[Anuli]

Pharma said: IMHO they have the obligation to change marketing to keep mostly the young people from (ab-)using such products… would be great if they did!

This is key ???? . 

It’s not about banning all products but changing the marketing and advertising. And advocating for safe use. 

[Anuli]

ngarayeva001 said:

@Belassi, my point is that if large multinational companies like Unilever remove skin lightening creams from those markets they would open pandora’s box, because with demand being still in place black market will pick up rather quickly. It’s much better to have shelves filled with products of a known brand who has reputation to lose. I would have more trust in a large multinational company when it comes to lightening products. It’s like banning alcohol, people would find a way and that way would be more dangerous. These products must be easily available, inexpensive and quality controlled.

I thought it was like banning alcohol as well. 

Alcoholism causes liver cirrhosis, liver cancer , death and automobile accidents. 

Smoking causes asthma, lung cancer, leads to early death. 

We all have known and seen the effects. 

Alcohol isn’t banned and neither is smoking, yet the ICUS steadily get patients who because of these habits need life saving treatment. 

I worked in a Liver ICU, coding patients left and right, am I NOW going to start making statements that alcohol should be banned? 

I don’t drink but those who do- I advocate to do it safely. 

The point here is to advocate for safety and reinforce that beauty comes in ALL shades and not just “white” . 

Hyperpigmentation is an issue that women of color have to battle. Those who seek to be even toned should not be shamed for it. 

[Anuli]

Belassi said:

I don’t agree. I have seen the terrible damage done, I spent years in Africa where such products are peddled.

You might have lived in Africa but you do not share the same experience as an African. 

Why are you a cosmetic formulator? To only serve those who look like yourself and the issues or concerns they might have? 

I gather that you believe that every person of color has psychological issues and wishes to become  “white” 

Are you going to tell women not to get Botox because they should love their wrinkles? 

Not to get cosmetic surgery to fix their crook in their already straight noses because of their insecurities?

People everyday are Extreme dieting because of dissatisfaction in how they appear presently. 

Just like you may or may not formulate products to improve on whatever you chose, people should be able to choose to do what they desire and not be shamed for it. 

My point is - is it safe? Does it pose a risk? What is the bigger picture? 

Supposed hyperpigmentation is only seen by a dermatologist- fine- but when the market gets flooded by damage causing materials then who benefits? 

You have less clients and more people earning from illicit means. 

I’m sure you’ll probably ignore this- but there are plenty of African women who are proud of the melanin they are blessed with.  

Maybe you need to spend some time again. Not everyone is there to bleach their skin. 

[Anuli]

Yes . I am well aware. 

Due to colorism there is a drive that being lighter is seen as more beautiful and more attractive. 

I can write a thesis on it but I don’t want to detract from the main focus. 

The act of depigmentation vs correcting hyperpigmentation . 

I do not support removing your original color. I do not support depigmentation. Please don’t ascribe to the belief that every African foreigner is looking to create a dangerous depigmentation product. 

I am endeavoring to change that viewpoint and I am happy that more darker shades of melanin are being placed in media worldwide. 

With that being said, hyperpigmentation still is a big issue. I respect your contributions but please be open minded to believe that there are those who wish to simply have blemish free skin. 

[Anuli]

Hello! 

I forgot to do my introduction! ( I saw a post that engaged my attention) 
I happened to find Cosmetic Corner through a google search years ago. I was so intrigued by the vast knowledge- I enrolled at the University of Cincinnati -Masters of Pharmacology in Cosmetic Sciences- 
I completed a year and I learned so much of the chemical side of cosmetics and I was given the opportunity to engage with up and new formulators who assisted me with my studies. 

After some thinking, I felt more led to be a dermatology Nurse Practitioner - I transferred programs and I will be finishing soon. 

I’ve been a Nurse for years and I’ve seen so many patients struggle with themselves and hyperpigmentation. 

Developing my own Line has been my passion and as a hands on person, I am driven to learn the ins and out of cosmetic science ???? 
I’m grateful for @perry and this forum and the many esteemed scientists ???? who have patience with us “hobbists” 
For me it’s not a hobby- it’s a life goal that I want to perfect. 

Thank you- 
Anuli C????

[Anuli]

@letsalcido it’s definitely going to be a marketing change. 

The demand for skin lightening products is too incredible. 

It’s what lead me here. I’ve been a lurker for years but due to googling, it led me to @Perry’s page and pushed me to enroll at the University of Cincinnati Masters in Pharmacology in Cosmetic Science. 

I finished one full year and transferred to a Nurse Practitioner program- as I believe being a dermatology provider would give me better leverage in marketing and running my own dermatology clinic with the products created. Kinda like Dr Murad but for individuals of color. 

I find it disheartening to see a post seemingly cheering about anti hyperpigmentation products being pulled, and reading the article - it’s very misleading, it’s only removing the name. 

Again like I said before - hyperpigmentation is a serious issue that won’t go away. Maybe due to genetics , you don’t experience it-  you don’t see the need for lightening products , but there is a need. 

2 weeks ago I was approached by a colleague about what I am doing with my skin to keep it blemish free. She complained that she worries that her daughter won’t “find a man” or “settle down” because of her tremendous acne scars. I gave her my recommendations and she bought every single one. 

I’m West African, my colleague is Indian. 

Maybe one should check their insights on a billion dollar industry. 

❤️

[Anuli]

The issue of hyperpigmentation is still a huge problem. Women cry about acne scars and other areas of hyperpigmentation. 

The demand for anti melanogenic products will still persist as long as there are advertisements for smooth clear skin.

They are only changing names due to the over sensitivity of the BLM movement and I’m saying this as a individual of color. 

Personally my struggles to remove hyperpigmentation is a mark to improve my self esteem, being proud that I have blemish free skin that I can boast of. 

It’s my primary focus on my research as I personally know more than hundreds of individuals who have spent thousands trying to achieve the ever elusive mark free skin.