Over 77 percent of Nigerians bleach their skin "WHO"

A recent report published by the WHO has indicated that over 77 percent of Nigerians bleach their skin.They are closely followed by Togo with 59 percent, South Africa , 35 percent and Mali, 25 percent. The organisation says most common products used include mercury and have warned against usage of skin lightening soaps, creams, cosmetics like eye makeup, cleansing products and mascara

Carolyn Vickers of WHO Chemical Safety Department says, “Mercury in soaps and creams eventually enters waste water and then enters the  food chain as highly toxic methyl mercury.Mercury salts inhibit the production of melanin resulting in a lighter skin tone

It is also reported that some women use these products for as long as 20 years. The number is growing by the day. 

Personally i think the urge to bleach is as a result of inferiority complex, TV and society's stereotyped notion that being dark skinned isn't as beautiful as light skinned.

Black is beautiful.Please save yourselves the risk of cancer and embrace your natural skin tones.