Voluntary depigmentation of the skin, yes, no, maybe?
At the large Dakar market, almost all the products are used for skin whitening.
© Guillaume Thibault / RFI
By: Diara Ndiaye Follow
2 min
The use of voluntary depigmentation products is a global public health problem.
There is little data on its extent in Africa, where these products are authorized in several countries.
Publicity
This practice is often motivated by social and family pressure, the influence of fashion, and especially by the idea that fair skin is more attractive, when black skin is disparaged.
Despite its scientifically proven dangerousness, nothing seems to deter its followers as the beauty injunction is associated with fair skin.
Skin infections, stretch marks, hyperpilosity, healing problems, hypertension, diabetes, the risks associated with skin bleaching are numerous.
Testimony of Aissata, called “Bambado”, Mauritanian fashion blogger and entrepreneur.
She has used lightening products for over 20 years and stopped depigmentation 3 years ago.
Aissata tells us why she started, her desire to stop, her hesitations and her fears.
Red thread guests: ADAMA PARIS, FASHION DESIGNER SENEGALAISE and ABD HAQ BENGELOUNE, bio-medical engineer, Founder of the INOYA brand.
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Also to listen:
What are the dangers of depigmentation?
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