understanding?

Not only dark skinned people do this they are also some lighter skinned who come on the board cause they want to get very pale or maybe to even out their complexion.;)

Not only dark skinned people do this they are also some lighter skinned who come on the board cause they want to get very pale or maybe to even out their complexion.;)

Oh! Interesting!
Is it a female or male or both try skin lighting?

Is it something one would find in the beautians?

Hello again:

I LOVE stirring the pot... But, I'm also curious. And, I don't mind calling a spade a spade, either, if you'll pardon the pun.

One poster talked about butt implants. I think black women do that because black men like big butts. If I'm right, do these same women also lighten?

You can tell me I'm wrong, too. I'll get over it.

excon

excon

You know your just putting more questions in my crazy haired head :)

I do have the question everything gene, it would be a askmehelpdesk first if you got an answer :)

Hello again:

I LOVE stirring the pot... But, I'm also curious. And, I don't mind calling a spade a spade, either, if you'll pardon the pun.

One poster talked about butt implants. I think black women do that because black men like big butts. If I'm right, do these same women also lighten?

You can tell me I'm wrong, too. I'll get over it.

excon

Black men like big butts,is a racial generalisation. It has nothing to do with white or black but you seem to think so.

oh so Only darker people do this!!!
so thats why people was being so rude to me, i really didnt think asking about it would of cause so much bitterness, that doesnt excuse some people thou.

i have dark skinned friends should i ask them about skin lighting to get a better understanding?

I want to apologise if my post was rude, I guess skin lightening is very personal and we can be very defensive about it.

Mainly to do with how society looks at skin lightening, we are judged by both sides black people who don't lighten and white. I know we keep comparing it to tanning but if you come to AMHD, and noticed tanning section would you ask them why they do it? You wouldn't, as it is not frown upon, even though skin lightening is not a new practice.

The resons vary for everyone but for me it is not about self hate or to be accepted or about racisim, I never faced rasicm if I did I never notice ignorant people. I have good career etc

I started looking for something to even out my acne scar, then went all the way to the extreme lol

Most people start into this to even out and then they start wanting more or trying to fix another damge caused by fake product, and the cylce continue.

Anyway if you have more questions I am happy to answer, I am calm about it now :D

Oh can I ask you not to ask your black friends about this, they might come to the forum to have a go at us, how dare us changing our colour:D

Hello again:

I LOVE stirring the pot... But, I'm also curious. And, I don't mind calling a spade a spade, either, if you'll pardon the pun.

One poster talked about butt implants. I think black women do that because black men like big butts. If I'm right, do these same women also lighten?

You can tell me I'm wrong, too. I'll get over it.

excon


Not all black men love big butts like not all men love big boobs, it depend on different cultures. It really vary I know certain culture a butt is a sign of beauty.

NO if's and's or "butts" I think this has ran its course,

Closed