• UKZN’s Professor Ncoza Dlova has been appointed Chair of the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) Strategic Working Group on Skin Bleaching.
• Global experts are uniting to tackle the growing public health risks associated with skin bleaching practices worldwide.
• New ILDS campaign will raise awareness of the dangers posed by unregulated skin-lightening products and advocate for evidence-based interventions.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Head of Dermatology, Professor Ncoza Dlova, has been appointed Chair of the International League of Dermatological Societies’ (ILDS) newly established Strategic Working Group on Skin Bleaching, a global initiative combating the rising health risks associated with harmful skin-lightening practices.

Dlova said the practice of skin lightening is increasing rapidly around the world to the extent that it’s now a serious but unrecognised public health burden. She added that the Working Group will work with communities to raise awareness of the importance of skin health to overall wellbeing and deliver the clear message that healthy skin comes in every shade.

“Our Working Group brings a multidisciplinary approach to this complex and challenging problem and will deliver structured, evidence-based action and advocacy.

“We recognise that hyperpigmentation disorders are a significant concern for many individuals with darker skin tones and can impact their quality of life and self-confidence. Our campaign advocates for safe, evidence-based treatments and informed choices, while raising awareness of the dangers of unregulated and harmful skin bleaching products,” Dlova said.

The ILDS Strategic Working Group on Skin Bleaching is driven by socio-cultural pressures that favour lighter skin tones, skin bleaching is a widespread global public health issue affecting millions across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean and diaspora communities.

In Nigeria, an estimated 75% of women regularly use skin lightening products for instance. In Senegal the figure is 50% and in North India, 60% of study participants reported using skin lightening products.

The ILDS Working Group is particularly concerned at evidence showing that skin bleaching products are increasingly being used by adolescents and, in some settings, on very young children. Recent reports suggest the practice is also becoming more common among men.

Skin bleaching products are poorly regulated and frequently sold without medical oversight, giving rise to significant public health risks, including skin damage, complications associated with steroid misuse, exposure to toxic ingredients and potential links to serious conditions, including skin cancer.

The ILDS Working Groupwill raise awareness and educate consumers as to the health risks posed by skin bleaching through a new campaign calledThe ILDS Movement for Safe Skin – Challenging harmful skin lightening practices. 

ILDS President Professor Henry W. Lim added: “The establishment of the ILDS Strategic Working Group on Skin Bleaching is the next step in our long-term campaign to drive meaningful change in perceptions of what healthy skin looks like and to ensure that everyone values the skin they live in.”

About the ILDS

The ILDS has 240 member organisations across 113 countries, representing more than 200,000 dermatologists and other dermatology professionals worldwide. It holds ‘official relations’ status with the World Health Organization (WHO) and champions the inclusion of skin health in global health policy – promoting education, clinical care, research and innovation globally.  For more information about ILDS visit www.ilds.org

Issued by:

Corporate RelationsUniversity of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)