Lemon, turmeric used in quest to alter skin complexion

Nyeri town has no shortage of fair skinned men and women, but even with this observation, there lies a demand to go the extra mile to stand out. All major streets are dotted with beauty shops and salons. Despite perception that people in this region are all fair skinned, the use of skin lightening products in the town reveals a well-kept secret of the use of creams and herbal remedies. Mercy Kimani 21, is a student at a beauty college in Nyeri. She admitted that she had been drinking turmeric and lemon juice concoction for years to attain a fairer complexion.

“My mother is the lightest in the family while my brother and father are chocolate brown, I always envied my mother and she is the one who introduced me to the remedy and it works,” she says.

She said the concoction, which she drinks twice a day has helped her resemble her mother and stand out in her class.

Ms Kimani believes since it is a herbal remedy it does not have side effects unlike the chemical creams sold commercially in beauty shops.

Nutritionist Henry Ngethe however says while there are no conclusive studies on the use of turmeric to counteract the melanin in the skin, consuming anything in high quantities is not advisable.

“I do not know if turmeric affects melanin levels but overdoing anything you put in your body is not recommended,” he says.

While Kimani has taken to herbal remedy to lighten her skin, many others prefer to use their local salons to seek similar effects.

If you look closely, you will find most salons now are offering facial treatments which promise clearer skin, an indication of a growing need to achieve a full beauty treatment.

Peninah Wanyitu, a salonist in Nyeri says while she does not offer skin lightning creams, clients interested in such remedies can easily find them in nondescript shops. “Those creams are illegal and most people frown on anyone who wants to use them but that does not stop them from seeking them,” she says. Wanyitu says there is a market for the creams but they are not sold openly. A spot check confirmed that carol light cream is sold in shops located in the alley ways of the town.

Kimani says she is hoping to be employed in a hotel and is concerned many female workers are fair skinned.

Issac Ndirangu, a club owner however denies this perception, saying they look at one’s skills and skin complexion does not make qualification. “An employee has to be assessed to find out if they have integrity, are courteous and quick on their feet; it does not matter if they are light or dark skinned,” he says.