Brew Commentary: Skin Lightening Goes Mainstream

The Sammy Sosa alleged skin rejuvenation skin-bleaching saga isn't anything new in communities of color where many think white is right. Go to any beauty supply store and you'll find a slew of "skin brightening" products pitched to lighten acne or other blemishes, but people really use them to lighten their entire face. And, they're almost always available in the "ethnic" aisle.

We shake our heads in disgust at Sammy but mainstream companies are pushing the lighter is better fallacy among our brothers and sisters in foreign lands, using words like "radiant" and "pinkish glow." Case in point: the Pond's company which markets a skin lightening product called "White Beauty" in India.  The product is meant to neutralize darkness caused by harsh environmental elements.  (Doesn't sunscreen already attempt to do that?)  Anyway, the product line range from detox cleanser to skin lightening cream.

They company has produced a 5-part commercial that shows a woman losing her man, only to win him back after using the skin lightening product.

Taste The Brew for parts 3 - 5.

Exactly, what is the message we're trying to send here? And who's using this stuff and what are its long term effects? Would you ever use a skin lightening product? If so, why? Leave a word in the comment section!