Table 2.
Skin lightening habits of study participants
| Characteristic | No. (%) |
|---|---|
| n = 97 | |
| Purpose of skin lightening product | |
| Treatment of skin problem | 71 (73.2) |
| General lightening | 26 (26.8) |
| Medical consultation before use of product | |
| No | 75 (77.3) |
| Yes | 22 (22.7) |
| Areas of body product was applied | |
| Face | 86 (88.7) |
| Neck | 37 (38.1) |
| Legs | 24 (24.7) |
| Arms | 21 (21.6) |
| Underarms | 18 (18.6) |
| Hands | 15 (15.5) |
| Back | 11 (11.3) |
| Chest | 10 (10.3) |
| Feet | 10 (10.3) |
| Abdomen | 9 (9.3) |
| Active ingredients in product | |
| Unknown | 44 (45.4) |
| Hydroquinone | 34 (35.1) |
| Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) | 21 (21.6) |
| Glycolic acid | 18 (18.6) |
| Salicylic acid | 16 (16.5) |
| Niacinamide | 15 (15.5) |
| Kojic acid | 14 (14.4) |
| Tretinoin | 14 (14.4) |
| Tocopherol (vitamin E) | 11 (11.3) |
| Licorice extract | 9 (9.3) |
| Arbutin | 8 (8.2) |
| Soy extract | 7 (7.2) |
| Azelaic acid | 5 (5.2) |
| Mequinol | 4 (4.1) |
| Titanium dioxide | 4 (4.1) |
| Tranexamic acid | 4 (4.1) |
| Steroids | 3 (3.1) |
| Mercury | 2 (2.1) |
| Where product was obtained | |
| Chain pharmacy or grocery store | 41 (42.2) |
| Community beauty store or abroad | 23 (23.7) |
| Online | 15 (15.5) |
| Medical provider or prescription | 14 (14.4) |
| Homemade | 2 (2.1) |
| Other | 3 (3.1) |