Uncovering the roots of skin bleaching: Colorism and its detrimental effects

Daftary, Karishma; Krishnam, Neha S; Kundu, Roopal V.

doi:10.1111/jocd.15049

Cited by 7 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Most of the subjects with low self-esteem were single, and the discomfort caused by the adverse cutaneous efects of depigmentation diminished their own perception of beauty and their seductive impulse, especially compared to models from the Western beauty canon. Tis leads to a feeling of failure, frustration, lack of self-confdence, an inferiority complex, and therefore a drop in self-esteem in these subjects, who are nonetheless in search of partners [10][11][12][13]29].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quality of Life and Psychiatric Comorbidities among Subjects Practicing Artificial Skin Depigmentation in 2020 in the City of Cotonou (Benin)

Degboe,

Baloubi,

Ntouala Noukayaba

et al. 2024

Dermatology Research and Practice

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Introduction. The purpose of this study was to study the quality of life and psychiatric comorbidities of subjects practicing voluntary skin depigmentation in the city of Cotonou. Methods. A cross-sectional, prospective, and analytical study, based on a three-stage probabilistic sampling method, included from June to October 2020, consenting subjects over 15 years of age, practicing artificial skin depigmentation, and residing for at least one year in Cotonou. The Dermatology Life Quality Index, Rosenberg, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression scales allowed us to evaluate the quality of life and self-esteem, and identify anxiety and depression, respectively. A p value <0.05 indicated a significant result. Results. We included 330 subjects. The mean age was 33.6 ± 11.6 years and the sex ratio was 0.4. Impaired quality of life was observed in 93.7% of subjects. Anxiety was diagnosed in 11.2% and depression in 5.8% of them. Self-esteem was low or very low in 24.2%. The degree of quality of life and the alteration of self-esteem, and the frequency of anxiety and depression were proportional to the number of skin lesions, the lightening products used, and the monthly cost of the products. Conclusion. The use of several lightening products exposes patients to numerous skin lesions, which are a source of impaired quality of life and whose persistence leads to psychiatric comorbidities.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quality of Life and Psychiatric Comorbidities among Subjects Practicing Artificial Skin Depigmentation in 2020 in the City of Cotonou (Benin)

Degboe,

Baloubi,

Ntouala Noukayaba

et al. 2024

Dermatology Research and Practice

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“…The exposure where no adverse effect is observable is referred to as No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) and is calculated using equation (2). This is used to evaluate the relationship between exposure and toxic response [29].…”

Section: Margin Of Safety (Mos)mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…T he population of Trinidad and Tobago consists mostly of African and East Indian descendants, and skin lightening practices such as the use of skin lightening or bleaching creams have been commonly used by individuals with darker skin tones from the African [1] and East Indian [2] populations. In these populations and among many others, a lighter complexion is deemed more beautiful, signifies a higher social status [3] and enhanced economic mobility [4].…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of mercury in skin lightening creams commonly used in Trinidad and Tobago and their associated health risk

Mohammed,

Rambocas,

Basdeo

et al. 2024

The European Research Journal

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Objectives: This study investigated the presence of mercury in commonly used over the counter skin-lightening creams available in Trinidad and Tobago. The objective of this study was to evaluate if skin-lightening creams commonly used in Trinidad and Tobago contained Mercury, and establish the health risks presented by these products. Methods: Nineteen skin-lightening creams were analysed using Cold Capor Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (CV-AAS). Margin of Safety (MoS) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) calculations were used to assess risk to users. Results: Of the nineteen creams assessed, sixteen contained high concentrations of mercury (0.294-14414.5 µg/g), only three creams had no mercury detected. 9 of the 19 samples contained levels of mercury that exceed the Minamata convention’s accepted limit of 1µg/g, with 3 samples exceeding 3800.000 µg/g. Risk assessments using MoS and HQ showed that 3 of the samples were unsafe for use and are considered hazardous. The study also revealed that many creams do contain mercury even if it did not constitute part of the product formulation. Conclusions: The data infers that some manufacturers do add mercury to their formulations while others are the victims of contaminated raw materials. MoS and HQ show that 21% of the samples were unsafe and 16% can be considered hazardous for human use. It is possible that with such levels of mercury in these products and the popularity of these products within the Caribbean Community and its diaspora, that there exists a significant amount of members with higher than acceptable mercury levels, with undiagnosed clinical symptoms.

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“…Skin lightening (SL) and bleaching—the use of chemicals to lighten the skin—is an expanding and largely unregulated multi-billion-dollar global industry that is influenced by colorism, the system of inequality that affords opportunities and privileges to lighter-skinned individuals across racial/ethnic groups. 1 , 2 Women, in particular, are vulnerable as media and popular culture propagate beauty standards that lighter skin can elevate their physical appearance and social acceptance. 1 , 3 SL poses a potential threat to consumers and raises challenges for dermatologists due to products containing ingredients that may lead to adverse health consequences, particularly with prolonged use and lack of medical consultation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… 1 , 2 Women, in particular, are vulnerable as media and popular culture propagate beauty standards that lighter skin can elevate their physical appearance and social acceptance. 1 , 3 SL poses a potential threat to consumers and raises challenges for dermatologists due to products containing ingredients that may lead to adverse health consequences, particularly with prolonged use and lack of medical consultation. 4 Rates of SL vary globally from 27% in South Africa to 77% in Nigeria and 40% in China and South Korea; however, little is known about SL prevalence and habits within the United States (U.S.).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Colorism attitudes and use of skin lightening agents in the United States

Daftary

Poondru

Patel

et al. 2023

International Journal of Women’s Dermatology

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Background: Skin lightening (SL) is a practice involving the use of chemicals to lighten the skin that is more common among skin of color (SOC) individuals, particularly women, and can lead to adverse health consequences. Objective: In this study, we examine SL habits, including both general lightening and lightening for the treatment of a skin condition, among SOC individuals in the United States and the role of colorism in motivating these behaviors. Methods: 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 χ2 , Fisher’s exact, Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Spearman correlation, and t tests. Results: A total of 455 participants completed the survey. Ninety-seven participants (21.3%) reported using SL agents: 73.2% (71/97) used SL agents for the treatment of a skin condition and 26.8% (26/97) used the products for general SL. Only 22.6% (22/97) of SL users consulted a medical provider before using the products. Forty-four participants (45.4%) were unaware of their SL product ingredients, and 35.1% (34/97) reported using hydroquinone-based products. Composite colorism scores were significantly higher in SL users than nonusers (20.03 vs 18.20; P < .001). Limitations: This study used self-reported racial/ethnic groups to characterize those with SOC rather than assessing actual skin tones of participants, which could have led to variability. Conclusion: 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. Dermatologists should address skin tone and pigmentary concerns with their SOC patients.

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Uncovering the roots of skin bleaching: Colorism and its detrimental effects

Abstract: How to cite this article: Daftary K, Krishnam NS, Kundu RV.Uncovering the roots of skin bleaching: Colorism and its detrimental effects.

Cited by 7 publications

References 7 publications

Quality of Life and Psychiatric Comorbidities among Subjects Practicing Artificial Skin Depigmentation in 2020 in the City of Cotonou (Benin)

Quality of Life and Psychiatric Comorbidities among Subjects Practicing Artificial Skin Depigmentation in 2020 in the City of Cotonou (Benin)

Evaluation of mercury in skin lightening creams commonly used in Trinidad and Tobago and their associated health risk

Colorism attitudes and use of skin lightening agents in the United States

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