Nigerians who use skin-bleaching creams and soaps may be putting their health at serious risk, dermatologists have warned. According to medical experts, many of these products contain harmful chemicals that weaken the skin, slow down wound healing, and increase the chances of infections.
In exclusive interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, top dermatologists in Nigeria explained how skin-lightening products — especially those containing steroids, hydroquinone, and mercury — damage the skin’s natural structure and make it harder for wounds to heal.
“Yes, they can make it much harder for the skin to heal properly. The skin loses some of its natural strength, and wounds take longer to close,” said Dr. Ayesha Akinkugbe, Associate Professor at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and Consultant Dermatologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba.
She explained that many people do not realise that hydroquinone and steroids interfere with melanin — the pigment that protects the skin and helps it recover from injuries.
“Injuries may heal unevenly, leaving behind dark marks or scars that take a long time to fade. This is what we call post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” Akinkugbe said.
Harsh Chemicals Damage Skin Layers
The dermatologist warned that long-term use of skin-bleaching creams thins the skin, making it fragile and more likely to get injured. She added that steroids in some of these creams reduce inflammation — a natural part of the body’s healing process — which leads to slower healing.
“Inflammation is part of how the body heals. When that process is blocked by steroids, wounds take much longer to heal. Hydroquinone and mercury can also stop the skin from repairing itself properly,” she said.
According to her, mercury — often found in illegal or unregulated skin-lightening products — is especially dangerous because it is toxic to skin cells and can lead to long-term damage.
Akinkugbe said, “Mercury damages the skin’s ability to regenerate. Prolonged exposure weakens the skin, making it easy for bacteria and fungi to infect even minor cuts.”
Bleached Skin More Prone to Infections
Akinkugbe stressed that weakened skin no longer acts as a strong barrier against germs, making it easier for infections to spread.
“The skin is the body’s first defence. When it becomes thin and weak, it cannot fight off infections. Even a small wound can become infected,” she warned.
She said bleaching cream users are more likely to suffer from bacterial infections like impetigo or cellulitis, as well as fungal infections such as ringworm or yeast infections. And because their skin heals slowly, these infections last longer and may leave permanent marks.
She added, “Steroid use lowers the skin’s immune response, making it harder to fight infections. In many cases, we see steroid-induced acne, stubborn fungal infections, or serious bacterial problems that are hard to treat.”
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‘Skin Bleaching Is a Pandemic in Nigeria’
Supporting these claims, Dr. Roli Madubuko, a Consultant Physician and Dermatologist at the University of Benin, Edo State, called skin bleaching a “pandemic” in Nigeria.
Madubuko said, “People are obsessed with lighter skin, but they do not realise the long-term damage. Bleaching products, especially those with steroids, damage all three layers of the skin. This weakens the skin and delays healing.”
Madubuko explained that the skin has three layers — the outer layer (epidermis), middle layer (dermis), and the inner fatty layer — and each plays a role in protecting the body and healing wounds.
“Bleaching thins all three layers. The dermis, which has blood vessels and nerves that help with healing, becomes too weak to support recovery. This makes it harder for wounds to close and increases the chance of complications,” she said.
A Real-Life Tragedy
Dr. Madubuko shared a heartbreaking case to show how dangerous bleaching can be.
“I remember a 28-year-old woman who had an accident. She fractured her leg and had a deep cut on her foot. When doctors tried to stitch the wound, her skin kept tearing,” she said.
The woman had been using bleaching creams since the age of 12.
“Even though she was young, her skin was so damaged it couldn’t hold the stitches. The wound got infected, she developed sepsis, and sadly, she died. A young life lost to skin bleaching. It was painful to witness,” she added.
Bleaching Does More Harm Than Good
Both experts urged Nigerians to stop using bleaching products and embrace their natural skin tone.
“Bleaching may seem like a beauty solution, but it causes long-term harm. The risks are far greater than the benefits,” Dr. Akinkugbe said.
“People must understand that these products are not safe. They damage the skin, delay healing, and increase the risk of deadly infections,” Dr. Madubuko concluded.