Cross‐sectional analysis of skin lightening and skin bleaching practices on social media

Shah, Nidhi; Ghatnekar, Shilpa; Liu, Kristina J.

doi:10.1111/jocd.14368

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…It is also crucial for dermatologists to appreciate that many people will get advice on skin lightening and bleaching from social media content, which will often promote racialized beauty standards that discount normal physical variation in skin tone while omitting important information on AEs. 29 Educating patients on the physical and emotional risks that skin bleaching poses should be an essential part of the consultation. The dermatologist should ensure that the consultation is not judgemental, and that any underlying skin condition is also addressed and managed effectively.…”

Section: Role Of Dermatologistsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Skin lightening: causes and complications

Sommerlad

2021

Clin Experimental Derm

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Skin bleaching, also known as skin lightening, is the deliberate lightening of an individual's skin tone without medical supervision. The causes are complex, multifactorial and often intertwined, although the unifying themes centre around a belief that lighter skin denotes an individual of higher status, socioeconomic background or physical beauty, than their darker-skinned counterpart. Skin lightening is achieved using agents that block the production of melanin and often contain drugs such as hydroquinone, superpotent topical steroids or mercury. These drugs can cause serious local and systemic complication. Skin-lightening compounds are illegal in most countries throughout the world; however the industry is worth billions of dollars annually, and the agents can be easily obtained by individuals seeking to lighten their skin. Dermatologists are in a unique position to identify those at risk of using skin-bleaching agents, manage complications and give advice on the physiological variation in pigmentation and how to avoid using skin-lightening agents to treat dermatological conditions. To manage the belief that lighter skin is better, societal level change is required to ensure that people of all skin tones are represented in the media.

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Section: Role Of Dermatologistsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Skin lightening: causes and complications

Sommerlad

2021

Clin Experimental Derm

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confidence: 99%

“…Skin bleaching, a multi‐billion dollar industry, 1 , 2 is a growing global public health issue that poses significant risks to consumers and presents dermatologists with challenges. Shah et al 1 recently addressed this topic, uncovering the variety of skin‐lightening practices and misinformation that pervades social media. Amidst racial injustices and the Black Lives Matter movement wherein many people of color have begun to confront the prejudices in their own communities, furthering the discussion on skin bleaching by exploring its origins and colorism in our society is imperative.…”

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confidence: 99%