More Vietnamese women are using white skin bathing methods to lighten complexion to resemble their favourite stars, but are ignoring the risk to their skin due to the use of chemicals and cream of unclear origin.

K.H, 27, in Hanoi had always dreamt about silk white skin, so she searched bathing products online. Finally, she decided to choose a quick white bathing package at home which cost her just VND1 million (USD47.6) for four applications. The sales staff said she would become very white if she used this method for three to six times.

However she was really disappointed with the product’s results. After the first time of using it, she suffered itching and swelling all over her body. Some days later, her skin became tanned and the swelling continued spreading, forcing her to go to see doctor. The doctor concluded that her skin had been seriously damaged and she would need a long time for treatment.

After following a friend’s suggestion, Mrs. B.T.T in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh District used a mixture made up by the seller at a local drugstore, including Vitamin B and E, Ginseng and some chemicals. Initially, she was very happy to hear about the quick effects from some previous customers.

However, later she broke out in a rash due to her reaction to the chemicals. A white bathing process often lasts from one to two hours and includes wiping out dead cells, being covered in special scream and using steam for chemicals to be absorbed into the skin. The treatment costs between VND500,000 (USD23.8) to VND2 million (USD95.2) each time.

Mrs. N, owner of a cosmetics and medical equipment shop, in Hanoi’s Cau Giay District said most of the local beauty spas bought mask products for white bathing from her shop. A mask was sold from VND25,000 to VND250,000 and were mainly from China. She also added that many white bathing products without clear points of origin were being sold.

Doctor Nguyen Minh Quang from Hanoi Dermatology and Venerlogy Hospital said, "Every month, the hospital receives around 10 in-patients with skin diseases, including many who have used the white bathing method. Most of them make the mixture themselves or buy it from chemists for white bathing at home. The method is not included in the list of medical services allowed by the Ministry of Health.”

According to the doctor, skin colour is largely determined by melamine and also depends on genetic factors; therefore, quick white bathing cannot affect people’s complexion and could pose risks to people’s skin.