The World
Health Organisation, WHO, has said 77 percent of women in Nigeria use
skin-lightening products, the world’s highest percentage. The figure compares
with 59 percent in Togo, and 27 percent in Senegal.
Health Organisation, WHO, has said 77 percent of women in Nigeria use
skin-lightening products, the world’s highest percentage. The figure compares
with 59 percent in Togo, and 27 percent in Senegal.
The WHO report said the reasons for this are varied but most
people said they use skin-lighteners because they want “white skin”.
people said they use skin-lighteners because they want “white skin”.
WHO also said skin bleaching comes with hazardous health
consequences. The dangers associated with the use of toxic compounds for skin
bleaching include, blood cancers such as leukemia and cancers of the liver and
kidneys, as well as severe skin conditions. It said hardcore bleachers use
illegal ointments containing toxins like mercury, a metal that blocks production
of melanin, which gives the skin its colour, but can also be toxic.
consequences. The dangers associated with the use of toxic compounds for skin
bleaching include, blood cancers such as leukemia and cancers of the liver and
kidneys, as well as severe skin conditions. It said hardcore bleachers use
illegal ointments containing toxins like mercury, a metal that blocks production
of melanin, which gives the skin its colour, but can also be toxic.
The report said in many parts of Africa, lighter-skinned women are
considered more beautiful and believed to be more successful and likely to find
marriage. It also said it is not only women who are obsessed with bleaching
their skins. Some men too are involved in the practice.
considered more beautiful and believed to be more successful and likely to find
marriage. It also said it is not only women who are obsessed with bleaching
their skins. Some men too are involved in the practice.
WHO
investigation said lightening creams are not effectively regulated in Nigeria
where even roadside vendors sell tubes and plastic bags of powders and
ointments from cardboard boxes stacked along sidewalks in market districts.
Many of the tubes are unlabelled as to their actual ingredients.
investigation said lightening creams are not effectively regulated in Nigeria
where even roadside vendors sell tubes and plastic bags of powders and
ointments from cardboard boxes stacked along sidewalks in market districts.
Many of the tubes are unlabelled as to their actual ingredients.
Qatar based Al Jazeera also reported that business is booming for
shops selling skin-lightening products. A trader said, “About 90 percent of my
clients come asking for skin whitening products,” adding “I sell it to them and
give advice on what product is best for them and how to use them.”
shops selling skin-lightening products. A trader said, “About 90 percent of my
clients come asking for skin whitening products,” adding “I sell it to them and
give advice on what product is best for them and how to use them.”
Source: Vanguard
