Bleaching gone wrong
Public Health Practitioner at the Department of Biochemistry and
Nutrition, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, Dr. Chidinma
Gab-Okafor has warned Nigerians that exposure to cosmetic products for
the purpose of skin lightening may result in different types of
non-communicable diseases.
Speaking during the public lecture titled; An overview of the impact of
chemical exposures from cosmetics and personal care products, organized
by NIMR, Gab-Okafor said that skin bleaching which refers to the
practice of using creams, soaps, serum, lotions, relaxers, scrubs, oils,
face wipes, foundations, powders and other cosmetic products works by
reducing the black pigment called melanin that protects skin from
effects of sunlight.
The World Health Organisation has said that 77 percent of women in
Nigeria use skin-lightening products, the highest percentage in the
world. This means eight out of every 10 per cents each their skin.
Studies also shown that more than 50 per cent of men in Nigeria also
uses skin bleaching products and the most dangerous aspect is that
children have also been involved by their parents.
She disclosure at the skin bleaching products contain three main
chemicals called hydroquinone, mercury and corticosteroids, most creams
and soap sold in the market are a dangerous mixture of these chemicals
like steroids, mercury and hydroquinone. These chemicals can cause
cancer and using them for a long period of time can lead to very serious
health issues like skin cancer, blood cancer, liver and kidney cancer,
liver damage and kidney failure.
Apart from cancer, research has also shown that skin bleaching products
can also cause hypertension, diabetes, reduce immunity, inability to
have children and can affect unborn children when used in pregnancy.
On his part, Director-General of NIMR, Professor Babatunde Salako said
that the institute will continue to sensitize the public on things that
can be dangerous to their health.