Doctor Folakemi Cole-Adeife, Team lead of Skin Health Project, has warned against the growing practice of skin bleaching in Nigeria, describing it as a significant public health concern requiring urgent education, stronger regulation, and community engagement.
The warning came as Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate the 2026 World Skin Health Day, marked annually on July 8 to improve awareness of skin diseases, promote healthy skin practices, and expand access to quality dermatological care.
In Nigeria, the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists is commemorating the day with the campaign “Skin Health Beyond Skin Colour,” which aims to shift the conversation from changing skin colour to protecting skin health.
Dr. Cole, Team Lead of the Skin Health Project and member of the Publicity Committee of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, stated that healthy skin is not determined by how light or dark it is, noting that but how efficiently the skin performs its natural functions and protects the body from disease.
According to her, the use of skin-lightening products has become increasingly common across many African countries, driven by harmful beauty standards, colourism, misinformation, and aggressive marketing.
“Many of these products contain dangerous ingredients such as potent corticosteroids, mercury, or excessive concentrations of hydroquinone,” she added.
Dr. Cole warned that prolonged use of these products can cause permanent skin damage, severe acne, difficult-to-treat infections, stretch marks, delayed wound healing, kidney damage, adrenal suppression, and other serious health complications.
She further explained that skin diseases are among the most common health conditions worldwide, affecting people of all ages, and include infections, eczema, acne, psoriasis, vitiligo, albinism-related skin complications, fungal infections, and skin cancers.
She noted that although many skin diseases are preventable or treatable, delayed presentation, misinformation, self-medication, and limited access to specialist care often result in avoidable complications.
On the causes of skin diseases, Dr. Cole said some are caused by infections such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites, while others result from allergic reactions, genetic conditions, immune system disorders, environmental exposures, excessive sun exposure, or certain medications.
“Importantly, many skin problems are now linked to the misuse of skin-lightening products containing harmful ingredients such as potent steroids, mercury, and high concentrations of hydroquinone. These products can damage the skin’s natural barrier and lead to infections, acne, severe pigmentation disorders, and other long-term complications,” she said.
Dr. Cole recommended keeping the skin clean without over-washing, moisturizing regularly, protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure, avoiding the sharing of personal items such as towels and razors, seeking prompt treatment for skin infections, and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.
She listed common warning signs of skin diseases to include persistent itching, rashes, changes in skin colour, painful or painless swellings, sores that do not heal, scaling or peeling skin, acne or pus-filled bumps, hair loss, changes in the nails, and excessive dryness or cracking.
“Any skin problem that persists for several weeks, worsens despite treatment, or is associated with fever, pain, or rapid spread should be evaluated by a healthcare professional,” she advised.
Dr. Cole cautioned Nigerians against self-medication, especially using steroid-containing creams or unregulated skin-lightening products purchased without medical advice.
“These products may temporarily improve symptoms while causing serious long-term damage and making the underlying disease more difficult to treat. Early diagnosis by a qualified healthcare professional leads to better outcomes and prevents complications,” she said.
As part of activities marking the day, the association is collaborating with government agencies, healthcare professionals, pharmacists, public health experts, civil society organizations, and community leaders to promote evidence-based skin health education.
Activities include community outreaches, healthcare worker training, stakeholder engagement, public lectures, digital advocacy, and a Pan-African webinar bringing together experts from across the continent to discuss strategies for reducing the burden of skin bleaching in Africa.
Dr. Cole encouraged Nigerians to obtain skincare information from qualified healthcare professionals rather than relying on misinformation circulating on social media or advice from unqualified vendors.
“Do not ignore persistent skin problems or rely solely on advice from friends, social media, or unqualified vendors. Seek help early from trained healthcare professionals because many skin diseases can be treated successfully when diagnosed promptly,” she said.
She urged Nigerians to embrace their natural skin colour and challenge the belief that beauty depends on skin tone.
