Skin Whitening in the Philippines

From a cultural standpoint, I think the following report is interesting.

From Manila Bulletin Online:

Derm Pharma, Inc. president Dr. Vinson Pineda says skin whitening has become a staple in the country's so-called vanity industry because of the intrinsic appeal of whiter complexion. Such a complexion is viewed as a symbol of femininity. It also gives an impression of youthfulness and attractiveness to the opposite sex.

"In the Philippines, skin whitening is a very popular practice in the field of cosmetic dermatology. It has already spread from Asia to South America. It is because women want to attain the certain appeal of looking radiant. In the Philippines, fair complexion has become the benchmark of beauty," Dr. Pineda says.

"The obsession for having a lighter skin has more to do with social class differences," Dr. Pineda says. "It is believed that a lighter skin tone is linked with wealth and higher education levels, whereas darker skin comprises a life of outdoor labor, toiling in the sun."

So, Asians desire white skin. Imagine that.