The idea that whiter and fairer skin is more beautiful has been a long-standing belief in many cultures, including in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This belief has led to the development of a multi-billion dollar skin-lightening industry, which includes products such as skin-lightening creams, lotions, and soaps. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement to challenge this belief and promote a more inclusive and diverse standard of beauty.

The emphasis on whiter and fairer skin as a measure of beauty can be traced back to colonialism, where European powers colonized other countries and imposed their own standards of beauty on the local populations. This led to a systematic devaluation of darker skin tones and the promotion of lighter skin tones as the ideal standard of beauty. This belief has been perpetuated through media, advertising, and popular culture, which have continued to promote the idea that whiter and fairer skin is more beautiful.

However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards promoting a more inclusive and diverse standard of beauty. This movement has been driven by activists, celebrities, and influencers who have used their platforms to challenge the idea that whiter and fairer skin is more beautiful. They have highlighted the beauty of diverse skin tones and features and promoted the idea that every skin color is beautiful.

Spotlight: Debasree Banerjee

Popular beauty and skin-care influencer, Debasree Banerjee has been one of the driving forces behind the changing dynamics of the beauty industry. She is the person behind #BrownIsBeautiful. And in a recent interview with Premium Beauty News, she said:

"I actually have a lot of followers who are outside India, and I feel like it’s probably because our skin tones match," Banerjee told AFP. "They can see how the product looks like on my skin tone, how the lipstick applies on my skin tone, and just have that sense of belongingness."

The fashion and beauty industry has also started to embrace diversity and inclusivity. Brands are now featuring models of different skin tones and body types in their advertising campaigns, and beauty products are being formulated to cater to a wider range of skin tones. This shift towards diversity and inclusivity is a positive step toward promoting a more accepting and tolerant society. Debasree Banerjee is one of those influencers who has been collaborating with numerous brands such as Nykaa to promote beauty products for every skin tone.

Rihanna is the game changer

For Debasree, Rihanna is the ultimate game changer when it comes to shifting the dynamic from fair-skin dominated beauty industry to a more diverse and inclusive one.

"Fenty Beauty really, really changed the game," Banerjee said. "I think that’s when people knew that this is important."

Still, a long way to go.

While other international brands have tried to keep up, many still have "miles and miles to go" before they can be considered truly inclusive, she added. "I still see products being launched in three shades, in four shades, calling them ’universal’. And it’s just ridiculous," Banerjee said.

"In India, everywhere you go... you see our features changing, our language changing, our skin colour changing. So it’s very, very important to have more inclusive make-up."

It is important to note that changing the emphasis on whiter and fairer skin as the ideal standard of beauty will take time, and there is still a long way to go. It is important to continue the conversation about the harmful effects of colorism and to promote a more inclusive and diverse standard of beauty. By celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity, we can create a more accepting and tolerant society where every individual is valued and appreciated for who they are, regardless of their skin color or physical appearance.

Hats off to Debasree and several other influencers who have been actively promoting diversity and inclusiveness in the beauty and skin-care industry.

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