Indians have an inherent desire to look fair-skinned, which is a remnant of our colonial days. While all over the world dusky complexion has gained respect, the story is altogether different in India. We find fair-skinned beauties peering from the pages of glossies and pouting on billboards. Media has done its bit to perpetuate the belief that beauty and fair skin go together, so much so that they are synonymous. Given our weather conditions the skin colour we aspire for is difficult to attain. Cosmetics industry tapped on our deep-rooted desire and scores of creams and lotions today promise to lighten our complexion. Fairness facts Survey reveals that aside from India, which has the

Indians have an inherent desire to look fair-skinned, which is a remnant of our colonial days. While all over the world dusky complexion has gained respect, the story is altogether different in India. Not only women but men too are aspiring for fair skin. Somehow, we have perpetuated the myth that beauty and fairness are synonymous, which is not right and cosmetics industry has captured our inherent desire for fair skin, by offering scores of creams and lotions that promise to lighten our skin colour. My Health Guardian unravels the facts on skin whitening products. Do they really work? “Skin whitening creams do have an effect on your skin. There are many ingredients used in skin