The whitening concept is a bit more complicated here in Asia than just wanting “whiter skin”. Whitening creams and products are often used more by people wanting to get rid of dark spots and blemishes (which people are way more focused on here than pimples or wrinkles) vs. getting a whiter effect overall. Whiter skin…

In many countries, historically, paler skin was associated with ruling classes and wealth because a fair complexion indicated a life not spent toiling outside in the fields. Asian ladies in my town who shield themselves from the sun with umbrellas are not trying to look like white people, they’re trying to avoid a…