February 19, 2018
According to the City of Paris, it is estimated that around 20% of women of African origin use products containing hydroquinone, which is dangerous for their health.
A product banned in France which leads to premature aging of the skin
The City of Paris estimates that around 20% of women of African origin living in the capital apply depigmenting creams, which whiten the skin, based onhydroquinone. This is a real public health problem: this component, banned over the counter in France, leads, when applied to the skin, to premature aging of the skin and multiple irreversible complications.
By inhibiting the production of melanin, it causes the skin to lose its natural protection against the sun’s rays and makes it more prone to certain types of cancer. But that’s not all. This dangerous product can also thin the skin, revealing dark spots or permanent stretch marks.. Other side effects should be noted, including ochronosis, a bluish or blackish pigmentation.
Retailers unaware that the over-the-counter sale of hydroquinone is banned in France
But despite the risks, this practice remains fashionable in all continents. By 2024, the global depigmentation market will be worth more than $ 31.2 billion, according to Global Industry Analysts. And this can be explained by the social pressure that some African women are subjected to. You have to be white and whatever the price to pay: it even has a name.
Senegalese call it the ” xessal “, Cameroonians the” makeup “And Malians speak of” cha-tcho ” And, in France, many traders are unaware that the free sale of hydroquinone has been banned there, when they are just not aware that their creams contain such a component. However, these products are sold in many neighborhoods in Paris.
Marie-Eve Wilson-Jamin
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