Bleaching and skin-lightening practice among female students in South India: A cross-sectional survey

Background Bleaching with skin-lightening preparations is a common practice in our society. Particularly, a practice simply known as bleaching-referring to application of skin-lightening chemicals including ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and hypochlorite, repeated at intervals, as a salon-based or home-based procedure appears wide-spread among young females in India. However, there is limited medical literature on bleaching. Aims We aimed to estimate the prevalence of bleaching among female students of our campus and to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding bleaching in the same population. Methods A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among the female students of the campus following a presurvey focus group discussion with a representative group. A pilot survey conducted to standardize the survey questionnaire showed a high reliability (Cronbach's alpha > 0.7). Descriptive statistical methods were used to assess survey results, and frequencies were presented as percentages. Results A total of 880 valid responses were analyzed (age group 17-30 years, mean age-20.24 years). 34.77% had done bleaching at least once. 63.8% of respondents did not know the ingredients, and 40.5% did not know about the side effects of bleaching. 60.06% of those who bleached had experienced an adverse effect. 58.18% respondents knew about bleaching from friends/relatives and 17% from parlors. Only 2.3% respondents had consulted a dermatologist, and only 22.8% had used sunscreens. Top motivation to bleach was to lighten facial hairs (19.5%), for a lighter complexion (15.1%) and achieve glow before a function (15.2%). Conclusion Facial skin and hair bleaching is common in our society, and awareness regarding bleaching is low even among educated youth.

Automated summary

The survey revealed that bleaching of facial skin and hair is common among young females in India, with a lack of knowledge about the ingredients and side effects of bleaching even among educated individuals. The top motivations for bleaching were to lighten facial hairs, achieve a lighter complexion, and improve skin glow before an event. Awareness about bleaching is low, highlighting the need for increased education and awareness campaigns.