Beautifully toxic: The effects of a burmese cosmetic practice

摘要

IN THESE COLORFUL 2011 photographs, Burmese children are adorned with thanakha, a traditional decorative makeup. Thanakha (pronounced tha-na-KA) is obtained from grinding the bark of thanakha trees, which grow in Burma, Thailand, parts of India, and the Himalayas. Many different brands of this product are available commercially. The yellowish-white, creamy cosmetic is commonly applied to the face in attractive designs, the most popular form being a circular patch on each cheek. The cream is sometimes applied to the arms of women, girls, toddlers, and infants and to a lesser extent to men and boys. Thanakha is also used traditionally in skin treatments to tighten pores, combat wrinkles, and protect the skin from harmful sun rays.