By SOPHIAH MUTHONI
Skin bleaching is on the rise in Kenya as more and more women feel the need to have fairer skins.
Notable international celebrities of African-American descent like Rihanna, Beyonce, Nicki Minaj and super model Iman have been accused of bleaching their skins. The fad is however being condemned by Kenyan International Super model Ajuma Nasenyana.
Skin lightening creams have been proven to contain harmful ingredients that should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. One such ingredient is hydroquinone, a skin bleaching agent. Looking at these women in persuit of elusive beauty, one is left wondering whether they are oblivious to the dangers they expose themselves to.
The Counties learnt shops where the ‘beauty products’ are sold are located along River Road in theheart of the city.
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Ladies tasked with selling the items are often seen standing outside their shops calling out to ladies, who in their opinion, would need the products they stock.
Josephine, a lady who owns a shop on the street told The Counties she keeps creams that can help interested ladies attain the ‘enviable’ fair complexion.
She explains: “We mix a number of creams for the best effect.”
She says one has to apply the concoction of creams all over the body to acquire an even skin tone all over the body. A cream that Josephine would have to use in the concoction The Counties noted contained hydroquinone.
She says: “If you start using this, one with higher concentration of hydroquinone, then you will have to use it for the rest of your life or else you will develop dark patches on your face. It may also irritate your skin. I do not sell this to my first time clients.”
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) in a move to protect unsuspecting consumers banned a number of cosmetics that contain hydroquinone, oxidising agents and hormonal drugs which according to them should be applied only upon the advice and direction of a medical doctor.
The use of such cosmetics was prohibited through gazette notices 4310 of 14th August, 1998 and 7169 of November, 2000.
Despite the ban, some of these beauty products being sold contain the bleaching agent hydroquinone. The story of Stella Kariuki explains why some women feel the need to use the lightening creams. Stella has been using the bleaching creams for five years now.
She told The Counties: “I have two sisters who are both light. I was not very dark but I was not as light as them. Having a light complexion is equated to beauty so I started using the creams.”
She says: “When the creams are mixed, I use them for about six months. Each time I part with Sh2,000 to Sh3,000. I would like to stop applying them but I am afraid of the effects that might show on my skin.”
According to Dr Ruth Mugo, the acting Chief Medical Officer at Jomo Kenyatta University Hospital, creams that contain hydroquinone should only be prescribed by a doctor.
Research has shown hydroquinone decreases melanin pigments making the skin more sensitive to the ultra-violent rays of the Sun.
This Dr Ruth says increases the risk of getting hyperpigmentation. Other side-effects of hydroquinone include skin irritation and contact dermatitis.
