The Nigerian Association of Dermatologists (NAD) has launched a nationwide campaign to address the growing public health risks associated with skin bleaching in Nigeria.
The initiative, themed “Embrace Your Skin”, was unveiled at the Dermatological Clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Annexe, Yaba, Lagos.
The event drew dermatologists, public health experts and industry stakeholders from across the country.
Speaking at the launch, NAD President, Prof. Dasetima Altraide, described skin bleaching as a major public health concern.
The practice, he noted, involves deliberately lightening the skin using topical creams, cosmetic procedures, oral medications and, in some cases, intravenous treatments.
While lighter skin is often perceived as socially desirable, he warned that the medical consequences are severe.
“Skin bleaching is not just a cosmetic choice; it is a health risk with serious complications,” Altraide said.
According to him, the practice has been linked to increased cases of skin cancer, treatment-resistant fungal infections, chronic skin damage, allergies and injury to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.
He added that children and unborn babies are increasingly exposed to harmful substances, including instances where pregnant women ingest products in an attempt to lighten their unborn children’s skin.
Statistics presented by NAD show that the prevalence of skin bleaching in Nigeria ranges between 40 per cent and 84 per cent, citing data from the WHO African Region and iAHO 2023. Nigeria has been described as both “the world capital of skin bleaching” and the “skin-lightening hot house of the world”, underscoring the scale of the problem.
Altraide reaffirmed the association’s commitment to reversing the trend through education and multi-sector collaboration.
“Our mission is to educate, protect and empower Nigerians to embrace their natural skin tones. Pharmacists, regulators, the media and citizens all have roles to play in dismantling the false narrative that portrays dark skin as inferior,” he said.
The association acknowledged the support of skincare brand Eucerin for the advocacy campaign and commended the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Ministry of Health for recent regulations guiding the safe use of cosmetics. It described the measures as timely steps towards strengthening consumer protection.
Calling for collective action, Altraide urged pharmacists and regulatory agencies to ensure that harmful bleaching products are not readily available over the counter. He also appealed to the media to amplify accurate health information to counter entrenched social biases about skin colour.
NAD encouraged Nigerians to prioritise their health and self-confidence.
“Skin bleaching is a harmful practice that must be avoided. Your natural skin colour is best for you. Embrace it,” he said.
The association said the campaign will focus on sustained public education, expert engagement and strategic media outreach to increase awareness of the dangers of bleaching and promote acceptance of natural skin tones. It also advised Nigerians to seek qualified medical care for skin conditions and to use only clinically approved skincare products.
“Skin health matters. Skincare is a responsibility. You were born this shade; own it. Embrace your skin,” Altraide added.
