Skin Lightening Among Young Adults in Ilorin West, Nigeria: Health Risks, Societal Pressures, and the Pursuit of Fairness.
| dc.contributor.author | Olaolu Oyinlola Bilewu *1 , Morufu Olalekan Raimi 2 , Oyeniyi Adegboyegba1 , Ige Taiye1 , Saka Bolakale Sulayman1 , Idowu David Alake 3 | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-04-28T14:05:27Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-04-28T14:05:27Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-01-30 | |
| dc.description | Skin lightening, the practice of using chemical or natural products to achieve a lighter skin tone, is a widespread phenomenon across various regions of the world, including Nigeria. This practice is primarily driven by societal and cultural perceptions that associate lighter skin with beauty, higher social status, and economic opportunities. The influence of global beauty standards, reinforced through media representations, historical colonial legacies, and socio-economic factors, has contributed to the normalization of skin-lightening practices in Nigeria. However, despite its perceived benefits, skin lightening raises significant public health concerns due to the potential health risks associated with many of these products (Blay and Ahoofe, 2015; Falola and Genova, 2015; Samuel et al., 2018; Smith and Davis, 2020; Gbetoh and Amyot, 2016; Vijaya, 2019; Rusmadi et al., 2015; Katz et al., 2016; Robinson and Jacob, 2016; WHO, 2019; Sagoe et al., 2019; Mahmood, 2019; Jones-Williams, 2021). Nigeria is reported to have one of the highest ratesof skin-lightening product usage globally, with studies consistently highlighting its prevalence across different demographic groups. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 77% of Nigerian women use skinlightening products, making it a deeply entrenched practice in the country (WHO, 2016; 2019; 2021). Research among university undergraduates in Maiduguri reported a prevalence rate of 48.1% (Egbi and Kasia, 2021), while a study among traders in Lagos State found a prevalence of 77.3% (Yetunde, 2017). These findings underscore the widespread nature of skin-lightening practices across diverse populations. However, there is limited data on the prevalence, motivations, and health implications of skin lightening among young adults in Ilorin West, Nigeria, necessitating further investigation. The high prevalence of skin lightening practices in Nigeria can be attributed to multiple socio-demographic and economic factors. Gender plays a significant role, with women more likely to engage in skin lightening due to societal beauty standards that favor lighter skin tones. Additionally, economic status influences product accessibility, as individuals from varying income levels use different types of skin-lightening products, ranging from high-end dermatological treatments to inexpensive but potentially hazardous creams and soaps. Educational background and awareness of health risks also contribute to the practice, with some individuals continuing despite knowledge of potential adverse effects (Gracia and Perloff, 2015; Jalal and Ansari, 2016; Samuel et al., 2018; Ogbe and Odimegwu, 2017; Olumide et al., 2018). Health risks associated with skin lightening include dermatological conditions such as skin thinning, hyperpigmentation, and increased susceptibility to infections. Systemic toxicity from ingredients such as mercury, hydroquinone, and corticosteroids can result in severe complications, including nephrotoxicity and endocrine disorders (Samuel et al., 2018; Smith and Davis, 2020; Vijaya, 2019; Rusmadi et al., 2015; Ravichandran, 2015; Robinson and Jacob, 2016; James et al., 2018; Amodu et al., 2018; WHO, 2019; Sagoe et al., 2019; Mahmood, 2019; Balogun and SamOdutola, 2019; Uwakwe et al., 2019). Despite these risks, the skin-lightening industry remains a lucrative market in Nigeria, driven by demand from young adults who perceive lighter skin as a means of enhancing social and professional opportunities. This study aims to examine the health risks and socio-demographic factors associated with skin lightening practices among young adults in Ilorin West, offering localized insights into this widespread phenomenon. Previous studies on skin lightening in Nigeria have largely focused on urban centers such as Lagos, Maiduguri, and Abuja. | |
| dc.description.abstract | Skin-lightening practices are increasingly common among young adults, influenced by societal beauty standards, cultural traditions, and economic factors. However, these practices pose serious health risks, including skin damage and psychological distress. Limited awareness of these dangers, coupled with regulatory gaps, exacerbates the issue, necessitating targeted interventions. This study investigates the health risks and socio-demographic factors influencing skin-lightening practices among young adults in Ilorin West, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 450 participants, primarily aged 18–23 years. Structured questionnaires captured data on sociodemographic characteristics, product usage, health effects, and influencing factors. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were used to assess associations between socio-demographic variables and skin-lightening prevalence. Findings indicate a high prevalence (65.3%) of skin-lightening, particularly among young, single, female students with secondary education. Reported adverse effects include skin irritation (37.8%) and hyperpigmentation (25.3%). Alarmingly, 76.2% of respondents were unaware of the long-term health risks. Cultural and economic factors significantly influenced behavior, with affordability and tribal norms playing key roles. The Hausa ethnic group exhibited the highest prevalence (73.5%), while usage was highest among individuals aged 21–23 years. These findings underscore the urgent need for public health interventions. Raising awareness through culturally sensitive education campaigns, enforcing stricter regulations on harmful products, and engaging social influencers can help reshape societal beauty norms. Policymakers must implement stronger controls on the production and sale of hazardous skin-lightening products. Additionally, promoting self-acceptance and healthier beauty ideals through community-based advocacy can reduce reliance on harmful practices. This study highlights the critical health risks associated with skin-lightening among young adults. Addressing the cultural and societal drivers of these behaviors can improve physical and mental health outcomes, fostering a healthier perception of beauty. and mental health outcomes, fost | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Olaolu Oyinlola Bilewu *1 , Morufu Olalekan Raimi 2 , Oyeniyi Adegboyegba1 , Ige Taiye1 , Saka Bolakale Sulayman1 , Idowu David Alake 3 | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Bilewu et al. (2025) | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 3066-3660 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://kwasuspace.kwasu.edu.ng/handle/123456789/5148 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Koozakar LLC. Norcross GA 30071, United States | |
| dc.relation.ispartofseries | article/ISSN (Online): 3066-3660 | |
| dc.title | Skin Lightening Among Young Adults in Ilorin West, Nigeria: Health Risks, Societal Pressures, and the Pursuit of Fairness. | |
| dc.title.alternative | Skin Lightening Among Young Adults in Ilorin West, Nigeria: Health Risks, Societal Pressures, and the Pursuit of Fairness. | |
| dc.type | Article | |
| dc.type | Article | |
| dc.type | Article |