Display, decoration and adornment

The way the skin is displayed (used as an organ of display) is significantly affected by social and cultural influences. Throughout history humans have felt compelled to change their skin in ways that are rarely good for its physical health. However, adornment, decoration and display have other important sociological implications indicating belonging to group and tribes or conversely to show rebellion and individuality.

Signals given through the skin can indicate a wide range of social norms and values. The obvious ones include religious observance reflected by the amount of skin and hair covered and by what types of garments are worn. Clothing and adornments vitally allow humans to fit into their own social system and indicate a sense of belonging. The social norms in relation to displaying the skin are time dependent. Thus a British woman living in Victorian times might have felt it disgraceful to expose her ankles, whereas in the 21st century this is not generally considered scandalous behaviour! Piercing and tattooing give a wide range of social signals including membership of certain groups. However, once again, in the 21st century these rules too are becoming more blurred and less strictly adhered to with a wide cross section of society choosing to have tattoos and various body piercings.

As with other organs of the body, humans are prone to abuse their skin. Fair skinned people aim for the perfect sun-tan and in the process of getting to this point put themselves at risk of both malignant and non-malignant skin cancers. It is becoming an increasingly common practice for people with darker skins to want to lighten them. This is done through a number of unregulated mechanisms including the use of potent topical steroids, which cause a range of other health problems, as well as the desired skin lightening. Depending on the extent and time frame of steroid use, these effects may also become systemic.