**The High Cost of Beauty: A Mother's Regret Over Skin-Lightening Practices in Nigeria**

Fatima's story reveals the social pressures and harmful consequences of cosmetic choices in the pursuit of beauty.

In northern Nigeria, a mother known as Fatima—name changed for privacy—lives with deep regret after using skin-lightening creams on her six children. Fatima's decision stemmed from societal pressure and familial preferences for lighter-skinned children. The adverse effects of the creams have marred her children's skin and inflicted emotional scars.

As she holds her two-year-old child, who exhibits burns and skin discoloration, Fatima mourns the choices she made. "I felt hurt knowing my mother favored my sister's light-skinned children," she explains. Initially, the creams seemed effective, warming her mother’s heart towards her children. However, the bliss was short-lived, as burns and scars soon emerged, leading to a situation that caused her children significant distress.

In Nigeria, skin-whitening, often referred to as bleaching, is practiced more than anywhere else in Africa, with 77% of women reportedly using these products as per the World Health Organization (WHO). The creams frequently contain dangerous chemicals like mercury and hydroquinone, which can lead to serious health issues such as skin infections and long-term damage.

Concerned by the increasing prevalence of skin bleaching, Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (Nafdac) declared a state of emergency in 2023. Experts like Zainab Bashir Yau, a dermatology spa owner, highlight that a significant number of women bleed their children to prevent societal discrimination associated with darker skin tones. “They believe it can protect them from stigma,” she asserts.

During a visit to a local market, it was alarming to see many mixing shops where illegal substances are blended into skin-lightening creams. The lack of awareness regarding the harmful ingredients in these products is prevalent, as many buyers pursue "radiant" skin for their children, despite understanding the potential risks.

Dr. Leonard Omokpariola of Nafdac acknowledges the challenges in regulating these products due to their unlabelled importation. Efforts are ongoing to educate communities and dismantle illegal operations, but the task remains daunting.

Fatima has vowed to share her story to educate others about the dangers of skin-lightening products. “Even though I have stopped using the creams... the side effects are permanent,” she laments. Her plea serves as a cautionary tale to parents about prioritizing health over societal pressures related to beauty ideals.