Frequency of Use of Skin-Lightening Products, Levels of Self-Esteem and Colorism Attitudes in University Students of Karachi: A Cross Sectional Study

The objective of our study was to determine the frequency of use of skin lightening/whitening products, level of self-esteem among university students, and any association between them. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinnah Medical and Dental College and the University of Karachi over a period of 12 months on a convenient sample of 499 students of both genders. Self-esteem was measured using Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, and the use of skin whitening products and attitude towards skin color was determined using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0. Out of n = 499 participants, 30.9% (n = 155) responded that they had used skin lightening products during their life. Of those who said yes, 15.1% (n = 76) responded that they are currently using such products. 63.8% (n = 321) classified their complexion as medium, 29.8% (n = 150) classified it as fair and 5.2% (n = 26) classified themselves as having dark complexion. 73% (n = 367) of people were completely satisfied with their complexion, while 20.1% (n = 101) wished for a lighter shade. Self-esteem scores were calculated, and it was found that 89.9% (n = 452) participants had scores above 15, and only 9.3% (n = 47) participants had low self-esteem, having scores below 15. Only 1% (n = 5) having dark complexion, 5.4% (n = 27) having medium complexion and 2.8% (n = 14) fair suffered from low self-esteem score. The frequency of use of skin lightening products was found to be low in university students from the sample population. The majority had good self-esteem and were satisfied with their complexion. There was no relationship between complexion and self-esteem in the study sample.