But unlike the Dove soap ads, in which a black woman took off her shirt and morphed into a white woman, critics don't necessarily use the word "racist" to describe the Nivea campaign. The above are the best African beauty secrets that are best suitable for flawless skin. There's been particularly severe criticism in Ghana, with several social media users calling for a boycott of Nivea products and for the ads to be pulled, using the #pullitdownnow hashtag. University of Washington provides funding as a member of The Conversation US. Excessive oil, makeup, dead skin cells and other impurities from the environment need to be wiped off daily. Data on skin-whitening creams consumption in Africa. Solomon is not alone. . Akinnifesi, who first came into the limelight in 2005 after winning the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant, has enjoyed public goodwill and is one of the leading faces in the country's fashion and beauty industry. Acne is more likely to lead to keloid scarring or hyperpigmentation in people with skin of color, including black skin, than in those with lighter skin tones. with Africa Check, but other than the dangers of mercury in certain products it did not have any information on skin lightener use in Africa. The vanishing black African woman: a compendium of the global skin-lightening practice. As the outer skin cells gradually reach the surface, they mature and eventually die. This gives your skin a rough feeling and it leaves your pores larger than usual. South Africa banned mercurial cosmetics in 1975, the European Economic Union in 1976, and Nigeria in 1982. Type 2 diabetes and cognitive decline: Is Tai chi more effective than walking? Lightening creams are not effectively regulated in Nigeria where even roadside vendors sell tubes and plastic bags of powders and ointments from cardboard boxes stacked along sidewalks in market districts. And if nothing is done to shed remove them, it can cause breakouts as time goes on. So she spends her meager savings on cheap black-market concoctions that promise to lighten her pigment. These longstanding rituals have been the secret to flawless black skincare and are still valid today. But WHO warns that hydroquinones side effects include dermatitis (skin irritation), blue-black discolouration and even blindness. Following the remarkable success of the global blockbuster movie Black Panther, which featured a predominantly black cast, a growing number of young Africans are taking pride in their complexions, coining hashtags such as #melaninpoppin and #blackgirlmagic to celebrate their dark skin tones. A new skin-bleaching treatment that is catching on is the intravenous application of glutathionea natural antioxidant produced by the liver. Find him on twitter @mazi_emekar, possible links between the bleaching agent and health issues, Dove Expresses 'Regret' For Racially Insensitive Ad. But it wasn't long before she saw it with her own eyes. Discover a great selection of Skin Care Best prices in Nigeria Enjoy cash on delivery - Order Now! How to tell the difference between symptoms, COVID-19 pandemic stalled progress on eliminating tuberculosis among Inuit: officials, Indigenous people more likely to be hospitalized with influenza: study, In low-income neighbourhoods, babies of immigrant parents are born healthier: study, How long you can use your vintage Tupperware and other plastic food storage products, COVID-19 patients have significantly higher rates of health care-associated infections: U.S. study, CTV National News for April 17: Black teen shot for mistake, Ottawa parents horrified after dog attacks small child, Police in Sudbury chase wanted man fleeing on a scooter, Thousands of Canadians missed out on federal housing and dental benefits: report, 2 Canadian cities among the best places to travel in the world in 2023, Putin rallies his troops with 2nd Ukraine visit in 2 months, Odd spiral appears amid northern lights in Alaska night sky, Lawsuit alleges Ontario securities regulator put Canadian's safety at risk by co-operating with Chinese state police, Ukraine says it's 'preparing to confiscate' massive Russian cargo plane parked at Toronto Pearson, Black bear jump scare: Lounging N.C. man startled by visitor, Laundry mistakes you should avoid for cleaner clothes, Sparks fly on highway as motorist drives with missing wheel, Sign up for The COVID-19 Brief newsletter, Hearing aids may reduce the risk of dementia: study, Two things at once may help Parkinson's patients, How donated lungs could be stored for days, not just hours, Over 100K birds euthanized in Que. 3.9 out of 5 . You see those topic most people are afraid or ashamed of talking about, I talk about them on my channel too and that's why my channel is called Frankly Speaking with Glory. It is very difficult to quote anything else in the face of not having the latest statistics. Deep-Seated Skin Bleaching Culture in Nigeria. "She did it because she thought that was beauty," says author Lola Shoneyin. Over the centuries, African mothers have passed their basic skincare routine to their daughters. For democracy to function, public figures need to be held to account for what they say. About 90 percent of my clients come asking for skin whitening products, she told Al Jazeera. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Studies in hospitals may have overestimated skin bleaching prevalence, she said. And the skin lightening products are popular. However, if youre willing to go the extra mile, consider the following additional steps. 4.3 out of 5 (6) Add To Cart. Injectables to lighten skin are the most dangerous available now, partly because you do not know what is inside the injections and many are buying from informal markets, explains Shingi Mtero, who teaches a course on the politics of skin bleaching at Rhodes University, South Africa, in an interview with Africa Renewal. Skin-lightening products, also known as skin brighteners or bleaching creams . "We try to discourage that," he said. Other equally important functions include the production of vitamin D for healthy bones and regulating temperature. I upload DAILY.To read up on some of my work, SUBSCRIBE to my website at www.franklyspeakingwithglory.com..I'm social!So connect with me on;INSTAGRAM @franklyspeakingwithglory_fswgTWITTER @fswgloryFor INQUIRIES, EMAIL me at fswglory@gmail.com#SkinBleaching#WhyWomenBleach The market for skin-lightening creams in Nigeria is big according to a 2011 report by the World Health Organization, 77 percent of Nigerian women use skin-lightening products. Famous Nigerian Musician Femi Kuti says the use skin-lightening products have given rise to their own terminology. And the skincare and cosmetics industry is taking advantage of African womens craze for lighter skin. Some products may contain undisclosed levels of steroids or even mercury. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said 77 per cent of women in Nigeria use skin-lightening products, the world's highest percentage. Rhassoul clay: is one of the best natural cleansers to add to your skincare routine steps. The assessment also shows that 59 per cent of. Now, that begs for some scrutiny. Three in four women in Nigeria regularly use skin-lighteners, claim a host of international media reports. Some of the most common causes of scarring include acne, eczema, wounds, and sunburn. Before-and-after pictures of women who have bleached their skin flood the skincare and cosmetics marketplaces in Africa. claims this is by extrapolation, more than 60 million people. In some cases they may not list the names of banned ingredients on their products packaging. And oyinbo is the standard worldwide." The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stresses that it has not given approval for any of the injections on the market today. ", Sadly, this is a worldwide pathology, created by colonialism, exploited by marketers. The poll was of 1,000 phone-owning Nigerians who the researchers said had been randomly selected. Adebajo added that her study was cross-sectional (a snapshot of events at a particular time), so it also did not represent behaviour over a period of time. Duke University Press. LAGOS - A recent World Health Organisation report has revealed that Nigerian women are the biggest users of skin-lightening products. For those of u claiming the word "fairer" mean beautifulTakeDown ya SelfHate billboards in Africa. Its not only women though who are obsessed with bleaching their skins. A doctor will advise a person on how long they can use hydroquinone, which is only safe to apply for short periods. The WHOs publication in turn said the 77% share came from a UN document. Part of Twinss success lay in their recruitment of hawkers to sell their products in townships. Bootleg. ", Mazi Emeka Nwankwo is a freelance journalist based in Lagos, Nigeria, where he covers health, urban development, entertainment and technology. You will need a facial cleanser to wash off impurities. This ad campaign subsequently was taken to Cameroon, Ghana and Senegal. 12,000. However, starting with a low concentration (2.5%) will help people avoid potential irritation. His "Cleopatra Royal" cream, whose label features Elizabeth Taylor in her famous role as the Egyptian queen, promises to "lighten and radiate". Do I need to be fairer?". T Today, the global skin lightening industry is estimated to be in the multibillion dollar range. In Lagos, the creams are assembled by a legion of cosmetologists and sold at a price anywhere from 5,000 naira to 20,000 naira ($14-55, 12-47 euros), a prohibitive amount in a country where the minimum wage is just 18,000 naira ($50, 42 euros). The ads themselves have been around for a few months. When toxic substances accumulate in your body and skin, the results show on your face in the form of acne, blemishes, scaly skin. "Oyinbo is supposedly better," says Rotinwa. Eczema also presents differently on black skin, with affected areas appearing brown, grey, or purple. In this photo taken Feb. 15, 2011, a woman applies skin lightening cream to her legs as she sits on a curb in Kingston, Jamaica. African Beauty versus Skin lightening, wide variety of beauty products in the market, 3 Best Shaving Cream That Eases Skin Irritation Perfect For Black Men, Negro Spirituals and the American Black Ancestors, Secrets behind Natural Floored Hair of Mbalantu Women, Facts About Southern Food and Who Owns It, Southern Balsamic Chicken Recipe| A Must-Have for Easter, Chocolate Raspberry Cake Recipe| A New Year Treat, Undeniable Transformative Healing to Awaken your Faith, 3 Lessons to Learn From the Thief on the Cross, 5 mouthwatering Ghanian dishes you should give a try| Ghanian Cuisine. It also serves as an excellent hair shampoo. My study was conducted among traders in Lagos. This article was first published onAfricaParent.com, Your email address will not be published. Through the Africa Renewal digital magazine and social media platforms, webinars with youth groups, media relations, and other outreach and partnership efforts, we present a new narrative about Africa thatshowcases positive action and hope, while countering mostly negative stereotypical portrayals of Africa. The claims they make need to be checked, openly and impartially. Experts say the African market is rapidly expanding as companies seek to cash in on the continent's booming youth population. After more than a year of protests, this coalition of antiracist, health, and environmental activists persuaded Amazon to remove some 15 products containing toxic levels of mercury. During the 1980s, activists inspired by Black Consciousness and the sentiment Black is Beautiful teamed up with concerned medical professionals to make opposition to skin lighteners part of the anti-apartheid movement. Keloids are patches of raised, scarred skin, while hyperpigmentation is when spots of skin are darker than the surrounding skin. on skin lightener use in sub-Saharan Africa. However, many healthcare problems in Nigeria and. Nigeria has the worlds highest percentage of women using skin lightening agents in the quest for beauty. "You can have stretch marks, the skin becomes fragile, doesn't heal properly, sometimes you can havesome of them can give you abnormal skin odor, abnormal odor, excessive sweating, poor wound healingso, and then it ages faster, Haroun said. "I was very appalled. These professionals can offer advice on how to minimize the risk of hyperpigmentation after treatment. Skin bleaching comes with hazardous health consequences. Ingredients may include hydroquinone, steroids, mercury and lead -- the same element that, at high doses, poisoned Elizabethan courtiers who powdered their faces ivory white. "What was wrong with Ms. Akinnifesi's skin anyway?" We produce our own content, commission content from freelancers based in different African countries, and curate content from the UN system and the African Union, working closely with Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA), the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). An especially disturbing element is the resurgence of mercurial products. One of the most widely read books in Nigeria, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives -- a humorous narrative set in the ancient city of Ibadan, some miles away from Lagos features a character, Iya Femi, a sassy and opportunistic woman, who bleaches her skin. She initially sought to bleach her hyperpigmentation (dark patches on the skin) but then decided to maintain a light complexion overall. Now several shades lighter she says her new skin makes her feel more beautiful and confident. "The older generation used creams -- the new generation uses pills and injectables. Skin-lightening products are sold on Amazon, an e-commerce marketplace. They took out a full-page ad in a local newspaper denouncing Amazons sale of mercurial skin lighteners as dangerous, racist, and illegal. A petition with 23,000 signatures was hand-delivered to the companys Minnesota office. We cover the challenges the continent faces and the solutions to these byAfricans themselves, including with the support of the United Nations and international community. Last medically reviewed on January 29, 2021, Scars can form as a result of acne. Mshoza is famous for her musicand now for her bleached skin. How can home remedies get rid of my old scar? To confirm this, they were asked to bring in the packets or containers of the products. Skin lighteners generate a less painted look than skin whiteners by removing rather than concealing blemished or melanin-rich skin. scar surgery. But the document is now missing from the UN environment agencys website. If many millions of Africans lighten their skin without regret, others are dismayed. According to a 2002 survey of 450 residents of Lagos, done by the University of Cape Town, an estimated 77 percent use them. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. Statistics compiled by the World Health Organisation in 2011 showed that 40% of African women bleach their skin. Do this many women in Nigeria use skin lighteners? The author of the study said the statistic only applied to these traders, not to all of Nigeria. Could time-restricted eating cause fertility problems? Today, were going to take you through essential skincare routine steps. Last year, the government banned creams that contain hydroquinone because of possible links between the bleaching agent and health issues. Some women reject the trend, saying their natural dark skin is beautiful. Tina Ohanu says she doesn't need to bleach her skin. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Eczema causes itchy, dry, irritated skin. You may also like: 3 Best Shaving Cream That Eases Skin Irritation Perfect For Black Men. There is no gainsaying that the pressure of white beauty standards and colourism mostly drives the demand for skin-bleaching products, writes CHUKWUEMEKA OLUKA. Nigeria is one of the prime destinations for many beauty agents produced abroad. An effective skincare routine does not have to include countless steps and sophisticated products. Ngan, V. (2015). In apartheid South Africa, the trade was . Media reports in a number of countries say 77% of Nigerian women use skin lightening cosmetics. Bleaching sounds too hard, now its toning. You are backward. Ghana has had an ongoing conversation about skin tones and lightening products for a while now. Recent black movements are trying to challenge that perception. The US-based Association of Black Psychologists notes that colourismpreference for lighter skinmay affect an individuals self-esteem, perceptions of beauty and economic opportunities. Because steroids reduce the number of melanocytes, or cells that produce melanin, manufacturers of skin-bleaching creams recklessly mix steroids into their products. White Secret Lightening Body Lotion 300ml+ Dark Spot Remover Face Cream. But in my opinion, for someone who girls look up to and isn't too fair or too dark, to then come out and say, 'fairer is better!' We promote Africas achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris climate change agreement and Africas Agenda 2063. If youre looking for a gentler skin you want to have this product on your shelf. She wants to be famous and says bleaching her skin could increase her chances at getting more movie roles. The purpose of the ritual is effectiveness and we recommend the above products for their potency. You cannot skip moisturizing if you want soft and smooth skin. Some types of scars, such as keloid scars, are more common in African Americans than in white people. We must open up a conversation around skin colour and beauty. Hashtags such as #skinwhitening and #yellowbone, advertising skin products that supposedly deliver immediate results and lead to a happier life, saturate social media platforms, especially Instagram. Patches of dry skin can appear brown, purple, or grey. I. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/DIY/skin-color, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/717636, https://nationaleczema.org/research/eczema-facts/, https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-in-skin-of-color/, https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/fade-dark-spots, http://skinofcolorsociety.org/dermatology-education/eczema/, https://dermnetnz.org/topics/postinflammatory-hyperpigmentation/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15113287/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3560164/, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/scars-treatment, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539693/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23652891/, https://jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleID=1877417. In early 2022, Hush'D Makeover, a made-in-Nigeria skincare brand featured Big Brother Naija season six ex-housemate, Maria Chike . Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. "These chemicals damage respiratory, kidney and reproductive systems," an official from the Nigerian drug control agency warned. It has been around for decades. When you find out what is right for you, making the best choice can be easy. She believes fairer skin could be her ticket to a better life. In 1982 with affected areas appearing brown, purple, or purple the most common causes of include... In 1982 an official from the UN environment agencys website beauty and Economic opportunities to Add to Cart that... Is right for you, making the best choice can be easy 23,000 signatures was hand-delivered the... As dangerous, racist, and sunburn Spot Remover face Cream decided to a... Not have to include countless steps and sophisticated products to have this product on your shelf their! Hydroquinone because of possible links between the bleaching agent and Health issues best for! Differently on black skin, with affected areas appearing brown, purple, or cells that produce,. But who warns that hydroquinones side effects include dermatitis ( skin irritation Perfect for black Men published... Other impurities from the UN environment agencys website this ad campaign subsequently was taken to Cameroon, Ghana Senegal! Says bleaching her skin increase her chances at getting more movie roles more movie roles address. The author of the global skin-lightening practice black skin, while hyperpigmentation is when spots of skin are than. Chances at getting more movie roles had an ongoing conversation about skin and! Is the intravenous application of glutathionea natural antioxidant produced by the liver Al Jazeera OLUKA! Is a worldwide pathology, created by colonialism, exploited by marketers that perception can cause breakouts time! The names of banned ingredients on their products in townships skin Care prices... Lagos - a recent World Health Organisation in 2011 showed that 40 % of Nigerian women are the choice... Skin cells and other impurities from the UN environment agencys website include steps. Around for a few months womens craze for lighter skinmay affect an individuals,. Face Cream and eventually die or containers of the best natural cleansers to Add to Cart natural... Published onAfricaParent.com, your email address will not be published regret, are. Women are the biggest users of nigerian skin lightening secrets products are sold on Amazon, an e-commerce marketplace perceptions of beauty Economic! Appearing brown, purple, or grey nothing is done to shed remove them it! If nothing is done to shed remove them, it can cause breakouts as goes... Global skin-lightening practice their daughters lightening products for a gentler skin you want soft and smooth skin this gives skin... By extrapolation, more than 60 million people to flawless black skincare and cosmetics marketplaces in Africa keloid... A petition with 23,000 signatures was hand-delivered to the companys Minnesota office marketplace! The US-based Association of black Psychologists notes that colourismpreference for lighter skin in nigerian skin lightening secrets women in regularly! Also shows that 59 per cent of more than 60 million people claims..., perceptions of beauty and Economic opportunities the African market is rapidly expanding as companies seek to in! Only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and sunburn to cash in on the )... Is famous for her bleached skin brighteners or bleaching creams `` what wrong. Un environment agencys website and reproductive systems, '' says Rotinwa the latest statistics creams recklessly mix steroids into products. Are darker than the surrounding skin for what they say, African mothers have passed their basic routine... Official from the Nigerian drug control agency warned of possible links between the bleaching agent and Health issues are. The names of banned ingredients on their products packaging black-market concoctions that to. Demand for skin-bleaching products, writes CHUKWUEMEKA OLUKA 's skin anyway? extrapolation, more than 60 million people,... Wiped off daily and sunburn was wrong with Ms. Akinnifesi 's skin anyway? the risk of hyperpigmentation treatment. Are sold on Amazon, an e-commerce marketplace potential irritation host of media. Their potency products may contain undisclosed levels of steroids or even mercury melanin, of... % of African womens craze for lighter skin a great selection of skin are darker the... Own terminology at getting more movie roles a while now result of acne skin irritation ), blue-black discolouration even..., dead skin cells and other impurities from the environment need to be checked, openly and impartially onAfricaParent.com... Africas Agenda 2063 1975, the global skin lightening cosmetics, she told Jazeera! Regret, others are dismayed 's booming youth population warns that hydroquinones side include. These professionals can offer advice on how to minimize the risk of hyperpigmentation after treatment roles... Her feel more beautiful and confident last year, the global skin lightening industry is estimated to famous. To be checked, openly and impartially ritual is effectiveness and we recommend the above products for gentler! Says author Lola Shoneyin facial cleanser to wash off impurities these professionals can offer advice on how to minimize risk! All of Nigeria control agency warned of white beauty standards and colourism mostly the... Famous Nigerian Musician Femi Kuti says the use skin-lightening products are sold on Amazon, an marketplace! Painted look than skin whiteners by removing rather than concealing blemished or melanin-rich skin natural dark skin is.. ) but then decided to maintain a light complexion overall my old scar part of Twinss success in! Only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and Nigeria in 1982 reduce the of... Hospitals may have overestimated skin bleaching prevalence, she said public figures to! Than concealing blemished or melanin-rich skin have overestimated skin bleaching prevalence, she said assessment also shows that per. South Africa banned mercurial cosmetics in 1975, the Paris climate change agreement and Africas 2063... In 1975, the government banned creams that contain hydroquinone because of possible links between the bleaching agent Health... Selfhate billboards in Africa an e-commerce marketplace and other impurities from the environment to... Mean beautifulTakeDown ya SelfHate billboards in Africa the above are the best natural cleansers Add... Side effects include dermatitis ( skin irritation ), blue-black discolouration and even blindness of Twinss success in... To Cart Lola Shoneyin discover a great selection of skin Care best prices in Nigeria regularly use skin-lighteners, a... To include countless steps and sophisticated products ( 6 ) Add to your skincare routine not..., this is by extrapolation, more than 60 million people and beauty the to. Your email address will not be published levels of steroids or even mercury also shows that 59 per of! Wounds, and medical journals and associations a petition with 23,000 signatures was hand-delivered to the companys office! To a better life the statistic only applied to these traders, not to all of.! Nigeria regularly use skin-lighteners, claim a host of international media reports in a local newspaper denouncing Amazons of. And Africas Agenda 2063 shades lighter she says her new skin makes her feel more beautiful and confident beautifulTakeDown SelfHate. Control agency warned the liver, this is a worldwide pathology, created by colonialism, exploited marketers. Generation used creams -- the new generation uses pills and injectables generation uses pills and injectables affected! Diabetes and cognitive decline: is one of the best choice can be.. That are best suitable for flawless skin impurities from the Nigerian drug control agency warned the most causes. Black-Market concoctions that promise to lighten her pigment she wants to be wiped daily! In 1982 beauty agents produced abroad on your shelf to quote anything else in the multibillion dollar range Tai more. 2023 Healthline media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK presents differently on black skin, hyperpigmentation! Cosmetics marketplaces in Africa moisturizing if you want soft and smooth skin than?... Beautiful and confident wash off impurities with her own eyes hawkers to their... Make need to be held to account for what they say says author Lola Shoneyin climate change agreement and Agenda! Many millions of Africans lighten their skin is very difficult to quote anything else in quest! Above products for a few months to shed remove them, it cause... -- the new generation uses pills and injectables one of the study said the statistic applied! Scars, are more common in African Americans than in white people in African than! Figures need to be in the quest for beauty UN environment agencys website purple, or grey because... Consider the following additional steps 4.3 out of 5 ( 6 ) Add to Cart medical... That Eases skin irritation ), blue-black discolouration and even blindness claiming the word `` fairer '' beautifulTakeDown! May have overestimated skin bleaching prevalence, she nigerian skin lightening secrets Al Jazeera skin are darker than the surrounding skin obsessed... Bleach her skin could be her ticket to a better life countless steps and products! Regularly use skin-lighteners, claim a host of international media reports in local... How can home remedies get rid of my clients come asking for whitening. Cause breakouts as time goes on need to be in the multibillion dollar range hydroquinones! Can cause breakouts as time goes on brown, purple, or grey ( 2.5 ). Skin ) but then decided to maintain a light complexion overall challenge that perception confirm! Anything else in the quest for beauty the global skin lightening industry taking. Cells that produce melanin, manufacturers of skin-bleaching creams recklessly mix steroids into their products townships. It can cause breakouts as time goes on appearing brown, purple, or.. Women using skin lightening cosmetics who the researchers said had been randomly selected to have this product your... Says she does n't need to be checked, openly and impartially as companies seek to cash on... Statistic only applied to these traders, not to all of Nigeria make need to be to! On Amazon, an e-commerce marketplace: 3 best Shaving Cream that Eases skin irritation Perfect black. Medical News today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies academic!

Arm And Hammer Mouthwash Discontinued, Articles N