The phenomenon of skin lightening: Is it right to be light?

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorDavids, Lester M
dc.contributor.authorvan Wyk, Jennifer
dc.contributor.authorKhumalo, Nonhlanhla P
dc.contributor.authorJablonski, Nina G
dc.date.accessioned2021-10-08T07:16:13Z
dc.date.available2021-10-08T07:16:13Z
dc.date.issued2016
dc.description.abstractAbstractChemicals capable of lightening the skin – variously known as skin-bleaching, skin-lightening, depigmenting, skin-evening and skin-brightening agents – are among the most commonly used skin preparations in the world. Globally, Africa reportedly exhibits a high prevalence of skin lightener use. In this review, we provide both clinical and social perspectives on skin lightener use in Africa, with particular emphasis on South Africa. We narratively explore the timeline associated with skin lightener use in South Africa and attempt to interweave the social rhetoric of this specific paradigm. Despite the risks associated with exposing the skin to known constituents of these formulations, such as hydroquinone and mercury, chronic use continues. In spite of legislation banning hydroquinone and mercury in cosmetics in South Africa, these ingredients are present in widely available products. We recommend better implementation of policies and greater ethical responsibility of multinational cosmetic companies in addition to the initiation of a system of random product testing and penalties that could improve industry compliance.
dc.identifier.apacitationDavids, L. M., van Wyk, J., Khumalo, N. P., & Jablonski, N. G. (2016). The phenomenon of skin lightening: Is it right to be light?. <i>South African Journal of Science</i>, Volume 112(Number 11/12), 174 - 177. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/34798en_ZA
dc.identifier.chicagocitationDavids, Lester M, Jennifer van Wyk, Nonhlanhla P Khumalo, and Nina G Jablonski "The phenomenon of skin lightening: Is it right to be light?." <i>South African Journal of Science</i> Volume 112, Number 11/12. (2016): 174 - 177. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/34798en_ZA
dc.identifier.citationDavids, L.M., van Wyk, J., Khumalo, N.P. & Jablonski, N.G. 2016. The phenomenon of skin lightening: Is it right to be light?. <i>South African Journal of Science.</i> Volume 112(Number 11/12):174 - 177. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/34798en_ZA
dc.identifier.issn0038-2353
dc.identifier.issn1996-7489
dc.identifier.ris TY - Journal Article AU - Davids, Lester M AU - van Wyk, Jennifer AU - Khumalo, Nonhlanhla P AU - Jablonski, Nina G AB - AbstractChemicals capable of lightening the skin – variously known as skin-bleaching, skin-lightening, depigmenting, skin-evening and skin-brightening agents – are among the most commonly used skin preparations in the world. Globally, Africa reportedly exhibits a high prevalence of skin lightener use. In this review, we provide both clinical and social perspectives on skin lightener use in Africa, with particular emphasis on South Africa. We narratively explore the timeline associated with skin lightener use in South Africa and attempt to interweave the social rhetoric of this specific paradigm. Despite the risks associated with exposing the skin to known constituents of these formulations, such as hydroquinone and mercury, chronic use continues. In spite of legislation banning hydroquinone and mercury in cosmetics in South Africa, these ingredients are present in widely available products. We recommend better implementation of policies and greater ethical responsibility of multinational cosmetic companies in addition to the initiation of a system of random product testing and penalties that could improve industry compliance. DA - 2016 DB - OpenUCT DP - University of Cape Town IS - Number 11/12 J1 - South African Journal of Science LK - https://open.uct.ac.za PY - 2016 SM - 0038-2353 SM - 1996-7489 T1 - The phenomenon of skin lightening: Is it right to be light? TI - The phenomenon of skin lightening: Is it right to be light? UR - http://hdl.handle.net/11427/34798 ER - en_ZA
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11427/34798
dc.identifier.vancouvercitationDavids LM, van Wyk J, Khumalo NP, Jablonski NG. The phenomenon of skin lightening: Is it right to be light?. South African Journal of Science. 2016;Volume 112(Number 11/12):174 - 177. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/34798.en_ZA
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisher.departmentDepartment of Human Biology
dc.publisher.facultyFaculty of Health Sciences
dc.sourceSouth African Journal of Science
dc.source.journalissueNumber 11/12
dc.source.journalvolumeVolume 112
dc.source.pagination174 - 177
dc.source.urihttps://dx.doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2016/20160056
dc.subject.otherskin lighteners
dc.subject.otherAfrica
dc.subject.othercolourism
dc.subject.otherexogenous ochronosis
dc.subject.otherhydroquinone
dc.titleThe phenomenon of skin lightening: Is it right to be light?
dc.typeJournal Article
uct.type.publicationResearch
uct.type.resourceJournal Article
Files
Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
DavidsLesterM_phenomenonskin_2016.pdf
Size:
196.11 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Download
Collections
Journal Articles