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Cited by 97melanin and skin pigmentationDermatologic Treatments and ResearchConsumer Perception and Purchasing Behavior

The globalization of whitening: prevalence of skin lighteners (or bleachers) use and its social correlates among university students in 26 countries

Peltzer, Karl, Pengpid, Supa, James, Caryl·2016·International Journal of Dermatology
DOI 10.1111/ijd.12860
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Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the use of skin lighteners and its social correlates in university students from 26 low, middle income, and emerging economy countries. Methods: Using anonymous questionnaires, data were collected from 19,624 undergraduate university students (mean age 20.8, SD 2.8) from 27 universities in 26 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify associations between sociodemographic, social, health risk, mental health and abuse, and the use of skin lighteners. Results: Overall, the prevalence of previous 12‐month skin lightener use was 24.5, and 16.7% in male and 30.0% in female students. The use of skin lighteners varied by country, ranging from 0% in Turkey to 83.8% in Thailand. In multivariate logistic regression analysis among both men and women, social variables (highly‐organized religious activity and lack of personal mastery) and health variables (inconsistent condom use) were associated with skin lightening use. In addition, male students from a lower income country, having a lack of social support, and a history of childhood sexual abuse were more likely to use skin lighteners, and women aged 20–21 years old, residing on the university campus, being a student of health and welfare, and having a lack of personal control, inadequate physical activity, and depressive symptoms were more likely users of skin‐lightening products. Conclusion: A high prevalence of skin lightener use was found in this large sample of university students, and social and health‐related risk factors were identified.

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Authors
Peltzer, K., Pengpid, S., & James, C.
Affiliations
  • Human Sciences Research Council (ZA)
  • Mahidol University (TH)
  • University of the West Indies (JM)
Corresponding author
Peltzer, Karl
ORCID
Venue
International Journal of Dermatology
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2015-10-15
Volume
55
Issue
2
Pages
165-172
ISSN
  • 0011-9059 (ISSN-L)
  • 1365-4632
DOI
10.1111/ijd.12860
OpenAlex
W2189414997
Cited by
97
References
38
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 10 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 15 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 4
FWCI
4.08
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • International Journal of Dermatology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
South African Department of Higher Education
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › melanin and skin pigmentation
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Dermatologic Treatments and Research
  • Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Marketing › Consumer Perception and Purchasing Behavior
Keywords
skin lightening, depigmentation, university students, prevalence, sociodemographic correlates, religious activities, personal mastery, condom use, social support, child sexual abuse, depressive symptoms, physical activity, low- and middle-income countries, globalization
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Africa, Americas, Asia, Child Abuse, Sexual, Cross-Sectional Studies, Depression, Female, Humans, Male, Surveys and Questionnaires, Religion, Sexual Behavior, Sex Factors, Social Support, Students, Universities, Health Behavior, Condoms, Self Efficacy, Young Adult, Skin Lightening Preparations

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