Nigerians Explain Why They Use Bleaching Creams Despite NAFDAC’s Warnings- Ekohotblog

Many Nigerians ignore NAFDAC’s warnings due to societal pressure and beauty standards.
Users prioritize cosmetic results over health risks like skin damage.
Social media and celebrity influence drive the continued use of bleaching creams.

Despite the well-documented dangers of skin-lightening products, including stretch marks, dark spots, skin cancer, and kidney damage, many Nigerians continue to use them in pursuit of lighter skin.

For some, the desire to look more attractive, the pressure to match the complexion of friends and family, and the belief that lighter skin boosts marriage prospects outweigh the potential health risks.

EKO HOT BLOG discovered that many Nigerians unknowingly became users of skin-lightening products, often by using a friend or roommate’s cream or purchasing products without realizing they contained bleaching agents.

One user, Mary, explained that she started using bleaching creams to lighten her skin and improve her chances of finding a husband. After several months, she achieved her desired skin tone but later developed a skin allergy. It wasn’t until her doctor pointed out the use of a bleaching cream that she realized the consequences. Now, Mary struggles with black spots and uneven skin tone, making her uncertain about her future prospects.

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Similarly, Kikelomo, a Lagos resident, continued using skin-lightening products despite developing stretch marks and dark spots. She ultimately switched to a new cream, hoping to reverse the damage but found that the side effects had already taken hold.

For Favour Konla, from Ogun State, the pressure to fit in with light-skinned friends led her to use bleaching creams, despite knowing the risks. Eventually, she stopped but expressed relief in realizing the beauty of her natural skin.

In response to the growing trend, Dr. Iziaq Salako, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, recently declared the country the “world capital of skin bleaching” due to its alarming rise. In February 2023, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) identified Nigeria as the global leader in skin-bleaching cases, prompting urgent calls for action.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the widespread use of skin-lightening products in Nigeria, with 77% of Nigerian women reported to use them, the highest percentage in Africa. The WHO warns that this practice is becoming a significant public health concern across the continent.

Social media and influencer marketing play a substantial role in promoting these products, with many Nigerians unaware of the health risks they entail. In some cases, users unknowingly start using skin-lightening products after borrowing them from friends or roommates whose skin tone they admire.

Dermatologists, like Prof. Dasetima Altraide, emphasize the serious health risks of using bleaching creams, including increased vulnerability to infections, kidney problems, skin thinning, and even skin cancer. He notes that people who use these products may experience complications when undergoing surgery or suffering injuries that require stitches.

Dr. Olufolakemi Cole-Adeife, a consultant dermatologist, points to the sociocultural pressures, such as those perpetuated by the media and Nollywood, which associate lighter skin with beauty, success, and higher social status. This mentality, rooted in colonial ideals, continues to drive many, particularly women, to use skin-lightening products despite the dangers.