Digital Video
The Dark Side of Skin Lightening
In some countries, companies are doing big business selling creams to change dark skin. Now consumers are going even further.
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Lighter skin has long been associated with power and privilege. Even in the 21st century, with a global reckoning over racial discrimination underway, some manufacturers and retailers continue to make millions of dollars selling creams that purportedly lighten dark skin.
In many parts of the world, colorism—discrimination based on skin tone—remains pervasive, thanks in no small part to television, media and of course advertising. Now some consumers intent on changing the color of their skin are going even further, using intravenous drips that can have dangerous side effects.