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In Côte d’Ivoire, a TikTok post of a skin-whitening seller’s video went viral, sparking a wave of comments. The shopkeeper shows a light-skinned baby and praises the merits of her products, which are prohibited by law.
With François Hume-Ferkatadji, RFI correspondent in Abidjan
Despite its prohibition and the multiplication of information published for years about its danger, depigmentation is still widely practiced. For this reason, many Internet users have been offended after the publication on TikTok of a video of an influencer who defends the process for babies. You apply it to your newborn.
Diabetes, high blood pressure, infections…
However, banned since a 2015 law, skin whitening products can be found very easily in Abidjan: “Everywhere, in every corner, in every market, there are many women who make cosmetic products,” says Mariam, a woman who has been applying lightening creams for about ten years. In Côte d’Ivoire, it is common to see television presenters or models with depigmented skin: “For some, they say that men like light women; others, they are self-conscious. People imitate what they see, do what everyone the world does,” he adds.
Dermatologist Blaise Goli lists a long list of complications that can result from depigmentation: “Diabetes, hypertension, infections…”. This type of procedure can also cause acne, fungus, or even skin blemishes. And what is more serious, these products are accused of causing menstrual disorders and kidney failure.
‘Look, my son is all clear’
And despite these risks, the dermatologist regularly sees women who want to lighten their complexion. “Not a week goes by without someone coming to me and saying, ‘I want to lighten my skin,'” he says.
And there are many reasons for this, says the professional. Some religious people say they want to be like Jesus Christ. “When we are shown a white Jesus, we see that they are going to depigment,” says the dermatologist. He also bears witness to mothers who dream of a fair complexion for their children. “The mother was even proud, she told me: ‘Look, my son is pale. I told her: ‘No, your son is not pretty.’ In fact, the doctor said, the boy was swollen and visibly stunted.
Following the TikTok video, judicial authorities have yet to announce an investigation.
