According to an article published in NBC News, the use of skin-lightening products may be high among women with darker skin tones. In a new cross-sectional study—published by Daftary et al in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology—researchers asked 455 women with darker skin tones to answer questions regarding their skin-lightening habits and perceived colorism. Among the participants who completed the survey, 21.3% of them reported that they used skin-lightening products, and 26.8% of those that used these products reported using them for general skin lightening. Further, a multitude of respondents reported experiencing colorism, which influenced their decision to seek skin-lightening aesthetics and led to the ideation that lighter skin was considered the beauty standard. However, researchers warned that many over-the-counter skin-lightening products have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may cause permanent damage to the skin if used long-term. They concluded that because of its prevalence among women with darker skin tones, skin lightening may pose a health risk. Experts urged all individuals to consult their health-care providers before using skin-lightening products.
July 19, 2023