A Cross-Sectional Study of the Knowledge, Practice, and Attitude Towards Skin-Lightening Products Among the General Population in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Introduction Skin bleaching is a growing phenomenon worldwide and is becoming an increasing problem. Several skin-lightening products (SLPs) containing mercury, hydroquinone, and corticosteroids have impacted serious dermatological, nephrological, and neurological side effects. There is relatively little regulation, and the products are easily accessible and inexpensive. Justifications and beliefs for the use of these products vary from culture to culture, and there is little previous research on the use and abuse of skin-lightening cosmetics among Saudi women. This study examines the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the public in the western region of Saudi Arabia regarding SLPs to understand the situation better. Methodology An observational, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted over two months between July and August 2022. A 29-question survey was used to collect data from the general population. The study included all women residing in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Non-Arabic speakers were excluded. RStudio (R version 4.1.1) was used to analyze the data. Results A total of 409 participants were included in this study; In general, 146 (35.7%) of the participants said they had ever used an SLP. More than two-thirds (67.1%) had been using them for less than a year. In terms of the most common site of SLPs application, women reported applying the products to the skin of their face (74.7%), elbows (47.3%), and knees (46.6%). Use of SLPs differed significantly across participants' ages, with the proportion of SLP users in the 20-30 age category significantly higher than non-users (50.7% vs. 36.9%, p=0.017), and non-users were more common than users within the age category >50 years. In addition, the proportion of SLP users relative to educational level was significantly higher among participants with a bachelor's degree than the proportion of non-users (69.2% vs. 54.0%, p = 0.009). Conclusions The results of this research show that Saudi women frequently utilize topical lightening products. Therefore, regulation and controlling the use of bleaching products is essential, as is educating women about the risks involved with this practice. The misuse of bleaching products should decline with greater awareness.