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  • Article

The desire for lighter skin

Discover why some Black people feel more attractive with lighter skin. Ngunan Adamu speaks to three women who explain how they got hooked on skin bleaching.

  • Article

When skin bleaching goes wrong

Warnings about permanent health damage don’t deter those using skin-bleaching products for years on end. Read the story of one woman who suffered from liver failure after years of striving to be paler.

  • Article

Colonialism and the origins of skin bleaching

The widespread practice of skin bleaching was heavily influenced by the Western colonisation and slavery of African and South Asian countries. Ngunan Adamu explores this toxic history.

  • Article

Enduring taboos and the future of skin bleaching

Many condemn skin bleaching in public while secretly lightening their own complexions. To break away from these taboos, we need honest information and open conversation.

All stories (47)

Images

  • [Ralph, the elephant skin man : age 32].
  • Child patient of the Salpetriere with aged skin
  • [Ralph, the elephant skin man : age 32].
  • Chronoblock : prévention active : blocks 98% of major premature skin-ageing factors / RoC.
  • Chronoblock : prévention active : blocks 98% of major premature skin-ageing factors / RoC.
  • A hard case : there is now exhibiting in South Castle-street a female, a native of Holland, whose body, with the exception of the face and bust, is encrusted with a hard substance, which grows upon and completely covers the skin. This lady is 37 years of age ... Liverpool Albion.
  • A hard case : there is now exhibiting in South Castle-street a female, a native of Holland, whose body, with the exception of the face and bust, is encrusted with a hard substance, which grows upon and completely covers the skin. This lady is 37 years of age ... Liverpool Albion.
  • Skin Cancer
  • Skin
  • Chest of a woman with tertiary syphilis
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Catalogue

All works (215)