The dark side of skin

South African celebrity Mshoza has undergone bleaching
South African celebrity Mshoza has undergone bleaching

For decades some African women have reached out to any variety of products to make their skin lighter, often paying a high price in the process. For some, being lighter is simply a beauty choice, but for others, it is all about Africans feeling uncomfortable in their own skin. Mmegi Correspondent, NNASARETHA KGAMANYANE explores

The thought of changing your skin colour might seem bizarre, but for many people, skin-lightening creams and treatments are part of a daily skincare routine.

Many agree that the desire to be lighter has deep psychological roots, stemming mainly from colonisation and the subsequent historic exclusion of positive narratives about dark-skinned people in popular media and entertainment.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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