The rising trend and dangers of skin lightening in Uganda: A medical and Islamic perspective 

By Shahista Namale

In recent years, skin lightening has become a significant beauty trend in many parts of Africa, including Uganda. While the demand for lighter skin remains strong, the risks associated with such treatments are becoming more apparent.

Medically, skin whitening (or bleaching) products are used for treating pigmentation disorders like freckles, pregnancy marks, blotchy uneven skin tone, patches of brown to grey skin, and age spots.

Skin pigmentation occurs because the body either produces too much or too little melanin, the pigment responsible for creating the colour of our eyes, skin, and hair. It also provides crucial protection against the sun’s rays by absorbing ultraviolet light. Doctors say that those with darker skin are less susceptible to sunburn and the overall effects of sun damage.

According to Dr. Shamim Bayiga, a dermatologist with Skin Sensors in Kanyanya, skin bleaching can be achieved through a combination of treatments that reduce or block some amount of the body’s melanin production.

She says that usually, in the form of topical lotions, gels, pills, and creams, these products contain melanin-inhibiting ingredients along with sunscreen.

“These treatments also contain amounts of hydroquinone or mercury. However, other cosmetics companies use natural ingredients to make melanin-inhibiting products. Extracted from plant leaves like the berry family, shrubs, and pears, their naturally occurring arbutin leads to bleaching,” she added.

The dangers of skin bleaching 

In Uganda, the practice of skin bleaching is common among adults with dark skin, especially women, but men also do it with little regard for the dangers posed to their bodies. Some people even use the products for anal bleaching to reduce naturally darker pigmentation of the genital and perineal area.

Dr. Bayiga explains that this condition occurs from allergic dermatitis or irritant dermatitis (abnormal, extensive, and often local inflammation of the skin), both of which are common among people who have not previously used the bleaching cosmetics.

“I have cases where people get severe skin burns. It happens when people change to something new which causes allergic dermatitis and irritant dermatitis,” Dr. Bayiga says.

She explains that the skin of the people using these bleaching products gets inflamed, turns red, enlarges, and begins to lose function as the cells fail to produce melanin.

However, she notes that bleaching can be achieved medically using low-dosage hydroquinone, recommended at 2% – but advises that it should be used only in the areas of the skin that need to be lightened.

She also advises consumers to always read the contents of cosmetics because those that bleach cause health problems like skin cancer, leukemia, thyroid disorders, and delay or prevent the ability to diagnose leprosy. Mercury is the most toxic of these ingredients and leads to liver problems.

Societal pressures and beauty standards 

In Uganda, as in many other countries, beauty standards are heavily influenced by local traditions, perceptions, and the desire for social acceptance. This makes it difficult to shift the narrative and encourage people to reject harmful beauty practices, even when they are aware of the risks.

The media, beauty influencers, and celebrities often perpetuate these beauty ideals, creating an environment where skin-lightening procedures are seen as a desirable and even necessary means of achieving beauty.

To address the growing trend of skin-lightening treatments, Dr. Bayiga says Uganda must take a multi-faceted approach that includes stronger regulation, public awareness campaigns, and cultural change.

The government also needs to enforce stricter controls on the sale and use of harmful cosmetics and treatments, ensuring that any products or procedures being offered to consumers meet safety standards. This can be done through better monitoring of the market and stricter penalties for those who engage in the illegal sale of skin-lightening substances.

Furthermore, public awareness campaigns are critical to educating people about the dangers of skin-lightening and the importance of embracing diverse beauty standards. These campaigns should focus on promoting self-love, body positivity, and the health risks associated with skin-lightening products.

Islamic perspective on skin bleaching 

The Quran does not directly address skin bleaching. However, Islamic scholars have offered guidance on the topic based on Islamic principles. Generally, skin bleaching for the purpose of changing Allah’s creation is considered discouraged or forbidden, especially if it is permanent. If the intent is to remove a blemish or a defect, it may be permissible.

Islam emphasizes gratitude for one’s natural appearance and warns against altering Allah’s creation out of dissatisfaction. The Prophet Muhammad said:

“Allah is beautiful and loves beauty.” (Sahih Muslim)

However, changing one’s appearance for vain reasons contradicts the Islamic principle of accepting oneself as Allah has created. Muslims are encouraged to focus on inner beauty, piety, and good character rather than conforming to societal beauty standards that may lead to harm.