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- Aug 2, 2011
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whitening creams cause the negative health effects associated with them, ranging from white spots and acne to cancer.
If applied liberally, the cosmetics can also cause high blood pressure and diabetes, according to Professor Elidje Ekra, a dermatologist at Abidjan's Treichville university hospital. The products include creams containing mercury, certain steroids, vitamin A, or with hydroquinone levels above two percent.
View gallery
A large billboard advertises skin-lightening products in Abidjan, Ivory Coast (AFP Photo/Sia Kambou)
Hydroquinone is often used in black and white photography and is banned as a skin-lightening ingredient in Europe as it is considered a potential carcinogen.
The dangers don't seem to deter consumers, though.
- 'Women who shine in the night' -
While no official statistics are available, " -- or those with lightened skin, often recognisable by their darker knuckles and elbows -- are omnipresent in Abidjan.
Businesses continue to sell the whitening products, because they know people will continue to buy them despite the risks.
"We know that our lightening products are dangerous," an executive for an Ivorian cosmetic company said, adding that a ban would be counterproductive.
View gallery
While no official statistics are available, 'tchatchos' - or those with lightened skin, ofte
"It would push consumers to make their own products, which would be even worse.
"At least we know the composition."
Some women say that it's societal pressure -- particularly from men -- that forces them to lighten their skin.
"It's men that push women to become lighter," said Marie-Grace Amani, who has been whitening her skin for the past four years.
Ivory Coast's Health Minister Raymonde Goudou Coffie agrees.
Ivorian men "love women who shine in the night", she told AFP.
View gallery
A woman, who uses skin whitening cosmetics, poses poses for a photo in Abidjan, Ivory Coast (AFP Pho
"They bring light and glow in the bedroom."
- Measure still an 'empty shell' -
Whitening soaps with names like "Glow and White" and "Body White" leave little doubt as to their intended use.
The practice is widespread in Africa, as well as in large parts of Asia.
If applied liberally, the cosmetics can also cause high blood pressure and diabetes, according to Professor Elidje Ekra, a dermatologist at Abidjan's Treichville university hospital. The products include creams containing mercury, certain steroids, vitamin A, or with hydroquinone levels above two percent.
View gallery
A large billboard advertises skin-lightening products in Abidjan, Ivory Coast (AFP Photo/Sia Kambou)
Hydroquinone is often used in black and white photography and is banned as a skin-lightening ingredient in Europe as it is considered a potential carcinogen.
The dangers don't seem to deter consumers, though.
- 'Women who shine in the night' -
While no official statistics are available, " -- or those with lightened skin, often recognisable by their darker knuckles and elbows -- are omnipresent in Abidjan.
Businesses continue to sell the whitening products, because they know people will continue to buy them despite the risks.
"We know that our lightening products are dangerous," an executive for an Ivorian cosmetic company said, adding that a ban would be counterproductive.
View gallery
While no official statistics are available, 'tchatchos' - or those with lightened skin, ofte
"It would push consumers to make their own products, which would be even worse.
"At least we know the composition."
Some women say that it's societal pressure -- particularly from men -- that forces them to lighten their skin.
"It's men that push women to become lighter," said Marie-Grace Amani, who has been whitening her skin for the past four years.
Ivory Coast's Health Minister Raymonde Goudou Coffie agrees.
Ivorian men "love women who shine in the night", she told AFP.
View gallery
A woman, who uses skin whitening cosmetics, poses poses for a photo in Abidjan, Ivory Coast (AFP Pho
"They bring light and glow in the bedroom."
- Measure still an 'empty shell' -
Whitening soaps with names like "Glow and White" and "Body White" leave little doubt as to their intended use.
The practice is widespread in Africa, as well as in large parts of Asia.
