Credit: Jessica Felicio, Unsplash
Skin lightening (SL) is a practice involving the use of chemicals to lighten dark areas of skin or achieve a generally lighter skin tone is more common among skin of color (SOC) individuals, particularly women, and can lead to adverse health consequences.
In this study from Northwestern University, just published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, SL habits, including both general lightening and lightening for the treatment of a skin condition were analyzed among SOC individuals in the United States.
A cross-sectional survey was administered to SOC individuals through ResearchMatch, an online national health registry. Demographics, rates of SL, SL habits, and perceived colorism among SL users and nonusers were collected and analyzed with different statistical tests.
Of 455 individuals who completed the survey, the 80% were woman, 238 were Black, 83 were Asian, 84 were multiracial, 31 were Hispanic, 14 were American Indian or Alaskan Native and five identified as other.
Ninety-seven participants (21.3%) reported using SL agents, with 75.3% of these respondents using them to treat a skin condition such as acne, melasma or hyperpigmentation, but a fourth of them wanted to do general skin lightening.
Only 22.6% of SL users consulted a medical provider before using the products. 45.4% of users were unaware of their SL product ingredients, and 35.1% (34/97) reported using hydroquinone-based products, which in 2020 the FDA advised consumers not to use due to the potential harm they may cause.
The study also analyzed the influence of colorism, the system of inequality that views lighter skin as more beautiful and advantageous, on skin lightening choice. Composite colorism scores were significantly higher in SL users than nonusers, showing that SL products users reported stronger perceived colorism than nonusers.
Overall, data showed that SL among SOC individuals is prevalent in the U.S. and poses a health risk, as many SL users are unaware of product ingredients, do not consult a medical provider before use, and have access to potentially unsafe formulations.
Moreover, initiatives to increase public awareness about the harmful effects of colorism and celebrate all skin tones in SOC communities will further enable dermatologists to promote skin health and limit risky SL practices.
