By Dr Folakemi Cole-Adeife
Every year on July 8, dermatologists around the world commemorate World Skin Health Day, an initiative that seeks to improve awareness of skin diseases, promote healthy skin practices, and expand access to quality dermatological care for everyone.
This year’s global theme, “Better Knowledge, Better Skin Health,” highlights a simple but powerful message: when people have accurate information about skin health, they are better equipped to prevent disease, recognise warning signs early, make informed decisions, and seek appropriate care.
In Nigeria, the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists is commemorating World Skin Health Day with the campaign “Skin Health Beyond Skin Colour.”
This campaign aims to shift the conversation from changing skin colour to protecting skin health. It reminds us that healthy skin is not determined by how light or dark it is. Healthy skin is skin that performs its natural functions, protects the body from disease, and contributes to overall wellbeing.
Skin diseases are among the most common health conditions worldwide, affecting people of all ages. They include infections, eczema, acne, psoriasis, vitiligo, albinism-related skin complications, fungal infections, skin cancers, and many other conditions. Although many skin diseases are preventable or treatable, delayed presentation, misinformation, self-medication, and limited access to specialist care often result in avoidable complications.
One of the major public health concerns receiving attention during this year’s campaign is the growing practice of skin bleaching. Across many African countries, the use of skin-lightening products has become increasingly common, driven by harmful beauty standards, colourism, misinformation, and aggressive marketing. Many of these products contain dangerous ingredients such as potent corticosteroids, mercury, or excessive concentrations of hydroquinone. Their prolonged use can cause permanent skin damage, severe acne, difficult-to-treat infections, stretch marks, delayed wound healing, kidney damage, adrenal suppression, and other serious health complications.
Skin bleaching is therefore not merely a cosmetic issue – it is a significant public health concern that requires education, stronger regulation, responsible marketing, and community engagement.
Throughout this year’s World Skin Health Day activities, the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists is collaborating with government agencies, healthcare professionals, pharmacists, public health experts, civil society organisations, and community leaders to promote evidence- based skin health education. Activities include community outreaches, healthcare worker training, stakeholder engagement, public lectures, digital advocacy, and a Pan-African webinar bringing together experts from across the continent to discuss strategies for reducing the burden of skin bleaching in Africa.
Our campaign also seeks to challenge myths surrounding skincare. Healthy skin does not require harsh products or unnecessary cosmetic procedures. Simple daily practices—including gentle cleansing, regular moisturising, sun protection, prompt treatment of skin conditions, and avoiding unregulated products—can significantly improve skin health.
We encourage Nigerians to obtain skincare information from qualified healthcare professionals rather than relying on misinformation circulating on social media or advice from unqualified vendors. Persistent rashes, non-healing wounds, changing moles, severe itching, unexplained skin colour changes, or other persistent skin problems should be assessed by trained healthcare providers.
As we commemorate World Skin Health Day 2026, we call on every Nigerian to embrace healthy skin practices, celebrate the beauty of all natural skin colours, reject harmful skin bleaching, and support efforts to improve skin health for everyone.
Our message this year is simple:
Healthy beautiful skin comes in all skin colours.
Let us prioritise skin health over skin tone, knowledge over misinformation, and prevention over cure.
Together, through better knowledge, we can achieve better skin health for all.
:Dr Folakemi Cole-Adeife
Consultant Physician and Dermatologist,
Lagos State University Teaching Hospital
(LASUTH)
