India's Fair Skin Phenomena
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Updated: Oct 27, 2025

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Venkata A Guda1, Roopal V Kundu2
1UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine (MS3), San Antonio, TX; gudav@livemail.uthscsa.edu.
Abstract:
Fair skin is a highly sought out and ingrained aspect of Indian heritage. It has been associated with wealth, prestige, and higher social status. People have gone to great ends to help lighten their skin, including using bleaching therapies. Media outlets and the cosmetic industry have drawn people's attention to these products and increased their awareness regarding the importance of fair skin; however, the widespread usage of these products has negatively impacted people's health and contributed to social inequality. As a result, this issue is a growing public and global health concern.
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