Pinoys and Skin Whitening (Rewritten for PinoyChronicle)

While Hollywood celebrities Charlize Theron and Paris Hilton bask in the sun in a secluded Acapulco beach or pay big bucks in a posh Beverly Hills tanning salon just to get that “gorgeous tanned look,” we Filipinos shun the sun every way we can. And if we really have to go out during the day, we wear long-sleeved shirts, use an umbrella and slather layers of sunblock cream onto our skin to keep the darkening effects of sunlight at bay.

The sheer number of whitening products displayed on supermarket shelves is a clear indication of our obsession for whiter skin. Facial cleansers, soaps, face creams, lotions, astringents, even deodorants with skin lightening properties sell more than the ordinary variants. Manufacturers capitalize on the bleaching effects of papaya, kalamansi and guava extracts and produced organic bath products that promise healthy and lighter complexion sans harmful chemicals. And who wouldn’t notice the barrage of billboards, print ads and TV commercials promoting these products, endorsed of course by fair skinned models and celebrities.

We are known to be the race with beautiful brown skin. So why the penchant for lighter complexion? Some say it’s just another case of colonial mentality. The traditional concept of beauty during the Spanish regime was exemplified by fair-skinned mestiza, and this notion continues up to this day. However, Thailand also subscribes to the “skin whitening practice” but it was never colonized by any European country. Others argue that this craze is just a massive marketing ploy by the media and multinational manufacturing companies to drive people to think that the color of their skin will somehow make their life better, and at the same time give these companies huge profits.

Maybe, colonial history and marketing strategies have nothing to do with it. Maybe it’s just simply wanting what we don't have: fair skin. Just like the obsession of Japanese for big round eyes (look at mangas and anime). Or Charlize and Paris’ desire to be tanned, no matter how expensive. Skin color, after all, is just superficial. What’s more important is that we’re proud to be Filipinos!

Pinoys and Skin Whitening

While Hollywood celebrities Charlize Theron and Paris Hilton bask in the sun in a secluded Acapulco beach or pay big bucks in a posh Beverly Hills tanning salon just to get that “gorgeous tanned look,” we Filipinos shun the sun every way we can. And if we really have to go out in the sun, we wear long-sleeved shirts, use an umbrella or slather layers of sunblock cream onto our skin to keep the darkening effects of sunlight at bay. Melanin is the substance that gives our skin its color. Generally, the more melanin, the darker the skin and vice versa. Exposure to sunlight is one factor that boost the production of melanin in the skin. Thus, people who live in “sunny” areas are more likely to have darker skin tone than those who are from less “sunny” regions. One of the most recognized benefits we get from melanin is it protection from the harmful ultra-violet rays, one major cause of skin cancer. (So why get rid of melanin when it is beneficial to us?)

The sheer number of whitening products available in the market is a clear indication of our obsession for whiter skin. Facial cleansers, soaps, face creams, lotions, even deodorants with skin lightening properties are more attractive to the Filipino consumer than ordinary skin care products. One common and affordable way of achieving whiter skin is through the use of astringents and creams with skin peeling and bleaching properties. These concoctions usually use tretinoin and hydroquinone as their active ingredients, which reduce melanin formation. Though relatively safe, caution is still advised when using products with tretinoin and hydroquinone. Avoid exposure to sunlight or use sunblock creams to prevent rashes and further discoloration.

The organic and herbal skin care product industry is also catching up on the bandwagon. Countless of products enriched with papaya, kalamansi and guava extracts, that promise a healthy and lighter complexion without the side effects, are out in the market. These fruits contain enzymes and acids that have bleaching properties. And if the sales of these products are any indication, the organic whitening skin care industry has grown into a multi-million peso business.

Another current craze in skin whitening is the use of gluthatione and methathione. People who want to get lighter complexion actually use these substances for its side effect which is skin whitening. Glutathione, and its reduced form metathione, are anti-oxidants that detoxify and improve liver functions and strengthen the immune system.

And for the rich and the famous who are willing to cop out bucks just to get that light and radiant skin, there are Drs. Belo and Calayan. Just drop by their posh dermatological clinics and spend the afternoon for a facial, skin peeling and laser treatments.

The Filipinos' penchant for whiter skin is indeed overwhelming. There is nothing wrong with it if it will boost our morale and self confidence. It's just that we are known to be the race with beautiful brown skin. So why not just be proud and flaunt it? Just asking...