The Nigerian Association of Dermatologists (NAD) has urged Nigerians to reject harmful skin-bleaching practices and prioritise healthy skin over skin colour to reduce the burden of skin diseases in the country.

Folakemi Cole-Adeife, consultant physician and dermatologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), made the call on Tuesday ahead of the 2026 World Skin Health Day, observed annually on July 8.

World Skin Health Day is marked to raise awareness, improve education and advocate for equal access to dermatological care worldwide.

This year’s commemoration has the theme “Better Knowledge, Better Skin Health.”

Ms Cole-Adeife said there was a need to improve public awareness of skin diseases, promote healthy skin practices and expand access to quality dermatological care.

She said the Nigerian campaign, with the theme “Skin Health Beyond Skin Colour,” sought to redirect public attention from changing skin colour to protecting skin health.

“Healthy skin is not determined by how light or dark it is. Healthy skin is skin that performs its natural functions, protects the body from disease and contributes to overall wellbeing,” she said.

The dermatologist described skin diseases as among the most common health conditions worldwide, affecting people of all ages.

She listed common skin conditions, including eczema, acne, psoriasis, fungal infections, vitiligo, skin cancers, and other infections.

She also noted that although many skin diseases were preventable or treatable, delayed presentation, misinformation, self-medication, and limited access to specialist care often resulted in avoidable complications.

Ms Cole-Adeife expressed concern over the growing use of skin-lightening products across Africa, attributing the trend to harmful beauty standards, colourism, misinformation and aggressive marketing.

“Many skin-bleaching products contain dangerous substances, including potent corticosteroids, mercury and excessive concentrations of hydroquinone.

“These substances can cause permanent skin damage, severe acne, difficult-to-treat infections, stretch marks, delayed wound healing, kidney damage and adrenal suppression.

“Skin bleaching is no longer merely a cosmetic issue. It is a significant public health concern that requires education, stronger regulation, responsible marketing and community engagement,” she said.

She said the association was collaborating with government agencies, healthcare professionals, pharmacists, public health experts, civil society organisations and community leaders to promote evidence-based skin health education.

According to her, the association will hold community outreach, healthcare worker training, stakeholder engagement, public lectures, digital advocacy and a Pan-African webinar on tackling skin bleaching in Africa to mark the event.

Ms Cole-Adeife also advised Nigerians to disregard myths surrounding skincare, stressing that healthy skin did not require harsh products or unnecessary cosmetic procedures.

She recommended simple daily practices such as gentle cleansing, regular moisturising, sun protection, prompt treatment of skin conditions and avoiding unregulated skincare products.

The dermatologist urged Nigerians to obtain skincare information from qualified healthcare professionals rather than relying on misinformation circulating on social media or advice from unqualified vendors.

She also advised members of the public to seek medical attention for persistent rashes, non-healing wounds, severe itching, changing moles, unexplained changes in skin colour, and other persistent skin conditions.

Responding to questions, Ms Cole-Adeife said skin diseases could result from infections, allergies, genetic factors, immune disorders, environmental exposure, excessive sunlight, medications, and unhealthy lifestyle practices.

She added that the misuse of skin-lightening products had become a significant contributor to many skin disorders.

The dermatologist advised Nigerians to maintain good hygiene, moisturise regularly, protect themselves from excessive sunlight, avoid sharing personal items, eat a healthy diet, and avoid harmful skin-bleaching products.

She cautioned against self-medication, particularly the indiscriminate use of steroid-containing creams and unregulated skin-lightening products.

According to her, early diagnosis and treatment by qualified healthcare professionals remained the best way to prevent complications.

Ms Cole-Adeife reaffirmed that the central message of this year’s campaign was that healthy and beautiful skin comes in all skin colours.

She called on Nigerians to embrace their natural complexion, reject harmful beauty standards and prioritise knowledge, prevention and healthy skincare practices. 

(NAN)