Skin bleaching is public health crisis not beauty choice — Dermatologists

2026-02-12 - 00:28

By Chioma Obinna The Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, NAD, has declared skin bleaching a growing public health crisis in Nigeria, warning that the widespread practice is fuelling rising cases of skin cancer, organ damage and severe infections across the country. Raising the alarm at the launch of its nationwide anti–skin bleaching campaign in Lagos, NAD said the health risks associated with skin lightening far outweigh any perceived social or cosmetic benefits. “Skin bleaching is not just a cosmetic choice; it is a serious health risk with devastating complications,” said Prof. Dasetima Altraide, President of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists. “We are seeing increasing cases of skin cancers, treatment-resistant fungal infections, permanent skin damage, allergies, and injury to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.” The campaign, themed “Embrace Your Skin,” was unveiled at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). “Alarmingly, children and even unborn babies are now victims. There have been instances where pregnant women ingest substances in an attempt to lighten the skin of their unborn children, exposing them to toxic chemicals before birth,” Altraide said. According to statistics presented by NAD, skin bleaching prevalence in Nigeria ranges between 40 and 84 per cent, based on data from the WHOAfro Region and iAHO (2023). The figures have earned Nigeria the grim labels of “the world capital of skin bleaching” and “the skin-lightening hot house of the world.” The association noted that the practice is driven largely by long-standing social beliefs that lighter skin confers beauty, success and privilege, a narrative it described as both false and dangerous. “Our mission is to educate, protect and empower Nigerians to embrace their natural skin tones,” Altraide said. “Dark skin is not inferior. Pharmacists, regulators, the media and every Nigerian have a role to play in dismantling these harmful beliefs.” NAD commended regulatory efforts by the Federal Ministry of Health and NAFDAC, describing recent guidelines on cosmetic safety as “timely and critical” to protecting consumers. The association also appreciated Eucerin for supporting the nationwide advocacy campaign. Calling for urgent collective action, Altraide urged pharmacists and regulatory agencies to restrict easy access to harmful bleaching agents and appealed to the media to amplify accurate, science-based information. “This is a clarion call to stem the epidemic of skin bleaching that has taken centre stage in our society,” he said. As part of the campaign’s next phase, NAD will intensify public education, expert engagement and media outreach to raise awareness about dangers of skin bleaching and promote pride in natural skin tones. Nigerians were also advised to seek qualified medical care for skin concerns and avoid unregulated products. As of early 2026, the data indicates a shift from it being a purely cosmetic choice to a significant public health crisis. Data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the NAD, show that skin bleaching prevalence in Nigeria ranges between 40 percent and 84 percent. Nigeria consistently ranks first globally in the use of skin-lightening products. Research shows that 19.5 percent of mothers apply bleaching agents to their children under five, and 80 percent of children exposed were under two years old. Skin bleaching remains deeply rooted in “colourism” the social preference for lighter skin. A large number of users in some urban areas claim they use these products to “treat” skin disorders like acne or spots, often unaware that the steroids in the creams can worsen these conditions long-term. But medical professionals warn of an increase in severe complications due to unregulated ingredients like hydroquinone, mercury, and high-potency steroids. The desire to bleach is often linked to low self-esteem, colourism, and internalised bias. Stopping bleaching may cause the skin to darken again, sometimes darker than before, leading to frustration and relapse. Uneven discoloration and visible damage can lead to anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Ministry of Health has declared a state of emergency on skin bleaching.