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LIGHTNING CREAMS’ DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON HEALTH
LIGHTNING CREAMS’ DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON HEALTH
By: Omirin Joshua
Previously, skin bleaching and toning was considered a fashionable attribute of the wealthy, particularly among those who had lived abroad for an extended period of time. With the passage of time, the fashion trend became a fad for individuals of various and varying socioeconomic statuses, and local and foreign corporations began to compete to manufacture various skin care products and soaps with appealing fragrances and colours in order to keep the fad alive.
While this practice may seem harmless, it can actually have serious consequences for one’s health. In addition to these treatments, some people self-mix a range of substances, such as mixtures of numerous commercial skin-bleaching solutions with hydrogen peroxide, to create their own homemade products.
Some people bleach or whiten their skin for a variety of reasons, including desiring to have a beautiful and enticing face and removing unsightly body markings, among others, which some experts believe may be psychological. Some parents who have succumbed to the psychological pull have even extended the preoccupation to their children, including toddlers.
Not only are the chemicals in these creams harmful to the skin, but they can also cause long-term damage to the liver, kidneys, and other organs. In addition, the use of skin lightening creams can have a negative impact on self-esteem and body image.
The hazards linked with skin-bleaching cremes and creams are genuine and worrisome, since powerful chemicals wreak havoc on the user’s skin. In this article, we break through the hype to get to the bottom of the issue, exposing the indisputable health hazards and horrifying side effects of skin-lightening cremes and showing methods to live a better and happier life.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said that a study done by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that 77 percent of Nigerian women use skin bleaching creams, the highest in Africa, compared to 59 percent in Togo, 35 percent in South Africa, and 27 percent in Senegal.
The active ingredients in skin lightening creams can cause a variety of physical side effects, including, Skin irritation, dryness, and redness, Scarring, hyperpigmentation, Premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. These side effects are caused by the chemicals used in skin lightening creams, such as hydroquinone, mercury, and steroids. These chemicals can cause damage to the skin cells and lead to serious health problems. Hydroquinone, one of the main ingredients in skin lightening creams, can cause dryness, itching, and redness of the skin. If used over a long period of time, it can lead to a condition called ochronosis, in which the skin becomes thick, hard, and leathery. Another common ingredient, steroids, can cause thinning of the skin and an increased risk of infection. Mercury, another common ingredient, can cause a condition called mercury poisoning.
Mercury poisoning can cause a number of serious health problems, including damage to the kidneys, liver, and nervous system. Other health risks associated with skin lightening creams include premature aging of the skin and an increased risk of skin cancer. These health risks are often overlooked by those who use skin lightening creams, but they are very real and should not be ignored. If you are considering using a skin lightening cream, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks involved. It is also important to consult with a dermatologist or other healthcare professional before starting any skin lightening regimen.
In conclusion, it’s critical to realize that using skin-lightening creams can have detrimental effects on one’s physical and mental health. Using these creams can result in negative body image and low self-esteem in addition to the physical side effects mentioned above. Many users of skin-lightening creams do so as a result of pressure to meet unattainable beauty standards. Cosmetics enriched with harmful chemicals have an indirect impact on nature, as the waste and residues of these products pollute the environment. The residue from these products contaminates the water as soon as the user showers or cleans their face. After using the product, there is a high probability that the residues in the product container containing harmful chemicals will end up in nature. Yet the global skin lightening market is highly unregulated and is estimated to be worth billions of dollars. However, these products can have serious health risks, and the best way to achieve a healthy and happy life is to embrace your natural skin tone. You are beautiful just the way you are!
Godiya Sardauna Molyini.
Department of Mas Communication.
University of Maiduguri.
LIGHTNING CREAMS’ DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON HEALTH
Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba
By Zagazola Makama
Over twenty vehicles have been destroyed following a fire outbreak at Malaysia Market, Zuba, near the main motor spare parts area.
Sources said that the incident occurred on December 17 at about 2300 hours. The market, known for scrap vehicles, was engulfed in flames before police patrol teams promptly mobilized to the scene.
Through the combined efforts of security forces and community members, the fire was successfully contained, preventing further escalation. No injuries or loss of life were reported.
The cause of the fire and the estimated value of the destroyed vehicles are yet to be determined as security sources said Investigations are ongoing.
Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba
Remains of missing Benue police inspector recovered in Guma LGA
By Zagazola Makama
The suspected remains of a missing police inspector have been recovered in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, the State Police Command has confirmed.
According to sources, the incident relates to Inspector Mohammed Yakubu of the 13 PMF attached to OPS Zenda JTF, who went missing on June 13, 2025, at Tse Keleke, approximately 10km from Daudu.
On December 18 at about 0930 hours, intelligence indicated that a decayed corpse, believed to be the missing inspector, was sighted in the bush near the original scene of the disappearance.
A joint team comprising ACPOL Metro MKD, DPO Daudu, police medical personnel, State Intelligence Service (SIS) operatives, 13 PMF personnel, OPS Zenda JTF personnel, Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), and BNS Civil Protection Guards was mobilized to the scene. The skeletonized remains were recovered and conveyed to the 13 PMF base.
Authorities confirmed that the remains will be released to the family for a befitting burial following necessary consultations.
The Benue State Police Command described the recovery as a closure for the long-standing missing-in-action case.
Remains of missing Benue police inspector recovered in Guma LGA
Adamawa trains, equips 10 youths in tailoring, fashion design
Adamawa government has graduated 10 beneficiaries in tailoring and fashion design skills acquisition programme and empowered with starter kits by the Ministry of Entrepreneurship Development.
Speaking at the ceremony in Yola, Mr Hammanjumba Gatugel, Commissioner in the ministry said, the beneficiaries underwent six months of training aimed to be empowered with skills and reduce unemployment in the state.
Gatugel who was represented by the Director Entrepreneurship, Malam Ibrahim Usman said, out of the beneficiaries nine were women while one male.
“This programme aligns with the vision of Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri, to reduce unemployment, empower youth and women, and promote entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
“Our ministry remains committed to supporting initiatives that equip citizens with practical, market-driven skills capable of transforming lives”, he said.
He commended the trainers and facilitators for their dedication and professionalism in ensuring that the beneficiaries received quality training.
Malam Usman Maigari, Director administration urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the skills acquired.
“Utilize the opportunity judiciously, please and please don’t go and sell these swing machines. If you are good you will be patronised by customers wherever you are”, he said.
Abdulmumini Abba, the facilitator thanked and appreciated the Adamawa government for giving the beneficiaries the opportunity to be trained.
He assured that with the training given to beneficiaries they were confident that it would impact positively in their life.
Viana John who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries lauded for the gesture and promised to put the skills into practice.
The beneficiary each received a swing machine, wrappers among others as startup kits.
Adamawa trains, equips 10 youths in tailoring, fashion design
Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba
Remains of missing Benue police inspector recovered in Guma LGA
Adamawa trains, equips 10 youths in tailoring, fashion design
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