Skincare experts have warned that bleaching by Nigerians is rampant and poses severe health risks to millions, mostly women, who are desperate to achieve a lighter complexion.

Dasetima Altraide, president, Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, and Folawewo David, a skincare specialist, warned in separate interviews with journalists on Sunday in Lagos.

They described the trend as a ticking time bomb.

According to the 2023 World Health Organisation Fact Sheet, Nigeria has the highest prevalence of skin bleaching globally.

The data also shows that 77 per cent of women in Nigeria consume skin-lightening products.

It also shows that the trend is driven by societal pressures, as having lighter skin is linked to beauty, success and wealth.

Mr Altraide described the rate of skin bleaching by Nigerians as alarming, saying the consequences were dire.

He is the chairman of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Management Board.

The medical expert said the common reasons people used bleaching products were skin and colour maintenance.

He emphasised that nature would ultimately take its toll on the human skin.

“They want to maintain their colour, forgetting that, sometimes, during the sunny season, everybody gets darker,” he said.

The professor said skin bleaching could lead to stretch marks and, in severe cases, congenital infections.

“Steroid-based creams can cause hypertension, diabetes and skin damage,” he said.

He added that bleaching made the skin thin, compelling wounds to take longer to heal.

“When you bleach, you basically have a wound that goes deep into the skin,” he emphasised.

Mr Altraide also said skin bleaching could cause kidney problems and hormonal imbalance.

The don advocated intensified public sensitisation on the dangers of skin bleaching.

He recommended alternative products for skin maintenance, including moisturisers and microcinnamide.

Also, Ms David said low self-esteem, self-hatred and the wrong notion that lighter skin was associated with beauty were reasons people bleached their skin.

“Use of bleaching products tends to cause health issues because the products contain harsh chemical products which go into the skin and then the bloodstream.

“Some of the ingredients they use as bleaching agents, including hydroquinone, mercury and steroids, can cause hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems and adrenal fatigue,” Ms David said. 

She listed other complications as estrogen dominance, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility and skin cancer.

Ms David also advocated increased awareness about the dangers of skin bleaching to tackle the menace.

She emphasised stricter regulations of skin care products and the promotion of natural, healthy skincare practices.

“Governments should regulate skincare products and strengthen laws and regulations to ban harmful bleaching products.

“They should also inform people about the risks and harm caused by skin bleaching and encourage natural, healthy skincare practices,” she advised. 

(NAN)