Experiments in Skin

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The book explores the Vietnam War's lasting impact on contemporary perceptions of race and beauty, particularly through the lens of skin. It highlights the role of the US Military Dermatology Research Program, which focused on protecting white soldiers while neglecting the vulnerabilities of African American soldiers and Vietnamese civilians. The resulting pharmaceutical cosmetics have influenced beauty practices in Ho Chi Minh City, illustrating how militarism, biomedicine, and race intertwine in shaping societal standards of beauty and the ongoing effects of wartime toxicity.