Skin lightening (SL), which involves using chemicals to lighten the skin, is common among individuals with skin of color, and those using SL products often do so without consulting a medical provider, according to a study published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. Karishma Daftary, MD, and colleagues administered a cross-sectional survey regarding the use of SL to US individuals with skin of color (defined in the study as American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, multiracial, Hispanic, or other race). Data were collected on demographics, habits and rates of SL, and perceived colorism among SL users and nonusers. A total of 455 participants completed the survey (80% women). Approximately 21% of participants reported using SL agents: 73.2% for treatment of a skin condition and 26.8% for general SL. Before using the products, only 22.6% of SL users consulted a medical provider. Overall, 45.4% were unaware of their SL product ingredients, and 35.1% reported use of hydroquinone-based products. Compared with nonusers, SL users had significantly higher composite colorism scores (20.03% vs 18.20%).
