Skin lightening is not a taboo subject in Africa. The cult of white skin is part of the beauty standards promoted today on the continent, but also in the rest of the world, such as Asia and Latin America.
The market for so-called "skin whitening" products is very much alive, despite government bans, and demand for these types of products is significant.
This demand is being met by brands that see this practice as a real market opportunity. The practice of skin whitening is particularly promoted through advertising. Numerous TV commercials and billboards fuel the "fair skin" diktat.
From a social phenomenon, depigmentation has now become a real public health issue. Many African governments are taking initiatives to curb the phenomenon.
A few days ago, the Senegalese government decided to take a tougher stance. Although legislation is in place prohibiting the broadcasting of advertisements promoting "skin-lightening" products, many publishers choose to break the rules.
The National Audiovisual Regulation Council has therefore issued a statement calling the various media outlets in the audiovisual landscape to order. It demands a total halt to the broadcasting of advertisements relating to depigmentation practices in order to actively combat this phenomenon, which is widespread in Senegal.
Read also: Toiletries/Beauty Report – A booming market