The Skin Bleaching Culture In Nigeria: Prevalence, Motives, Determinants, Products and Adverse Effects

Abstract

Skin lighteners are used by large fractions of the
population, primarily women and young girls, in Asia,
Africa and Latin America. Survey reports these figures for
use in specific countries: Senegal, 27 percent; Mali, 25
percent; Togo, 59 percent; South Africa, 35 percent;
Nigeria, 77 percent; Hong Kong, 45 percent; Republic of
Korea, 28 percent; Malaysia, 41 percent; The Philippines,
1-3 50 percent; and Taiwan, 37 percent.This review highlights the practice of skin bleaching in Nigerians, determinants and side effects.