… Launches nationwide anti-skin bleaching campaign
By Chioma Obinna

The Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, NAD, has declared skin bleaching a growing public health crisis in Nigeria, warning that the widespread practice is fuelling rising cases of skin cancer, organ damage and severe infections across the country.

Raising the alarm at the launch of its nationwide anti–skin bleaching campaign in Lagos last week, NAD said the health risks associated with skin lightening far outweigh any perceived social or cosmetic benefits.

“Skin bleaching is not just a cosmetic choice; it is a serious health risk with devastating complications,” said Prof. Dasetima Altraide, President of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists. “We are seeing increasing cases of skin cancers, treatment-resistant fungal infections, permanent skin damage, allergies, and injury to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.”

The campaign, themed “Embrace Your Skin,” was unveiled at a press conference held at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Dermatology Clinic, Yaba, and drew journalists, dermatologists, public health experts and industry stakeholders.

Altraide expressed concern that the practice has become so normalised that even vulnerable groups are being exposed to harmful products.

“Alarmingly, children and even unborn babies are now victims,” he said. “There have been instances where pregnant women ingest substances in an attempt to lighten the skin of their unborn children, exposing them to toxic chemicals before birth.”

According to statistics presented by NAD, skin bleaching prevalence in Nigeria ranges between 40 and 84 per cent, based on data from the WHO Afro Region and iAHO (2023). The figures have earned Nigeria the grim labels of “the world capital of skin bleaching” and “the skin-lightening hot house of the world.”

The association noted that the practice is driven largely by long-standing social beliefs that lighter skin confers beauty, success and privilege, a narrative it described as both false and dangerous.

“Our mission is to educate, protect and empower Nigerians to embrace their natural skin tones,” Altraide said. “Dark skin is not inferior. Pharmacists, regulators, the media and every Nigerian have a role to play in dismantling these harmful beliefs.”

NAD commended regulatory efforts by the Federal Ministry of Health and NAFDAC, describing recent guidelines on cosmetic safety as “timely and critical” to protecting consumers. The association also appreciated Eucerin for supporting the nationwide advocacy campaign.

Calling for urgent collective action, Altraide urged pharmacists and regulatory agencies to restrict easy access to harmful bleaching agents and appealed to the media to amplify accurate, science-based information.

“This is a clarion call to stem the epidemic of skin bleaching that has taken centre stage in our society,” he said.

As part of the campaign’s next phase, NAD said it would intensify public education, expert engagement and media outreach to raise awareness about the dangers of skin bleaching and promote pride in natural skin tones. Nigerians were also advised to seek qualified medical care for skin concerns and avoid unregulated products.

“Skin health matters. Skincare is a responsibility. You were born this shade. Own your shade. Embrace your skin.” Altraide said.