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Why is skin bleaching still common?
In Congo-Brazzaville and Nigeria, it is estimated that between 60-70% of women bleach their skin.
Despite many of these products being banned they are still accessible - sold informally and unregulated. Now add social media to that. We鈥檙e seeing viral videos promoting DIY skin-lightening methods, from mixing creams with unknown chemicals to using substances like hydrogen peroxide.
We speak to South African influencer and software developer Masheane Sefuthi, who has been on a journey to 鈥榳hiten鈥� his skin; public health advocate Amira Adawe, who has been campaigning against these harmful products; and Kenyan media personality Kush Tracey, who has spoken about reversing skin bleaching after years of struggling with it.
