Nigerian Association of Dermatologists unveils nationwide campaign to combat skin bleaching in Nigeria
NAD positions itself as a guardian of consumer safety in the personal care sector. As the campaign rolls out nationwide, it holds promise for reshaping societal views on beauty, aligning with global sustainability and wellness trends in cosmetics.
NIGERIA – The Nigerian Association of Dermatologists (NAD) has rolled out a comprehensive nationwide program called “EmbraceYourSkin” to tackle the escalating health risks tied to skin bleaching practices across Nigeria.
The initiative kicked off on February 5, 2026, during a press conference at the LUTH Dermatological Clinic in Yaba, Lagos, drawing together dermatologists, journalists, public health specialists, policymakers, and beauty industry figures.
Key speakers included NAD President Prof. Altraide Daseltima from the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, alongside experts like Dr. Ayesha Akinkugbe from LUTH, Dr. Ehiaghe Anaba from LASUTH, Dr. Faiza Sadauki from Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, and Dr. Chukwuka Ifeanyi Robert from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu.
Prof. Altraide emphasised collective responsibility, stating, “Our mission is to educate, protect, and empower Nigerians to embrace their natural skin tones,” and urged qualified medical advice for skin issues rather than unregulated remedies.”
The association reinforces that genuine skincare prioritizes health, confidence, and scientifically validated practices, with the mantra: “You were born this shade, own your shade. Embrace your skin.”
The initiative addresses a pervasive crisis where up to 84% of Nigerians engage in skin lightening practices, according to the World Health Organisation, the African Region and the iAHO 2023 data.
This public health emergency stems from deep-seated colourism, driving millions to use dangerous creams, injections, pills, and procedures that promise fairer complexions but deliver devastating consequences like irreversible skin damage, chronic infections, hypertension, diabetes, kidney failure, and heightened skin cancer risks.
The program will deploy public awareness drives, expert consultations, community outreach, and ongoing media efforts to foster pride in natural skin tones and promote safe, evidence-based skincare.
NAD calls on pharmacists, regulators like NAFDAC, media outlets, and citizens to curb access to harmful products containing agents like hydroquinone or steroids and to challenge narratives devaluing darker skin.
To drive change, NAD plans to implement multifaceted tactics: widespread public education seminars, free dermatology consultations, grassroots community engagement, and sustained media advocacy.
The association rallies pharmacists to reject dispensing harmful agents, regulators like NAFDAC to intensify enforcement, journalists to amplify positive narratives, policymakers to enact stricter laws, and everyday citizens to celebrate diverse skin hues.
Beauty industry stakeholders are also called to pivot toward inclusive, health-focused innovations.
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