LAGOS/Nigeria: Medical experts have raised fresh concerns over the growing use of skin-lightening products in Nigeria, warning that the practice is exposing many people to serious health complications and increasing the burden of preventable skin diseases.
The warning came from the Dermatology Society of Lagos and the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists (NAD) ahead of the 2026 World Skin Health Day, observed annually on July 8 to promote awareness, education and improved access to dermatological care worldwide.
Speaking ahead of the commemoration, Consultant Physician and Dermatologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Folakemi Cole-Adeife, urged Nigerians to embrace healthy skincare practices and reject harmful beauty standards that encourage skin bleaching.
According to her, this year’s global theme, “Better Knowledge, Better Skin Health,” and the Nigerian campaign theme, “Skin Health Beyond Skin Colour,” are intended to shift attention from changing skin complexion to protecting the skin’s natural health and function.
She explained that healthy skin should not be judged by its colour but by its ability to protect the body against infections and support overall wellbeing.
Cole-Adeife described skin diseases as some of the most common health conditions affecting people of all ages, identifying eczema, acne, psoriasis, fungal infections, vitiligo, skin cancers and other skin infections among the conditions frequently seen by specialists.
She noted that although many skin conditions are preventable or treatable, delayed hospital visits, self-medication, misinformation and poor access to specialist care often lead to avoidable complications.
The dermatologist expressed concern over the increasing popularity of skin-bleaching products across Africa, attributing the trend to colour discrimination, unrealistic beauty standards and misleading advertising.
She warned that many skin-lightening creams contain harmful substances such as mercury, potent corticosteroids and excessive concentrations of hydroquinone, which can damage the skin and lead to severe health complications.
According to her, prolonged use of such products may result in difficult-to-treat infections, severe acne, stretch marks, delayed wound healing, kidney damage, hormonal disorders and permanent skin damage.
Cole-Adeife described skin bleaching as a major public health concern that requires stronger regulation, sustained public education and responsible marketing to protect consumers.
She disclosed that the association would mark this year’s World Skin Health Day through community outreach programmes, public lectures, healthcare worker training, stakeholder engagement, digital advocacy campaigns and a Pan-African webinar focused on tackling skin bleaching across the continent.
The dermatologist also advised Nigerians to adopt simple skincare habits such as regular moisturising, gentle cleansing, protection from excessive sunlight and prompt treatment of skin conditions, while avoiding unregulated skincare products and steroid-containing creams.
She urged members of the public to seek professional medical attention for persistent rashes, non-healing wounds, severe itching, changing moles and unexplained skin discolouration instead of relying on social media advice or unqualified skincare vendors.
Cole-Adeife maintained that early diagnosis and treatment remain the most effective way to prevent complications, urging Nigerians to embrace their natural complexion and prioritise healthy skin over skin colour.
