Survey on skin-lightening practices and cosmetics in Kigali, Rwanda

The use of skin-lightening (SL) cosmetics appears to be common throughout the world, especially among dark-skinned women from sub-Saharan Africa.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the extent of the practice of SL in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, the motivations behind this practice and the complexity of the adverse effects observed.

An inventory of products sold on the Kigali market and their contents were compared with the results of a survey investigating the products used by the local population in order to deduce the proportions of people who depigment. The prevalence and severity of SL side effects (dermatitis, skin cancers, etc.) were evaluated in collaboration with dermatologists and general practitioners through a specific questionnaire and interviews. The sociological profiles of adolescents and their motivations for practicing SL were studied using qualitative and descriptive approaches through semi-direct individual and collective interviews.

A total of 27 creams were identified and classified according to labeled ingredients known to be depigmenting agents; 35% of the surveyed population were found to use products with skin-bleaching properties, but only 27% stated that they used the products specifically for these depigmenting properties. An inquiry into the motivations of adolescents indicated that they know about and practice SL but are restricted by family, religion, and Rwandese culture. Whenever side effects appear, consumers opt either to stop bleaching practices for a short period or to switch from their commercial topical product to another one with, presumably, a different composition.

Albeit that many people acknowledge that there are possible side effects of using preparations commonly used in SL, the practice is generally continued. Although it is important to question the rationale behind the practice of SL, it is equally important to develop and propose safer products.