Several local and international celebrities have admitted to using skin lightening products while others are rumoured to be changing the skin tone of their skin. We take a look at this popular trend.
In 2011, former kwaito star Mshoza, real name Nomasonto Mnisi, announced that she had begun skin bleaching treatments. The 31-year-old mother of two said she was unhappy with her dark complexion and sought to lighten it so she can look similar to Michael Jackson. Mnisi then begun a course of altering her skin colour using a combination of pills and creams.
Sorisha Naidoo, former Scandal! actress came out with a whitening skin range of her own. Naidoo’s Pure Perfect apparently fixes “colour problems and evens out skin tone.” Her complexion has become considerably lighter over the years.
Singer Kelly Khumalo is said to have used a cream called Carolight to become a few shades lighter. Drum magazine reported that Khumalo and Her sister, Zandi, were allegedly buying the lightening lotion from street vendors.
Pop star Nicki Minaj has fueled rumours over the years that she had her skin lightened. The rapper's complexion has changed since she first became popular in the entertainment industry.
Nigerian-Cameroonian singer Dencia released a dark spot remover which she titled Whitenicious. The skin range was released at the beginning of the year and is available online.
According to Dencia, 80% of her customers are African American, 10% are African and 10% European.
Speaking to Ebony magazine, Dencia said at the time of the range's availability, it had sold over 20 000 units. Seeing as one unit retails for R657 and 60ml goes for R1 754, it evident that Dencia's range is popular and in demand.
According to a University of Cape Town study, about 30% of black South African women are regular skin bleachers. In Nigeria, an estimated 77% of the female population use skin lighteners notwithstanding the fact that medical research has found that skin bleaching damages the skin, causing thinning, skin sensitivity and red blotches.
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