Barefaced
by auria
Notes on change, skin, and the journey to your truest self.
by auria
Notes on change, skin, and the journey to your truest self.
The popularity of fairness creams stems from their ability to capitalize on deep-seated insecurities surrounding skin color. Companies have long understood the societal preference for lighter skin tones and have marketed their products as a quick fix for achieving beauty, success, and even love. This is not necessarily selling fairness, but selling "life."
Fairness cream companies don't just sell a product; they sell a dream. They tap into the belief that lighter skin equates to better opportunities, a more fulfilling life, and increased social acceptance. They achieve this through several key tactics:
These creams are often marketed subtly, focusing on aspirations like better opportunities or a happier life. The goal of these ads is to make the consumer feel that they too can experience this success. In effect, the companies have masterfully played on the customer's mind. The dream is that they can change their life by simply buying the cream.
Early fairness creams often contained ingredients that provided a temporary lightening effect or simply masked the skin’s natural tone. Examining these ingredients reveals the limited (and sometimes harmful) potential of these products.
Many older fairness creams relied on a simple combination of zinc oxide and tint. Zinc oxide provides a physical barrier that can temporarily lighten the skin, while tint adds a subtle color correction. The result is not a true alteration of skin tone, but rather an optical illusion. It also can cause a white cast.
Modern fairness creams often boast ingredients like niacinamide and licorice extract. These are known for having antioxidant and skin-brightening effects. These ingredients can improve the skin, for some individuals, by:
But do they work?
Fairness creams in today's society are seen as less popular than those of past. The reason behind this is most can achieve the same outcome through diet or other topical applications. The benefits also do not last.
Bollywood has played a significant role in shaping beauty standards in India and beyond. For decades, lighter-skinned actresses have been favored on screen, reinforcing the idea that fair skin is synonymous with beauty and success.
In the 60s, 70s, and 80s media preferred actors with fair tones, leading to subconcious impressions in customer's mind. This creates a singular and unrealistic standard that leads to feelings of insecurity for people with darker complexions. This has resulted in media not paying attention to others with darker tones.
As the industry grows, more light and modern technology makes for a different outlook to beauty. That is not only the case, the proper skincare can also make the look seem different.
Despite the promises of fairness creams and other products, the truth is that your natural skin color is largely determined by genetics. While external factors like sun exposure can cause temporary changes, fundamentally altering your skin tone is not possible through safe and sustainable means.
Many people experience a darker skin tone due to tanning. This is because they are spending much of their time outdoors. Because of the constant exposure to the sun, they might assume this is the way it is, when they are indoors. For example, they may do indoor sports in college.
To promote its products the companies will photoshop the models to appear more fair and even apply light makeup to achieve a desired effect. This leads to confusion and false hope in the customer's mind.
While some fairness creams claim to lighten skin, a more aggressive trend is the use of glutathione injections. These injections, while touted as a way to permanently lighten skin, come with significant risks and limited evidence of efficacy.
Glutathione is an antioxidant that is naturally produced in the body. It is claimed that using it in injection can change eumelanin into pheomelanin which produces a reddened pigment rather than a darkened one.
For it to work, the injections must be done every 2-3 weeks. While these may make some skin ligher, this will not fully change the skin. Moreover, the effects will go away once the routine has stopped.
The quest for fairer skin is often fueled by societal pressures and clever marketing strategies. While topical creams containing ingredients like niacinamide can improve skin tone and reduce dark spots, fundamentally changing your skin color is not a realistic or healthy goal. Focus on embracing your natural beauty and practicing sun-safe habits for healthy, radiant skin. True beauty is much more than skin deep.
Some fairness creams may provide a temporary lightening effect or improve skin tone, but they cannot permanently change your natural skin color.
No, plastic surgery cannot alter your fundamental skin color. These results are purely cosmetic.
Glutathione injections can have significant risks with minimal evidence of significant effect. For it to work properly, the injections must also continue.
The best approach is to embrace your natural skin color and focus on healthy skincare practices like sun protection, a balanced diet, and proper hydration.
Yes, lighting and photography techniques can greatly influence how skin appears in pictures or videos.
