Anal bleaching

Pornographic film actors were the first to undergo the anal bleaching process, in an effort to lighten the color of their anuses to match the rest of their skin,[1] although it has been suggested by Kristina Rose that this is not the case.[2] As Brazilian waxing became popular, due to the popularity of smaller swimsuits and lingerie, the spread of pornography into the mainstream, and endorsement of the procedure by celebrities,[3] women began noticing that their anuses were darker than the rest of their skin.[1] The increase in the number of women engaging in anal sex has also contributed to women's concern over the appearance of their anus.[1] To combat this perceived problem, anal bleaching began to gain appeal.[2] Some gay men also make use of this procedure.[4][5]

The procedure was briefly shown in 2004 near the end of an episode Cosmetic Surgery Live.[6] One salon that performed the procedure received an increase in queries in 2005 attributed to an episode of Dr. 90210 on E!, when porn star Tabitha Stevens was filmed having her anus bleached.[5] It garnered several mentions in movies such as Brüno,[7] and Bridesmaids,[1] and in magazines.[1][4]

The treatment was apparently first offered in the US in California in 2005; it was reported to be available at the same time in Australia.[5] Spas outside of Hollywood were slow to begin offering it as a beauty treatment, with just one New York spa offering the service by 2007.[8] Creams are now sold for use at home.[9] Although the popularity of anal bleaching has not approached that of Brazilian waxing, it has garnered mainstream recognition over the past several years.[2]

There are several methods to carry out the anal lightening process. The most common method is to simply use an at-home lotion or gel to target the darkened anal and genital area and gradually fade the darkened area over time.

Many of these cosmetics contained ingredients that would irritate the sensitive anal area, creating temporary discomfort and even burning, scarring, or incontinence.[9]

The process performed with creams containing hydroquinone is banned in some countries, such as the member states of the EU.[10] In 2006, the FDA removed previous advice that stated hydroquinone was considered generally safe, as hydroquinone has been linked to ochronosis, where skin becomes permanently discoloured and disfigured, and because it may also be a carcinogen.[11] However, its use is not banned in the United States and it is still in use.[12]

Other principal ingredients that are used in skin lightening cosmetics are arbutin and kojic acid.[10] Arbutin, often also called bearberry, can be converted by the body into hydroquinone.[13] Kojic acid was developed as a safer alternative to hydroquinone, however it is less effective at lightening and also carcinogenic.[14]

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