Why is skin bleaching still common? | The Conversation | Focus on Africa

The World Health Organisation says Africa has the highest rates of skin bleaching globally. 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’re 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 ‘whiten’ 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. 00:00-00:40 Coming up 00:40-01:20 Meeting Masheane, Amira and Kush 01:20-03:00 When Masheane started bleaching his skin 03:00-04:10 Kush Tracy's skin bleaching experience 04:10-06:30 Which products is Masheane using? 06:30-07:00 Side-effects of using skin lightening products 07:00-09:00 The dangers of using such products 09:00-11:40 Does it become an addiction? 11:40-14:00 The ingredients and chemicals in skin lightening products 14:00-15:00 Why does Masheane use products despite the dangers? 15:00-16:30 Side-effects that Kush Tracy experienced 16:30-17:15 Why are products still accessible? 17:15-19.30 Why Kush Tracy stopped using products 19.30-20.40 How does it affect Masheane's dating life? 20.40-21.30 Addressing colourism Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Fana Negash, Basma El Atti and Layla Mahmood Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango Senior Producer: Carolyne Kiambo Jotham Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/