MANILA, Philippines — A groundbreaking study from the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila has revealed significant findings about the impact of skin lightening products (SLP) on the mental health of Filipino emerging adults. The research, conducted by Zypher Jude Regencia, Ph.D., as part of his dissertation for his Ph.D. in Health Sciences at UP Manila’s College of Medicine, has been recognized for its exploration of the cultural and psychological effects of skin lightening in Filipino society.
Regencia’s dissertation, titled “Effect of Body Image Perception and Skin Lightening Practices on Mental Health of Emerging Filipino Adults: A Mixed Methods Approach,” delves into how the historical and ongoing influence of colonialism shapes body image perceptions, particularly the preference for lighter skin. The study suggests that colonial and global beauty standards have perpetuated the idea that “white is beautiful,” leading to social privilege for those with lighter skin.
The study, which surveyed 3,127 Filipino adults between the ages of 18 and 29 between October 2022 and April 2023, found that a majority (64%) of participants were aware of the active ingredients in skin lightening products, with many associating lighter skin with social and personal benefits. Of those surveyed, 34% reported using skin lightening products daily, and 28% used them weekly.
Regencia’s findings suggest that for some individuals, using these products is linked to increased self-esteem, improved mental health, and expanded social engagement. “Poor mental health conditions, including symptoms of depression and trauma, may drive the use of more skin lightening products. For some, these practices lead to positive perceptions, helping boost self-worth and confidence,” the study noted.
However, the research also identified potential risks associated with frequent use of these products. The study found a complex relationship between the frequency of use and anxiety levels. While frequent use of skin lightening products was associated with higher anxiety levels, moderate use (once a week) was linked to lower stress levels. This paradox raises questions about the psychological motivations behind skin lightening practices.
The dissertation also cautioned against the potential health risks associated with skin lightening products, including fragile skin, scarring, poor wound healing, and the need for corrective surgery due to exposure to hazardous chemicals in some formulations. Regencia stressed that government-led health campaigns are more effective than commercial advertising in raising awareness about the dangers of skin lightening products.
Regencia’s research is set to receive international recognition when he is awarded the prestigious SSEA Jeffrey Jensen Arnett Dissertation Award in June 2025 in Charleston, South Carolina. The award is given annually to outstanding dissertations on emerging adulthood, a term coined by Professor Jeffrey Jensen Arnett from Clark University, to describe the period between late adolescence and the twenties.
This study is a crucial contribution to understanding the intersection of body image, colonial history, and mental health, particularly in the context of Filipino emerging adults and their use of skin lightening products.
