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Skin Whitening

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Asia

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Skin whitening has been a commonly utilized practice in Asia stemming from Western as well as traditional Asian influences.[1]

In South Asia, the colour of one’s skin determined social status as it implied the circumstances of one’s positionality.[1] While pale skin suggested being away from the sun, darker skin signified the result of working in external conditions.[2] With colonial influence from Britian’s occupation, there was a distinction in superiority and inferiority.[1] With those in power attributing pale complexions, there was an association tied among class and position.[1] The caste system was recognized in distinguishing hierarchy in which skin played a role in those who carried more power than those with lesser power.[1]

The South Asian film industry was a contributing factor from colonialism in the reinforcement of these narratives.[2] The appealing and heroic protaganist embodied a pale complexion, while the antagonist was darker in complexion.[2] Imposing these portrayals through visual depictions influenced the practice of skin whitening to embody the suggestion of femininity and beauty.[2]

Tumeric was a used ingredient in lightening skin tone complexion to be seen as desirable.[2] Lighter skin was a contribution to appealing as the role of wife.[2]


In Japan, Western values were adopted and translated through external appearance from the influence of events where the Americans and Europeans intersected with the Japanese.[1] During the Meiji Restoration Period, western paintings carried by sailors showcased a narrative visually.[1] Women were perceived as fragile and feminine through external features like lightened skin. These depictions suggest what was valued and deemed as desirable in Western regions.[1]

Advertisements were a large influence in the marketable appeal of skin whitening in China and Taiwan.[3] Skincare products that are recognized to protect the skin included chemicals that assist in skin whitening.[3] These products were marketed and promoted as the solution to appearing young forever.[3] Skincare products have been predominantly created to serve as anti-aging to women in China and Taiwan of all ages.[3]

In the Phillipines, the practice of skin whitening was the result of colonialism.[4] Skin whitening was a popular practice and industry in maintaining financial gain and external appeal.[4] Skin whitening invited opportunity for greater treatment. White pigmentation translated to purity, marital appeal and beauty.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Li, Eric; Min, Hyun Jeong; Belk, R.W.; Kimura, J.; Bahl, Shalini (2008-01-01). "Skin lightening and beauty in four Asian cultures". Advances in Consumer Research. 35: 444–445.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Shankar, P Ravi; Palaian, Subish (2007-06-01). "Fair skin in South Asia: An obsession?". Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists. 17: 101.
  3. ^ a b c d Pan, Elysia (2013-04). "Beautiful White: An Illumination of Asian Skin-Whitening Culture": 6. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  4. ^ a b c Mendoza, Roger Lee (2014). "The skin whitening industry in the Philippines". Journal of Public Health Policy. 35 (2): 219. ISSN 0197-5897.