Survey Reveals Nigeria’s Epicenter of Skin Bleaching, Experts Warn of Consequences

• Skin Bleaching Once Again on the Front Burner
• Nigeria and Other African Countries Identified as Global Leaders in Skin Bleaching
• Experts Warn About the Severe Consequences of skin Bleaching

A large percentage of the world’s skin-bleaching population is found in African countries, with Nigeria topping the list.

Skin bleaching is linked to serious health problems, including skin damage, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney failure, and even cancer. Most skin-lightening products contain harmful chemicals like mercury, which blocks melanin production and removes the skin’s top layer through acid.

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While these products are banned or heavily regulated in many countries, they are still widely used in Africa, especially by women, despite the known dangers.

At a regional workshop in Gabon, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, expressed deep concern about the high rates of skin bleaching in Africa. He pointed out that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of skin-bleaching product usage in the world.

Dr. Salako highlighted the harmful substances in these products, including mercury, hydroquinone, steroids, and heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and cadmium. These toxins can cause severe skin damage, poison internal organs, and increase cancer risks.

 

A survey by Nigeria’s Ministry of Health revealed that 52% of beauty product manufacturers use harmful skin-lightening agents.

According to a World Bank report, about 27.1% of Africans use skin-bleaching products. The practice is most common among people aged 30 and younger, who make up 55.9% of users. Those aged 31–49 account for 25.9%.

Women bleach their skin for various reasons:

• 49.38% want smooth and healthy-looking skin.
• 30.86% want to look more attractive.
• Around 20% believe it will improve their chances of marriage or job opportunities.

Countries With the Highest Bleaching Rates

The following African countries have the highest prevalence of skin bleaching:

1. Nigeria – 77%
2. Congo-Brazzaville – 66%
3. Senegal – 50%
4. Ghana – 39%
5. South Africa – 32%
6. Zimbabwe – 31.15%
7. Mali – 25%

In some areas, nearly 75% of women use skin-bleaching products, showing how widespread the issue is across the continent.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) is collaborating with African countries to eliminate harmful skin-lightening products, especially those containing mercury and hydroquinone. Their efforts focus on banning toxic ingredients and promoting safer alternatives to protect public health.

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