The federal government has expressed concerns since Nigeria has the highest use rates of skin lighting products worldwide, with an amazing 77 percent of Nigerian women who use these products.
He also warned about the dangers of skin bleaching, calling him a public health problem that requires urgent care.
Speaking in a regional awareness workshop in Libreville, Gabón, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, while citing the World Health Organization report, revealed that Nigeria has the use rates higher of slight skin products worldwide.
He also cited the Nigeria opinion institute (NOIPOLLS), a leading public opinion vote organization in Nigeria, which provided information on public opinion and consumer markets and discovered that 64 percent of Nigerians believe that the money laundering of The skin is highly prevalent.
“Noipolls with 97 percent believing that it is common among Nigerian women. Studies between university students found a prevalence between 62.4 and 64.9 percent.
The consciousness of skin bleach (SB) is high with more than 76 percent, and about 40 percent believe it makes one look beautiful and fashionable.
The minister also pointed out that the generalized use of products that accumulate the skin in Nigeria is driven by deeply rooted social pressures and perceptions that link the clearest skin with beauty, success and social mobility.
However, he said, these products contain harmful substances such as mercury, hydroquinone and steroids, which pose serious health risks, which include skin damage, organ toxicity and cancer.
He said that the Nigerian government has taken proactive measures to address the problem, including the development of regulations to prohibit the use of harmful skin bleaching agents and restrict hydroquinone concentration in cosmetic products.
“The government has also launched public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of skin bleach and promote the use of safe cosmetic products.”
Salako emphasized the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address the complex issue of skin bleach, dermatologists, environmental epidemiologists and community health specialists.
“Despite the well -documented harmful effects, the use of skin laundering products such as creams, ointments, soap, pills and injections is common among non -white populations worldwide.
“It is particularly widespread in Africa, especially among women and has been described by WHO as a public health problem that requires urgent actions.
“I must say that not only men also use SLP, men also tend to press women directly or indirectly to lighten their skin and, therefore, our campaigns should not exclude men,” said the minister.
He also asked African governments to revitalize the 'Black is beautiful' cultural movement to promote Afrokcentric appreciation and challenge generalized Eurocentric beauty standards that drive the demand for skin relief products.
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