By Michael Gwarisa
Nigeria has the highest prevalence of skin bleaching in Africa, with 77% of its population using skin-lightening products, a new report has revealed. The November 2023 Regional Fact Sheet on Skin Bleaching in Africa, compiled by the African Health Observatory (AHO) under the World Health Organization (WHO), warns that the widespread practice poses severe health risks and remains a major public health concern.
Despite global efforts to regulate and ban harmful skin-bleaching products, millions of Nigerians continue to use them, driven by social, cultural, and economic pressures. The report highlights that Congo-Brazzaville (66%) and Senegal (50%) also have high prevalence rates, while Ghana (39%), South Africa (32%), and Zimbabwe (31.15%) report significant usage as well.
Skin bleaching—also known as skin lightening, toning, or whitening—is a cosmetic practice that involves the use of chemical agents to lighten skin tone. The products used often contain hazardous substances such as hydroquinone, mercury, and corticosteroids, which have been linked to serious health problems.
The practice has historical roots in colonialism and colorism, where lighter skin has long been associated with privilege, beauty, and higher social status. This societal perception continues to fuel demand, despite increasing awareness of the dangerous side effects of bleaching products.
The WHO report highlights three major reasons why Nigerians engage in skin bleaching: Theese include, the desire for smooth and clear skin (49.38%) – Many users believe that bleaching enhances skin texture and prevents blemishes, beauty and attractiveness (30.86%) – Lighter skin is often viewed as more desirable, influencing beauty standards in media and popular culture and social and economic benefits (20%) – Some individuals believe that lighter skin increases job opportunities, marriage prospects, and social acceptance.
Despite its popularity, skin bleaching has devastating health consequences. Prolonged use of skin-lightening products—especially those containing mercury and corticosteroids—has been linked to severe dermatological conditions and chronic diseases.
According to the WHO, the risks of long-term skin bleaching include, Skin cancer as the constant stripping of melanin reduces the skin’s natural protection against UV rays, increasing the risk of melanoma. Other health effects include, kidney and liver damage as mercury-based products are absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to toxicity and organ failure. Bleaching can also cause steroid acne and skin thinning with data showing that prolonged use of corticosteroids results in fragile skin, stretch marks, and infections. It also causes hormonal imbalances as some chemicals disrupt the body’s endocrine system, leading to reproductive issues and metabolic disorders.
A case study from Togo included in the WHO report described a 65-year-old woman who developed multiple squamous cell carcinomas (a type of skin cancer) after 30 years of skin bleaching. The cancer had spread to her lungs, highlighting the deadly consequences of prolonged exposure to bleaching chemicals.
In response to the growing crisis, several African governments have banned or strictly regulated skin-bleaching products. However, enforcement remains a significant challenge, as these products are often smuggled into the country or sold through informal markets and online stores.
The Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global treaty signed by 128 countries, mandates the elimination of mercury in cosmetics. Nigeria, like many other African nations, has signed the treaty, but implementation has been slow.
Public health experts argue that banning harmful products is not enough—there must also be education and awareness campaigns to shift societal perceptions of beauty.
The persistence of skin bleaching in Nigeria reflects deep-seated societal biases that equate lighter skin with success and desirability. To combat this, public health advocates emphasize the need for public awareness campaigns – Promoting the beauty of dark skin through education, media representation, and advocacy, regulation and enforcement – Strengthening border control and market surveillance to prevent the sale of illegal bleaching products and safer alternatives – Encouraging natural skincare solutions and the use of high-quality sunscreens to promote healthy skin.
With 77% of its population engaging in skin bleaching, Nigeria faces a serious public health crisis. Unless comprehensive measures—including stronger regulations, public education, and cultural shifts—are implemented, the practice will continue to endanger lives.
