I came cross this story here [see link] and it was the case of someone bleaching their skin, it became awful and they now regret it. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/africa_have_your_say/8095882.stm

So this get me thinking, what is the difference between Bleaching and Toning? Without doing much research and googling. I have feeling that both actions - Bleaching and Skin toning - manipulate and compromise the melanin/skin cells of the body. If that is the case, why do it? Insecurity? The need to look like the white woman etc? Please educate me.


Here is a description of skin toning.

Due to age and other causes like vagaries of weather, pollution and other toxins in the atmosphere, the face and other parts of our body start to sag and show wrinkles. You have to tone your skin for a youthful, rejuvenated feel. The epidermal cells gradually lose their capacity to produce new cells while the dermis that produce collagen loses its elasticity, resulting in a dry skin and wrinkles on the face. Toners can be used to clean the last traces of oil from the skin. They do not close or open pores. Sometimes they cause a slight skin irritation which makes the skin feel tighter. Skin toning lotions freshen the skin. They also stimulate the blood supply to the skin.

Am I the only one thinking this is inaccurate? How come toning creams comes with weird name chemicals in them?

Anyway, I may be wrong so educate me.

A quick google shows that skin toning information is mostly from "beauty websites"! This I believe may not be a fair groud for taking information for a debate. I mean, here is another quote.

Toning is important for both men and women as it is the protective step after gentle, but thorough cleansing of skin as it keeps pores clean, skin healthy and breathing and thus more receptive to ultimate in nourishing care that comes with moisturizing. For men, the need for narrowing down on top skin toners may be significantly more than women since they have about fifteen percent oilier skin and considerably larger pores than women.

Thus, their skin gets dirtier and requires more frequent deep cleansing and timely toning to look fresh and healthy. Skin care experts reveal that the top skin toners and cleansing products should be as chemical-free as possible and persons with dry or sensitive skin must avoid use of deodorant soaps. Soaps that foam and lather easily usually cleanse with harsh ingredients and leave a detergent film behind, which can irritate your skin and clog your pores, making it difficult to achieve healthy toning up afterwards.

I think if people bath regualy and use proper sponge, then there may not be a need for toning?

The difference between bleaching and toning: Bleaching is for those who are trying to make themselves look White.
Toning is for Black people who just want to correct imperfections or uneven skin tone.

And unfortunately, no-you can't literally scrub the Black off. I can wash from now til tomorrow and I will still have Black knees and elbows, underarms and dark circles under my eyes(from lack of sleep). Black folks tend to suffer from hyper-pigmentation in certain areas because of our blessing of melanin to protect us from the sun so I say if you want to correct those problem areas by toning-there is no problem there.

However, not loving yourself enough to know that Black is beautiful and that bleaching just makes you have an unhealthy, sick-looking skin-tone-then maybe we should start a thread on that one.

IyaKadijat:

The difference between bleaching and toning: Bleaching is for those who are trying to make themselves look White.
Toning is for Black people who just want to correct imperfections or uneven skin tone.

And unfortunately, no-you can't literally scrub the Black off. I can wash from now til tomorrow and I will still have Black knees and elbows, underarms and dark circles under my eyes(from lack of sleep). Black folks tend to suffer from hyper-pigmentation in certain areas because of our blessing of melanin to protect us from the sun so I say if you want to correct those problem areas by toning-there is no problem there.

However, not loving yourself enough to know that Black is beautiful and that bleaching just makes you have an unhealthy, sick-looking skin-tone-then maybe we should start a thread on that one.

This is precisely my problem with those who do either acts - They are more or less doing some sort of damage/manipulation to the skin. Bleaching and toning in my views are just same thing. One is more harsh and the other gentle.

We are rich in a melanin for a good reason, and it appears that people tend to miss this. I will not call a few spot on my skin as a blemish or imperfection. As far as I am concerned it is what makes me, me.

If you agree that Black is beautiful, why even think about making changes to it in such manners? [Not implying that you do]

ElRazur:

This is precisely my problem with those who do either acts - They are more or less doing some sort of damage/manipulation to the skin. Bleaching and toning in my views are just same thing. One is more harsh and the other gentle.

We are rich in a melanin for a good reason, and it appears that people tend to miss this. I will not call a few spot on my skin as a blemish or imperfection. As far as I am concerned it is what makes me, me.

If you agree that Black is beautiful, why even think about making changes to it in such manners? [Not implying that you do]

I have to disagree with you here-bleaching is done over a large percentage of the body-perhaps to make the whole body the new skin color they're trying to achieve. Toning is done in spotty areas-like a dab here or there under the eyes, or on the knees, etc.

I love my skin and love the way God made me-that doesn't mean that I don't want to improve or change any imperfections. I wear make-up every once in a while-that doesn't mean I don't love my skin-just means I'm going for a different look.
I have once used toning cream on my knees before because I wanted to look cuter in above-the-knee dresses and skirts but I could never remember to use the stuff, lol.

Anyways, that doesn't mean that I will stop wearing above-the-knee skirts because my knees are black-I really don't care-some dude somewhere is still gonna think I'm sexy!

IyaKadijat:

I have to disagree with you here-bleaching is done over a large percentage of the body-perhaps to make the whole body the new skin color they're trying to achieve. Toning is done in spotty areas-like a dab here or there under the eyes, or on the knees, etc.

I love my skin and love the way God made me-that doesn't mean that I don't want to improve or change any imperfections. I wear make-up every once in a while-that doesn't mean I don't love my skin-just means I'm going for a different look.
I have once used toning cream on my knees before because I wanted to look cuter in above-the-knee dresses and skirts but I could never remember to use the stuff, lol.

Anyways, that doesn't mean that I will stop wearing above-the-knee skirts because my knees are black-I really don't care-some dude somewhere is still gonna think I'm sexy!

Lol. Me too I disagree jare. I am in London, and going to Peckham [Black area] you see all these body shop cream actually selling every day Toning cream. This cream appears to be made for every day use - for the whole body. From your Tura gel, IKB, Movate, Fashion fair etc are all marketed as "Toning cream"
You know that the elbows, knees are dark for a good reason - Biological reasons actually - and why people need to undo this is beyond me.


Allow me to play along on your God's view. If God make us in his image, I guess on that alone we do not need to make any improvements, especially those that kills of what is meant to protect and benefit us. No?


But why do you see the need to use a toning cream? Perhaps you have allowed the Western world of beauty's perception to get to you? In other words brainwashed into thinking you need to make adjustment to your skin appearance? Just a thought.

If I am your boyfriend, I would tell you that you are beautiful and you do not need any alteration to your skin.

ElRazur:

Lol. Me too I disagree jare. I am in London, and going to Peckham [Black area] you see all these body shop cream actually selling every day Toning cream. This cream appears to be made for every day use - for the whole body. From your Tura gel, IKB, Movate, Fashion fair etc are all marketed as "Toning cream"
You know that the elbows, knees are dark for a good reason - Biological reasons actually - and why people need to undo this is beyond me.


Allow me to play along on your God's view. If God make us in his image, I guess on that alone we do not need to make any improvements, especially those that kills of what is meant to protect and benefit us. No?


But why do you see the need to use a toning cream? Perhaps you have allowed the Western world of beauty's perception to get to you? In other words brainwashed into thinking you need to make adjustment to your skin appearance? Just a thought.

If I am your boyfriend, I would tell you that you are beautiful and you do not need any alteration to your skin.

Trust me, I know how the stuff is marketed-they want you to feel comfortable buying bleaching cream without everyone around you know that's what you're buying-kinda like "discreet" packaging. But please enlighten me on the biological reason my knees are black? I really wanna hear this one, lol.

And yes, God makes us in His image, but as imperfect beings-we all do things to mess up that image. I know my knees got blackened from always kneeling on them as a kid. I know I got the dark circles under my eyes from not getting enough sleep-why can't I try to improve what I myself know I messed up on my body? Do you think the Lord will say its a sin?

From what I recollect. The elbow, knees and joints in the feet and hands get used every day and as such have over the years evolved to better protect us, this have lead to hyper pigmentation of these areas. Also, it was also alleged that due to our forefathers crawling when hunting etc [Some African tribes still hunts in this manner], these areas become hardened and darked as well. Something that have been passed down us to us. And as with many things passed down the human chain, [gene] it can be more pronounced in some than in others.

I'm looking up for definite answers, and would post them if I come across anything.

Oh dont forget that we all crawled as a baby as well.

ElRazur:

From what I recollect. The elbow, knees and joints in the feet and hands get used every day and as such have over the years evolved to better protect us, this have lead to hyper pigmentation of these areas. Also, it was also alleged that due to our forefathers crawling when hunting etc [Some African tribes still hunts in this manner], these areas become hardened and darked as well. Something that have been passed down us to us. And as with many things passed down the human chain, [gene] it can be more pronounced in some than in others.

I'm looking up for definite answers, and would post them if I come across anything.

wow! that is very interesting. I mean I know things are passed down genetically that are no longer necessary for today's environment like the appendix or goose pimples, but who'd knew darkened knees and elbows were a part of that? I actually found out there is actually a genetic, biological reason my backside is so huge-and that dates back to Africa, too-lol.

You are very well-educated and that is seriously sexy-boy, if I wasn't seriously dating somebody right now-you'd be in trouble! LOL!

I know Porn stars have to bleach their private area if its dark in skin tone colour compared to the rest of the other skin. They say its like burning the skin layer or sumthin. Am not sure. . .

Toning? Ive never heard of that. Sorry

Another thing I think about toning/bleaching creams is once you start using them, youhave to keep using else the spot becomes darker. Please correct me if Im wrong. I have noticed it in men&women who bleach/tone their skins and later try to stop for one reason or the other.

Also, white skinned people are more prone to skin cancer due to the absence of melanin. God has helped us overcome this challenge, why do we want to add one more problem to the numerous we are still grappling with?

IyaKadijat:

wow! that is very interesting. I mean I know things are passed down genetically that are no longer necessary for today's environment like the appendix or goose pimples, but who'd knew darkened knees and elbows were a part of that? I actually found out there is actually a genetic, biological reason my backside is so huge-and that dates back to Africa, too-lol.

You are very well-educated and that is seriously sexy-boy, if I wasn't seriously dating somebody right now-you'd be in trouble! LOL!

Haha. Thanks. It should be noted that it was from "recollection" and I may have missed out a few key things there.

As for you having a big hip, it actually means biologically that you are more suited to ensuring the continuation of the human species! How I hear you ask? Well, having a bigger hips [which sometimes means big arse] means you will be able to cope with carrying a bigger baby. A bigger baby means a variation in human physical appearance etc and hence a better chance of survival. You are the other ladies with Big arse you see yourselves as "Biological Men in Black". . . Saving man kind from extinction. lol

CakeMonsta:

I know Porn stars have to bleach their private area if its dark in skin tone colour compared to the rest of the other skin. They say its like burning the skin layer or sumthin. Am not sure. . .

Toning? Ive never heard of that. Sorry

Not only porn stars. Socialites and those who are just plain crazy in my opinion do it too. I think it is called Anal bleaching or something along those lines. There is a video on it on the internet.

Skin toning is a milder form of skin bleaching jare in my opinion. Just google Skin toning creams and you will see plenty of them.

The anal sides. It is blacked and a few people thought it would be a nice idea to "tone" it. lol. It was even shown on tv over here.

It all depends on perspective in my opinion.

Bleaching is a drastic colour change process in most cases, involving the use of the 'chemical' on all of the body.

Toning, when done to even out uneven skin colouration (e.g dark patches on the face) is a completely different case to me. Yes both might involve manipulation of the skin, but I don't think a slight change in colouration to achieve a more even complexion is really the same as 'bleaching'.

That said, people will carry either act to unreasonable extremes - still can be a problem if not carried out properly.

Why do I get the feeling Oga Debo have dabbled with a few Creams and experimented with all sorts?  Kai. Alhaji Debosky Omo Yoyo.

On a serious note, the manipulation is something I personally just disagree with. The problem also is that it is counter productive like some people have pointed out already - One have to keep using them as the body produces more melanin to counter the effect. Hence why people look noticeably different once they stop using them.

I think bleaching is disgusting. Why black people wanna be white beats me! And then you get the oyinbo people who sit in the sun all day to look brown!  

Although there is a difference between the both, I think Toning creams do have some of the chemicals as bleaching products but a small percentage! One of my friends has a friend who bleaches like no man's business, if you ever saw the state of her knuckles, knees and ankles, they are soooo black in comparisment to the rest of her body colour. She asked me to join her in her bleaching crusade.  

Bleaching is sooo harsh to the skin that many of the VITAL/MAIN chemicals and Ingredients are actually banned in the UK.  

I would rather stick to my 'Simple' Collection thanks.  

Bleaching is obviously a bad idea. And to be honest it's only Nigerians and other Africans that I've heard using the word "toning" or "toner" to euphemize bleaching or skin bleaching creams.

Toner as I know it, is like a moisturizing face cleanser thing that you apply with cotton wool (after washing your face) that is supposed to clean your face, get rid of excess oil and dirt and make the skin on your face appear smoother (i.e. less-visible pores, less prone to acne etc). I'm assuming this is the kind of toner the article you posted was referring to.

ElRazur:

Why do I get the feeling Oga Debo have dabbled with a few Creams and experimented with all sorts?  Kai. Alhaji Debosky Omo Yoyo.

On a serious note, the manipulation is something I personally just disagree with. The problem also is that it is counter productive like some people have pointed out already - One have to keep using them as the body produces more melanin to counter the effect. Hence why people look noticeably different once they stop using them.

Dabble? I am a dealer - certified Tura manufacturer in Onitsha.

Right now I'm working on getting my butt the same colour as my arms, a daunting task without a doubt.

The key is doing it (toning) properly and with the right products - that way, permanent usage might not be required. Don't go for crazy skin modification, simply try to improve tone or lessen imperfections, if you feel the need to do it at all.

Someone already touched on this but I think this shd be explained a little better. A toner is a lotion or gel applied after a facial cleanser to remove excess dirt, oils, etc and to close the pores. A toning lotion or cream is a mild bleaching cream designed to even out minor skin discoloration like a scar, dark spot, or freckle. A toning cream is mild and not designed to change the whole skin tone, but rather to clear minor spots. A bleach is a seriously invasive product to fully lighten your skin color like Michael Jackson.

@ Poster,

Bleaching is the act of using products to give your face a lighter shade than it already is. It is harmful because one's skin is peeled of and thins out the more one continues to use the so-called "beauty" products. Most bleaching products contain hydroquinone, mercury and sometimes allantoin.

For more information, ask the [b]Congolese [/b]people; they LOVE to bleach their faces and they look so gross.

Toning on the other hand does not involve any wearing out of skin. For instance, the act of cleansing, moisturizing and applying sunscreen may successfully lead to a well toned-out skin. Some moisturizers contain Aloe Vera, Neem, honey, Ayurvedic, milk, etc. Regular use of these natural products for instance may successfully give one an even-out toned face. That is not bleaching.

NB: Bleaching: the act of making one's skin to be lighter.
     Toning: the act of acquiring an even skin-tone, regardless of what tone/shade one actually is.

i would really like to meet/see a picture of someone who has bleached and looks better. these days i see so many obviously naturally lightskinned nigerian women who are bleaching and getting that rough and sore textured skin. horrible and sad. how could dark possibly be anything but lovely.

Good Girl:


NB: Bleaching: the act of making one's skin to be lighter.
Toning: the act of acquiring an even skin-tone, regardless of what tone/shade one actually is.

GBAM Absolutely spot on.

Lita:

i would really like to meet/see a picture of someone who has bleached and looks better. these days i see so many obviously naturally lightskinned nigerian women who are bleaching and getting that rough and sore textured skin. horrible and sad. how could dark possibly be anything but lovely.

Impossicant

ElRazur:
A quick google shows that skin toning information is mostly from "beauty websites"! This I believe may not be a fair groud for taking information for a debate. I mean, here is another quote.




I think if people bath regualy and use proper sponge, then there may not be a need for toning?

Taking ur bath regularly z quite diff frm toning

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