Online Reporter
Midlands Bureau
THE Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Kwidini, has urged members of the public to stop using and selling skin-lightening lotions, warning that these products pose serious health and social consequences.
He made the remarks while addressing residents at the belated Midlands Provincial Women’s Day Commemorations, held at Neta Business Centre in Mberengwa over the weekend.
The Deputy Minister’s call comes as the National Assembly resumed sittings on Tuesday, with lawmakers raising alarm over the widespread use of skin-lightening creams, citing the significant health risks associated with them.
These creams, widely available on street corners in urban areas, are often sold without proper oversight or regulatory approval.
Against this backdrop, legislators are now advocating for stricter penalties against those who distribute and sell such products. Many of the unregulated creams contain harmful substances such as mercury, hydroquinone, and steroids, which have been linked to liver and kidney damage, nervous system disorders, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
It has emerged that numerous skin-lightening products in use locally are neither tested nor approved by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ).
Deputy Minister Kwidini warned of the dangers posed by these bleaching agents, stating that they frequently contain hazardous chemicals that can result in a range of health complications.
“These products might promise a lighter complexion, but the reality is they can cause irreversible damage to your skin and overall health. We are seeing cases of skin thinning, increased susceptibility to infections, and even skin cancer linked to prolonged use of these lotions,” he said.
Beyond the health risks, Deputy Minister Kwidini also addressed the social consequences of skin lightening. He noted that the desire for lighter skin often stems from societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards.
“We need to challenge these harmful ideals. True beauty lies in embracing our natural skin tone and promoting self-acceptance within our communities. Dermatologists have long warned about the dangers of ingredients commonly found in skin-lightening creams, such as hydroquinone, mercury, and corticosteroids. These substances interfere with the skin’s natural melanin production, leaving it vulnerable to sun damage and increasing the risk of developing serious skin conditions,” he said.
Kwidini emphasised that the Ministry of Health and Child Care is committed to raising awareness about the dangers of skin-lightening products and is working closely with communities to promote healthier and more positive beauty standards.
He urged community leaders, healthcare professionals, and residents of Mberengwa to take an active role in educating others about the risks and to promote the appreciation of natural beauty.
