Colourism: a global adolescent health concern

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Public Health
• Adolescent Psychology

Background:

• Colourism, prejudice based on skin colour, affects adolescents of colour worldwide.
• Adolescents experience colourism in various settings, leading to skin tone dissatisfaction and desire for lighter skin.
• Limited research exists on adolescent skin-lightening product use, despite potential health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of colourism on adolescents of colour.
• To highlight the risks associated with skin-lightening products among adolescents.
• To identify potential interventions for mitigating colourism's effects.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on colourism and adolescent health.
• Analysis of studies examining skin-lightening product use in adolescent populations.
• Exploration of theoretical frameworks like media literacy and critical race theory.

Main Results:

• Colourism poses significant risks to the physical health, well-being, and life chances of adolescents of colour.
• Adolescents of colour often desire lighter skin tones due to societal colourism.
• Unmonitored use of skin-lightening products is linked to adverse health outcomes, including skin damage, kidney failure, and depression.

Conclusions:

• Colourism is a critical issue impacting adolescents of colour globally.
• More research is needed on adolescent skin-lightening product use and its consequences.
• Media literacy and critical race theory show promise in addressing the harmful effects of colourism.