The Ethicality of Cosmetic Skin Bleaching: A Dermatologist's Conundrum

Abstract

e skin is the largest organ in the body and Tthe most visible. It has been the subject of
various moral dilemmas based on societal
and medical biases throughout history. Skin, hair
and nail enhancements including tattoos,
piercings, tanning, Botox, fillers, use of hair dyes
and nail polish are a few of the trends that have
been subject to debate but none has received more
attention than the ongoing controversy
surrounding the use of skin lightening agents for
cosmetic purposes. Skin lightening agents were
introduced to Africans for the purpose of voluntary
depigmentation during the colonial era and
decades later they remain a staple in the cosmetic
industry because of the prevailing colorism and
white-centric media.