Why we disregard NAFDAC’s warning – Bleaching cream users
Despite knowing the risks of having stretch marks, dark spots, uneven skin tone, scarring, skin cancer and kidney diseases, some Nigerians have expressed their continuous love for skin-lightening products.
They stated that the desire to look attractive and classy, the pressure to be as fair as friends or relatives and increased prospects for marriage superseded whatever health challenges they might have in the future.
However, PUNCH Healthwise gathered that some Nigerians inadvertently became users of skin-lightening products by using a roommate’s or friend’s cream. Some also, it was learnt, bought the products without being aware that they contained bleaching agents.
One user, identified only as Mary, stated that she began using skin-lightening creams to become fair-skinned and increase her chances of finding a husband.
After several months of use, the Rivers State resident became light-skinned. Her desire was met, so she stopped using the cream. However, a skin allergy brought her to the doctor’s office.
“My doctor pointedly told me I was using a bleaching cream. I argued and told him I wasn’t until he pointed out the changes on my skin before I agreed,” she said.
But Mary’s chances of finding a husband are uncertain as she now tries to hide the black spot and uneven skin tone.
For a Lagos resident, identified only as Kikelomo, after coming down with stretch marks and dark spots on her breasts, knuckles and face, she had no choice but to stop using the cocktails of skin toning creams and soaps prescribed by a friend.
But the deed was already done.
Now, she says she continues using the cream, together with another cream touted to take the stretch marks and dark spots away.
A resident of Ogun State, Favour Konla, waded through the waters of bleaching cream due to her desire to look like her light-skinned friends.
Although she knew the implications of using the creams, the pressure to belong blinded her eyes to future repercussions.
Konla, an indigene of Taraba State, continued and then decided to stop the products.
“It’s common when most of your friends are fair-skinned. I used bleaching cream too once. I’m glad I later realised the uniqueness of my black skin,” the Ogun resident said.
Two weeks ago, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, stated that Nigeria was now tagged the “world capital of skin bleaching,” lamenting the growing trend of skin bleaching in the country.
He stated that despite the well-documented harmful effects, the use of skin-bleaching products like creams, ointments, soap, pills and injections was common among non-white populations throughout the world.
In February 2023, the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control declared a state of emergency on bleaching after establishing that Nigeria had been ranked first in cases of bleaching across the world.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, raised the alarm on the menace of bleaching creams in Nigeria, saying the problem has become a national emergency that calls for serious attention which she warned had fatal health hazards.
According to the World Health Organisation, skin-bleaching, also known as skin lightening, skin toning and skin whitening, is a global cosmetic practice to achieve a lighter skin tone.
The WHO reports that 77 per cent of women in Nigeria use skin-lightening products, the highest among users in other African countries.
The global health agency also stated that while skin bleaching in Africa was not new, it has become a public health concern that needs urgent attention.
PUNCH Healthwise also observed that the aggressive and “colour-coated” marketing on social media, particularly Facebook and Instagram, influenced the decision of some young Nigerians to use the products.
Findings also reveal that some users were ignorant that the soaps and creams they used contained skin-lightening ingredients.
Furthermore, another group became users of these products by “borrowing” skin products from their friend or roommate whose skin tone they admired.
Prof Dasetima Altraide
Providing insight into the matter, the President of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, Prof. Dasetima Altraide, said that the desire to maintain their skin colour, have glowing skin and peer pressure were some factors highlighted by patients who lightened their skin.
He stated that the persons who used bleaching products would have trouble after having an injury or surgery that would require stitching.
The don stated that the users were at risk of diabetes, hypertension, kidney problems, uneven skin tone, stretch marks, reduced immunity, infection and reduced skin thickness, among others.
The consultant Physician and Dermatologist at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, further noted that bleaching was also becoming a fad among men, stating that many patients deny using bleaching products even when they come to see the doctor.
Dr Olufolakemi Cole-Adeife
Also, a Consultant Physician and Dermatologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Dr Olufolakemi Cole-Adeife, said the use of bleaching creams and soaps in Nigeria was driven by a complex interplay of sociocultural, economic, psychological and marketing influences.
“Lighter skin is often associated with beauty, attractiveness, success, increased marriage prospects, and higher social status, leading many individuals, especially women, to use skin-lightening products. This perspective has its roots in colonialism and European or Western beauty standards and has become a sociocultural norm.
“Social media, Nollywood, and music videos often glorify lighter skin, reinforcing the idea that it is more appealing. Low self-esteem, peer and family pressure to use these products is also a factor,” she said.
The dermatologist decried the lack of effective regulation of beauty and skin care products with many harmful skin bleaching products readily available and some targeted at children and babies.
The physician further noted that many users were unaware of the long-term health risks of bleaching, including skin thinning, infections, ochronosis, and increased risk of skin cancer, noting that some have been falsely deceived into believing the skin care products they used were natural and would not have adverse effects.
Cole-Adeife noted that while some negative effects of bleaching creams and soaps like skin thinning and certain types of skin discolouration could be reversible, some other adverse effects like stretch marks and exogenous ochronosis were irreversible.
She emphasised that if the practice of skin bleaching was prolonged, those that could be reversed would become irreversible and cause skin failure.
“People with skin failure are unable to regulate temperature with their skin, have difficulty sweating and are prone to recurrent skin infections,” the consultant dermatologist said.
Speaking on the way out, Cole-Adeife noted, “Learn about the harmful effects of skin bleaching on your skin and overall health. Thinning skin, stretch marks, and increased risk of infections. Permanent skin damage such as ochronosis (dark spots), uneven skin tone, and scarring. Long-term risks like kidney damage, mercury poisoning, and increased risk of skin cancer.
“Embrace your natural skin tone and appreciate your uniqueness: Nigerian skin tones are diverse and beautiful. They are a reflection of our heritage and identity. Lighter skin does not define beauty, success, or worth.”
She advised persons using skin-lightening products to immediately stop them and seek medical advice for proper assessment and management of any skin or health issues, including those caused by bleaching.
The physician called for public health campaigns, stricter regulations, education on skin health and the promotion of self-acceptance and diverse beauty standards.
