Discussion: Is Bleaching Your Skin Ok?

India Arie, is that you? The 37-year-old star is almost unrecognizable in the cover image from her new single "Cocoa Butter," which is causing a lot of backlash and many to believe that she has been lightening her skin. But India.Arie took to Twitter on Friday to deny the accusations, saying she has no desire to bleach her skin because she loves herself and her brown skin "more than ever. Most of us would like to have beautiful skin and an even tone. But you may also wonder if bleaching your skin is safe and necessary. Have you ever had the urge to bleach your skin?

This is quite a shock considering the afro-centric R&B singer is known for promoting black beauty-- most notably expressed in her hit songs "Brown Skin" and "I Am Not My Hair." Sources close to India told TMZ that her "lightened" skin tone is the result of the camera flash and angle. And added that the singer never asked to be lightened. Nevertheless, the celebrity website makes the valid point that India approved the photo without correcting the color of her skin.

 In many African countries women ( + a lot of men too) have a desperate desire that borders on manic obsessions for beautiful fair skin.  The preference for light skinned women has remained prevalent over time in all cultures: Asian, European, African, Caribbean and American. What we are seeing today in our society is a reflection of that- slavery mentality; it is believed that the lighter your complexion the better you are treated. Bleaching your skin is also very bad for your skin.

Many skin-bleaching products contain harmful toxins like mercury, hydroquinone, arsenic and alpha hydroxyl acid. It can cause serious chemical burns, it can result in severe injury and even death. When bleach is applied to facial skin, it is possible to get the chemical into your eyes. Bleach in the eyes can cause blindness.

What is your opinion? Is bleaching your skin ok? Did you ever tried it? Leave your opion in a comment!