The World Health Organisation (“WHO”) estimates that 77% of Nigerian women use bleaching products – this is the highest in the world. This statistic is alarming because bleaching or skin lightening is a very dangerous practice. The chemical substances used in bleaching are harmful as they include such strong formulations as hydroquinone, Arbutin, Kojic acid and Azelaic acid. These compounds prevent the formation of melanin and reduce its concentration in the skin. If you are unfamiliar with melanin, it is the skin pigment that protects your skin from the damaging effects of sunlight. It is the skin pigment that ensures that human beings are adapted to the tropical environment of Africa. Melanin is found in the skin of every black African for a reason so why is there such a desire to get this pigment out of the skin? One could understand a desire to develop a more even skin tone. However, many women go above and beyond this in order to get a lighter skin.
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