Skin Bleaching in the Caribbean: A Potential Cause of Premature Skin Aging

Skin bleaching is common worldwide and particularly in the Caribbean, the practice involves using strong chemicals and substances—often self-concocted—containing ingredients such as hydroquinone and topical steroids, which are melanin inhibitors. This results in the damaged appearance of the skin barrier with prolonged exposure. This literature will investigate the main impulses behind skin bleaching and its potential association with premature aging. Documented evidence illustrates that many skin-bleaching products contain heavy metals, chief among them being mercury, which when coupled with hydroquinone can cause dermatological issues and could even lead to systemic toxicity. Skin bleaching destroys structural proteins that provide the skin with elasticity and tenacity. Compromising these proteins may cause increased susceptibility and vulnerability to infections, skin cancers and potentially accelerate skin aging. Tackling this issue warrants a comprehensive strategy of supplementing medical education especially among low socioeconomic groups, about the impact of skin bleaching and its close correlation with premature skin aging. This literature emphasizes the need for further study to comprehend and attenuate the health consequences of skin bleaching in the Caribbean.