Skin bleaching is a controversial practice that has been linked to numerous health issues, including skin conditions and life-threatening diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease. The chemicals used in skin lightening products, particularly mercury, pose significant health risks by blocking melanin production and removing the top layers of skin through acid production.
Despite being banned or heavily restricted in many countries, skin bleaching remains a prevalent public health issue in Africa. Many Africans, especially women, continue to use these products despite being aware of the potential risks involved. Stakeholders, including Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, have raised concerns about the growing use of skin-lightening products in Nigeria and Africa, highlighting the well-documented harmful effects associated with these products.
A recent survey conducted by the Ministry of Health’s Cosmetics Safety Management Programme (CSMP) revealed that 52% of manufacturers use toxic substances, including mercury, hydroquinone, steroids, and heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and cadmium in their skin-lightening products. This poses a significant risk of skin damage, organ toxicity, and even cancer to users.
According to a World Bank report, 27.1% of Africans practice skin bleaching, with individuals aged 30 and under having the highest prevalence at 55.9%. Reasons cited for using bleaching creams include desiring smooth and healthy skin, enhancing beauty, and seeking social benefits such as improved marriage prospects and job opportunities.
The prevalence of skin bleaching varies across African countries, with Nigeria having the highest rate at 77%, followed by Congo-Brazzaville at 66%, Senegal at 50%, Ghana at 39%, South Africa at 32%, Zimbabwe at 31.15%, and Mali at 25%. These statistics highlight the widespread use of skin-lightening products across the continent, with significant regional variations in bleaching practices.
To address the growing issue of skin bleaching, the World Health Organization (WHO) has partnered with countries to implement and enforce bans on harmful skin-lightening products containing mercury and hydroquinone. These collaborations aim to protect public health by phasing out toxic ingredients linked to severe health risks while promoting safer alternatives for skin care.
