Insidious Beauty Standards: A Mother's Regret Over Skin-Lightening Creams**

Fatima, a 32-year-old mother in Nigeria, shares the devastating consequences of using skin-lightening creams on her six children, driven by societal pressures. Despite initially seeking acceptance within her family, the harmful side effects of these creams have caused lasting damage, prompting Fatima to warn others against similar choices.**

A mother from northern Nigeria is mourning the physical and emotional scars left on her six children after she used skin-lightening creams in hopes of gaining familial acceptance. Fatima, as she is known (with her name changed for anonymity), faces the painful reality of her two-year-old child exhibiting noticeable burns while her older daughters bear various degrees of disfigurement, all in response to perceived societal beauty norms.

In Kaduna, where the pressure to conform to lighter skin tones remains immense, Fatima's decision to apply skin-whitening products was fueled by a sense of competition driven by familial relationships. “I noticed that my mother favored my sister's lighter-skinned children,” Fatima recounted. “I thought using these creams would change everything.” Initially, Fatima thought the creams were effective, only to witness burns and discoloration on her children's skin become a harsh reminder of the risks associated with these cosmetic products.

The widespread prevalence of skin-lightening practices in Nigeria—where 77% of women reportedly use such products—poses significant health risks, including severe skin reactions, kidney damage, and in some cases, increased susceptibility to infections. Noting how deeply entrenched these beauty ideals are, experts like dermatologist Zainab Bashir Yau report a concerning trend of women bleaching their children in efforts to prevent discrimination.

At a busy market in Kano, I observed countless vendors selling creams that often include dangerous ingredients like hydroquinone and mercury, despite regulation. Shockingly, many customers, including young girls purchasing these products in bulk, remain unaware of the potential dangers posed. One mother even requested a seller to add a potent lightening agent to a cream intended for her children while dismissing her own visibly discolored skin as an unfortunate side effect.

Dr. Leonard Omokpariola from Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (Nafdac) has acknowledged the regulatory challenges they face in combating the trade in these hazardous creams. While education and market raids are underway to combat the illicit trade, the ongoing prevalence of these products continues to challenge health officials.

Fatima, now recognizing her mistake, emphasizes the need for parents to steer away from harmful beauty ideals. “Even though I have stopped, the effects remain,” she confesses, hoping her experience will serve as a sobering lesson to others. Despite the societal pressures still looming large, she urges other parents to prioritize their children's health over imposed beauty standards.