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Skin-Lightening Product Use Among South Asian Americans: Cross-Sectional Survey Study.
Manisha Banala1, Anusha Mamidipaka1, Temitayo Ogunleye2
1Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
JMIR Dermatology
|November 2, 2023
Summary
Skin-lightening product use is common among South Asian Americans, often driven by parental pressure and cultural beauty standards. Many users experience adverse effects, underscoring the need for health education and challenging harmful beauty ideals.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Skin-lightening products are popular among South Asian Americans despite potential health risks.
- Cultural beauty standards often associate lighter skin with positive attributes.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate attitudes toward skin tone among South Asian Americans.
- Determine the prevalence and adverse effects of skin-lightening product use.
- Identify factors associated with skin-lightening product use.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 175 women or nonbinary individuals identifying as South Asian.
- Participants lived in the United States and were raised by parents born in South Asian countries.
- Survey assessed skin-lightening product use, attitudes, and experienced adverse effects.
Main Results:
- 31% of participants used skin-lightening products.
- Parental pressure and less time in the U.S. were associated with product use.
- 60% of users reported adverse effects (acne, sensitivity, dryness), with low awareness of risks.
Conclusions:
- Skin-lightening product use is prevalent and influenced by social/psychological factors in South Asian Americans.
- Parental pressure and cultural beauty standards perpetuate this practice.
- Educational campaigns on health risks and challenging beauty standards are needed.
