The rise of skin bleaching in Nigeria

Skin bleaching has been steadily on the rise, with many celebrities sporting the new 'toning' trend.

The ever controversial Tonto Dikeh recently caused quite a stir when she casually admitted to bleaching her skin.

She spoke candidly on Y!'s Rubbin Minds and encouraged bleaching stating , "If you do not love your skin for some reason, you can change it".

She added "You can do it and do it well. I use a lot of oil not cream. I've been fair, I just want to enhance my colour."

Many Hollywood celebrities have also been accused of lightening their skin. Stars like Barbados beauty Rihanna, model Iman, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj and Lil Kim have become noticeably lighter, while attributing their fairer appearance to make-up.

Bleaching, often dubbed 'toning' is steadily on the rise.

Well known Nigerian Musician, Femi Kuti revealed to Al Jazeera, “When the bleaching propaganda got so negative, they had to come up with toning. Bleaching sounds too hard, now it’s toning. I don't bleach, they say, I tone!”

“They think bleaching is gege,” he added.

The increase in the trend is attributed to the influx of products on the market promising to help Africans to achieve the desired 'fair' complexion, often perpetuated by the media.  The influx of creams and gels and professional treatments has been met by a considerable amount of criticism.

The trend has not however been followed by women only. Major League star Sammy Sosa has become drastically lighter over the years and admitted to using lightening agents before he goes to bed.

While many people are opting to bleach/tone, the process does however come with it's risks. Many have even developed home remedies in an effort to achieve the desired results.

Bleaching can cause hazardous health consequences attributed to the toxic chemicals, notably linked to skin cancer and various other illnesses.

Illegal bleaching agents containing compounds like mercury have also been linked to kidney failure and various other skin problems.

The issue has indeed lead to contentious debate.

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