Experts Warn on Dangers of Bleaching

Expert in Integrative Cosmetology has advice consumers on the dangers of applying cosmetic materials that are capable of changing their natural colour and predisposing them to other medical complications like skin diseases and kidney cancers, among others.

Speaking at a medical outreached programme held over the weekend in Lagos, the Founder, Black is Beauty Foundation, Dr. Chidinma Gab-Okafor said that the danger of bleaching agent far outweighs its temporary gain of enhancing self image and branding as it is among the leading cause of deaths among bleaching consumers. Gab-Okafor, who also disclosed that there was need to control the movement of pharmaceutical and cosmetics products as demand for skin lightening cosmetics is on the increase in Nigeria irrespective of age, sex, marital, socio- economic status, said manufacturers and importers hardly seek to cut corners in regulations and standardization of the formulas for the various products, which has encourage toxic chemicals in our everyday products in the market.She further expressed that bleaching agents were capable of causing other medical complications in the body like skin diseases, renal failures and others. According to her: “Average Nigerian women uses about 12 cosmetic products accounting for about 158 toxic chemicals, while men uses about six products accounting for about 85 toxic chemicals on a daily bases, and adolescents uses about 17 chemical products, with children on average of six chemical products on daily bases. All these find their way into our body systems and causes one danger or the other,’’ she explained. She therefore called for stringent policies from government to regulate the cosmetic industry especially importation of this toxic chemicals that are already causing havocs among Nigerian women as obtain in united kingdom and united states. Earlier, Reverend Monsignor, John Aniagwu, urged Nigerian youths “to take up vocational skills in various cottage industries, rather than engaging in unproductive ventures that are not financially rewarding”. Also speaking, a public Health Physician, Dr. Chidumga Ohazuruike, reiterated the fact that what one rubs on the body can get into the body system especially the kidney and cause renal failure. Adding that the skin as a living organ can be enhanced with proper nutrition not necessarily on what is put on it.