Use of Skin Bleaching Products in West Africa

Background: The use of skin bleaching products is considered a common trend in dark-skinned women in West Africa, Surprisingly, only a few studies have been carried out on this subject in West Africa. The objectives of the study are to determine the prevalence, active component, complications, and mechanism of action of the key ingredients of skin bleaching products.

Methods: This review article was conducted by searching PubMed (MEDLINE) and EMBASE using the search terms “ Use of skin bleaching products” and “West Africa” with a focus on articles from 2002 to 2022. Certain criteria were used to include or exclude articles from our study.

Results: All articles reviewed revealed a rise in the prevalence of use of skin bleaching products ranging from 25% to 58.9% in women from Sub-Saharan Africa. The most common components found include hydroquinone, corticosteroids, mercury, and caustic agents. Some complications that result from the use of these products include skin atrophy, hyperpigmentation of skin around joints, Striae atrophicae, skin infection, and secondary adrenal insufficiency.

Conclusion: The rise in the prevalence of the use of skin bleaching products in West African women has resulted in a corresponding rise in detrimental health conditions. Hence, Educating people concerning the harmful effects of the components of skin-lightening products should be employed and the government should put policies in place to reduce or legally prohibit the use of these products as the harm inarguably outweighs any perceived benefit.