{"id":54381,"date":"2026-03-30T04:13:26","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T04:13:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/?p=54381"},"modified":"2026-03-30T04:13:26","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T04:13:26","slug":"2026-03-30-how-colourism-encourages-use-of-dangerous-skin-lightening-creams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/2026\/03\/30\/2026-03-30-how-colourism-encourages-use-of-dangerous-skin-lightening-creams\/","title":{"rendered":"How colourism encourages use of dangerous skin-lightening creams"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Africa tv video display -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3579572842\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\">\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\">\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">A doctoral study from the University of Cape Town (UCT) has shed light on the motivations, risks and social pressures behind the use of skin-lightening products in SA.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Meagan Jacobs-Alfred examined the perceptions and experiences of people who use skin-lightening products in Cape Town and the broader social forces that sustain the practice.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Jacobs-Alfred\u2019s thesis, \u201cPerceptions and experiences of skin lighteners in Cape Town\u201d, also explored the effectiveness of regulations governing such products and the continued demand for them despite known health risks. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><b>Curiosity sparked by colourism<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Jacobs-Alfred said her interest in the subject began during an internship at UCT when she \u201dencountered issues related to colourism and skin tone, which sparked curiosity about why skin tone is socially valued and why some people use skin-lightening products\u201d. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cAs a person of colour myself, I was also interested in understanding the social meanings attached to skin tone and the motivations behind these practices.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Jacobs-Alfred said her study \u201caimed to address the lack of research on people\u2019s lived experiences, perceptions and daily practices related to skin lightening, particularly in the context of Cape Town\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">To better understand how skin-lightening practices are sustained, Jacobs-Alfred included both users and service providers in her research.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cService providers such as beauty salon workers, hairdressers and shop owners influence product availability, advice and marketing, while users provide insight into motivations, experiences and outcomes. This combination gives a fuller understanding of the practice and how it is sustained.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><b>Colourism and beauty standards<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The research highlights how colourism \u2014 the preference for lighter skin within communities of colour \u2014 continues to influence perceptions of beauty and success in SA.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cColourism in SA is closely linked to colonialism and apartheid, where lighter skin was historically associated with privilege, status and access to opportunities,\u201d Jacobs-Alfred said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cAs a result, lighter skin continues to be viewed as more attractive and socially desirable, while darker skin may be stigmatised.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">She added: \u201cThese perceptions often begin early in life, as individuals internalise societal beauty standards promoted by media, social norms and historical hierarchies related to skin colour. Over time, these beliefs may influence self-esteem and identity formation.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><b>Media influence and social pressure<\/b><\/p>\n<figure class=\"c-media-item b-article-body__image\">\n<div class=\"custom-image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"custom-image-placeholder\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/EXE36K2S2NP33NOPTNCGT6ZQWI.png?auth=d2de7b01f7a42b31586d30cc652bc278d658b51d906f0c8d2fcfdfd37a422a66&amp;width=274&amp;height=219&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 274px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/EXE36K2S2NP33NOPTNCGT6ZQWI.png?auth=d2de7b01f7a42b31586d30cc652bc278d658b51d906f0c8d2fcfdfd37a422a66&amp;width=400&amp;height=320&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 400px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/EXE36K2S2NP33NOPTNCGT6ZQWI.png?auth=d2de7b01f7a42b31586d30cc652bc278d658b51d906f0c8d2fcfdfd37a422a66&amp;width=768&amp;height=615&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 768px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/EXE36K2S2NP33NOPTNCGT6ZQWI.png?auth=d2de7b01f7a42b31586d30cc652bc278d658b51d906f0c8d2fcfdfd37a422a66&amp;width=1024&amp;height=820&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 1024px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/EXE36K2S2NP33NOPTNCGT6ZQWI.png?auth=d2de7b01f7a42b31586d30cc652bc278d658b51d906f0c8d2fcfdfd37a422a66&amp;width=1440&amp;height=1154&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 1440px)\"\/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" alt=\"Khanyi Mbau has assured her fans she and her bae Kudzai Mushonga are not expecting a child. \" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/How-colourism-encourages-use-of-dangerous-skin-lightening-creams.png?w=640&#038;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"c-media-item__fig-caption\"><span class=\"c-media-item__caption\">Actress Khanyi Mbau is one of the few celebs to have openly endorsed bleaching.  <\/span><span class=\"c-media-item__credit\">(Khanyi Mbau via Instagram.) <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The study found that media and celebrity culture play a role in shaping consumer behaviour by portraying \u201clighter-skinned celebrities and models as symbols of beauty, success and sophistication\u201d. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cThese images influence consumers through social comparison, encouraging people to imitate the appearance of admired celebrities. Marketing strategies often associate lighter skin with happiness, success and attractiveness, and this in turn affects consumer behaviour as they choose to engage in skin-lightening practices.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cLighter skin is often associated with higher social status, success and attractiveness, which can create pressure for individuals to conform to these beauty standards,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cIn some cases, lighter skin is believed to increase opportunities for employment, relationships and social acceptance.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><b>Health risks and public health concerns<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Jacobs-Alfred noted that \u201cskin-lightening is considered a public health issue because the products are associated with serious physical and psychological health risks, including permanent skin damage, low self-esteem and even skin cancer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cMany products contain harmful ingredients such as mercury and hydroquinone, which can cause severe medical complications.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Users in the study reported several health risks, including skin irritation and burning, discolouration, thinning of the skin and increased sensitivity to sunlight, as well as possible long-term conditions such as skin cancer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">However, many consumers are not fully aware of these dangers \u201dpartly because negative effects often appear only after long-term use,\u201d Jacobs-Alfred said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"c-media-item b-article-body__image\">\n<div class=\"custom-image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"custom-image-placeholder\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/OMI3CPH5YRN3NHRXLEME7HLCTI.jpg?auth=0d865d7c2dfe718024e435ec641bd180499fe86c6612ad2e88eb917ab8bf47cb&amp;width=274&amp;height=182&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 274px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/OMI3CPH5YRN3NHRXLEME7HLCTI.jpg?auth=0d865d7c2dfe718024e435ec641bd180499fe86c6612ad2e88eb917ab8bf47cb&amp;width=400&amp;height=266&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 400px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/OMI3CPH5YRN3NHRXLEME7HLCTI.jpg?auth=0d865d7c2dfe718024e435ec641bd180499fe86c6612ad2e88eb917ab8bf47cb&amp;width=768&amp;height=512&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 768px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/OMI3CPH5YRN3NHRXLEME7HLCTI.jpg?auth=0d865d7c2dfe718024e435ec641bd180499fe86c6612ad2e88eb917ab8bf47cb&amp;width=1024&amp;height=682&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 1024px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/OMI3CPH5YRN3NHRXLEME7HLCTI.jpg?auth=0d865d7c2dfe718024e435ec641bd180499fe86c6612ad2e88eb917ab8bf47cb&amp;width=1440&amp;height=960&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 1440px)\"\/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" alt=\"Around one in eight of 400 black, Indian and coloured students at the University of the Western Cape said they used skin lighteners. Stock image.\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/How-colourism-encourages-use-of-dangerous-skin-lightening-creams.jpg?w=640&#038;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"c-media-item__fig-caption\"><span class=\"c-media-item__caption\">Around one in eight of 400 black, Indian and coloured students at the University of the Western Cape said they used skin lighteners. Stock image. <\/span><span class=\"c-media-item__credit\">(123RF\/serezniy) <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><b>Misconceptions and covert marketing<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cMany consumers assume products are safe if they are widely available in stores or labelled as cosmetics, even though some contain banned or harmful ingredients,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">SA has strict regulations governing skin-lightening products, including bans on mercury and hydroquinone and restrictions on advertising. However, covert marketing and illegal markets continue to exist by using indirect language to avoid explicit claims. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cI was consistently struck by the secrecy and concealment surrounding these products and information about them,\u201d Jacobs-Alfred said. \u201cInstead of explicitly advertising skin-lightening products, companies use euphemistic terms such as \u2018skin brightening\u2019, \u2018skin toning\u2019 and \u2018dark-spot removal\u2019.\u201d <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><b>Tackling the root causes<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Jacobs-Alfred said the continued demand for skin-lightening products reflects broader social attitudes about race and beauty. She highlighted that the demand for the products reveals entrenched social attitudes regarding race and beauty, linking lighter skin with attractiveness and social success. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">She emphasised the need for public health campaigns not only to address health risks but also to tackle the underpinnings of colourism. These campaigns, she said, should promote positive depictions of darker skin, educate on the dangers of skin-lightening products and foster body positivity. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cAdditionally, the media and advertising sectors must contribute by embracing diverse beauty representations and refraining from associating lighter skin with success.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Africa tv video display -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3579572842\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\">\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n#colourism #encourages #dangerous #skinlightening #creams<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A doctoral study from the University of Cape Town (UCT) has shed light on the motivations, risks and social pressures&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":54382,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-54381","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mzansi"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54381","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=54381"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54381\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":54383,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54381\/revisions\/54383"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/54382"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54381"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54381"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=54381"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}