Uthanda Bani: Skin bleaching for aesthetics

You know it’s serious when someone calls Uthanda Bani for an intervention. The latest episode of the show introduced viewers to Mpho, who’s trying to get his partner, Tebogo, to stop bleaching his skin. With the help of the show, Mpho hopes that Tebogo will see the negative effects of bleaching his skin. 

“I understand his job may require him to be kind of wild, in a way, for the entertainment industry. You know those people, like Barbie... Khanyi Mbau and other people who are using such products,” he told Basani. Mpho also revealed that Tebogo is actually Khanyi Mbau’s cousin. “I think his cousin has influenced him to bleach his skin.” According to Mpho, Tebogo uses skin lightening products on a daily basis and has been doing so since 2021. 

“When you see him, you wouldn’t think he bleaches. But once you know, you’d be surprised,” he said. Tebogo has also reportedly deleted all the pictures of himself before he bleached his skin. Mpho believes that this stems from insecurities about his physical appearance. 

When confronted about the issue, Tebogo didn’t understand why Mpho would be bothered. “Honestly, I feel better when I’m lighter in complexion because I’m actually trying to penetrate the entertainment industry. So, I believe the entertainment industry is all about aesthetic,” Tebogo said on the show. 

He explained that he was dark before he started with the process. “When I started bleaching, I bought products from this other lady, it was a combo for R1 500.” After that, the lady asked that they do a trade exchange. Tebogo would promote her bleaching products, and he would receive free products in return. “Then after that, I decided that since I was lighter in complexion, I’d be an influencer, and that helped me in so many ways,” he said.

Tebogo has never been to a dermatologist and Basani asked if he’s aware of the side effects of skin bleaching products. He’s aware that skin cancer is a potential threat. “The melanin is the one that protects you from the sun. Hence they advise that if you bleach your skin, always wear sunscreen. I knew what I was getting myself into,” Tebogo said. Basani advised him to accept himself as he is. He admitted that he has a problem and agreed to see the recommended dermatologist. 

All the episodes of Uthanda Bani are available to binge-watch on Showmax.

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