The changing face of skin lightening in India

Skin-lightening practices in India are evolving from traditional fairness creams to more complex dermatological and digital skincare trends. Medical professionals are concerned that the shift in marketing language masks potential health risks, as patients increasingly seek treatments for cosmetic changes rather than pigmentary disorders.
Why it matters
The normalization of skin-lightening procedures poses public health challenges and highlights the need for better regulation of cosmetic skincare products.
The language of fairness may be changing, but the desire for lighter skin has not necessarily disappeared in our country. As skin-lightening practices move into skincare, dermatological procedures and digital spaces, the health consequences are becoming increasingly harder to recognise and regulate.
The article presents a balanced view by citing medical experts and discussing the cultural and health implications of the trend.
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