EDIT: For these summer holidays, find in “Minute Papillon!” »The episodes of our meeting« Tout Sexiquer », which evokes questions of sexuality and society. For this second part, the dermatologist Isabelle Gallay discusses the whitening of intimate areas
Welcome to our podcast Wait a minute !, with our meeting “Tout Sexiquer”. In this new episode, we will discuss the whitening of the skin of the private parts.
Before discussing with Isabelle Gallay, dermotologist vice-president of the national union of dermatology venerology (SNVD) about products, techniques and risks, let’s set a framework on this research of whitening, lightening of human skin.
Old perception of whiteness
These practices date back at least to Western Antiquity. The whiteness of the skin is seen as a sign of aristocracy. In Europe, until the twentieth century and the fashion for tanning, tanned skin is considered negatively, because it is referred to people working outside, in the sun.
This question of lightening the skin involves cultural fact, identity, globalized aesthetic standards, domination of the West. vs the South, racism … To learn more about this complex subject, several books and communications have been written by Jean Baudrillard, Céline Emeriau, Gilles Boëtsch, Catherine Lanoë. Numerous reports and documentaries have also been produced, such as Olivier Enogo’s, “Blanchir, une affaires not very clear”.
Pornography standard
Moreover, this search for lightening of the skin does not only affect the visible parts. While melanin, the natural pigment in the skin, is more concentrated in the genitals and nipples, some people seek whiteness and even skin tone in these areas. This is also a standard in pornography, which, let us remember, is not reality.
To listen to dermatology Isabelle Gallay talk about this practice and its dangers, it’s as simple as clicking in the audio player above.
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