New ILDS Working Group to lead the fight against harmful skin bleaching practices
15 Jul 2026
Global experts will promote safer approaches to skin health
A working group of global experts has been established by the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) to raise awareness of the dangers of skin bleaching – a skin lightening practice growing in popularity in many parts of the world.
The ILDS Strategic Working Group on Skin Bleaching brings together leading dermatologists from across the globe, alongside a clinical psychologist and an anthropologist, to promote safer approaches to skin health.
Driven by socio-cultural pressures that favour lighter skin tones, skin bleaching is a widespread global public health issue affecting millions across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean and diaspora communities.
In Nigeria, an estimated 75% of women regularly use skin lightening products¹, for instance. In Senegal the figure is 50%² and in North India, 60% of study participants reported using skin lightening products.³
The ILDS Working Group is particularly concerned at evidence showing that skin bleaching products are increasingly being used by adolescents and, in some settings, on very young children. Recent reports suggest the practice is also becoming more common among men.
Skin bleaching products are poorly regulated and frequently sold without medical oversight, giving rise to significant public health risks, including skin damage, complications associated with steroid misuse, exposure to toxic ingredients and potential links to serious conditions, including skin cancer.
The ILDS Working Group will raise awareness and educate consumers as to the health risks posed by skin bleaching through a new campaign called The ILDS Movement for Safe Skin – Challenging harmful skin lightening practices.
Working Group members will promote safer skin practices through supporting healthcare workers and communities with outreach activities, education and practical tools.
The Working Group’s Chair and ILDS Board Member, Professor Ncoza Dlova, said: “The practice of skin lightening is increasing rapidly around the world to the extent that it’s now a serious but unrecognised public health burden.
“Our Working Group brings a multidisciplinary approach to this complex and challenging problem and will deliver structured, evidence-based action and advocacy.
“We’ll work with communities to raise awareness of the importance of skin health to overall wellbeing and deliver the clear message that healthy skin comes in every shade.
"We recognise that hyperpigmentation disorders are a significant concern for many individuals with darker skin tones and can impact their quality of life and self-confidence. Our campaign advocates for safe, evidence-based treatments and informed choices, while raising awareness of the dangers of unregulated and harmful skin bleaching products."
Professor Seemal R Desai, a US board-certified dermatologist, as well as former President of the American Academy of Dermatology and former President of the Skin of Color Society, said: “Every day, dermatologists around the world see patients who have suffered harm from skin bleaching products. We’ll work vigorously and collaboratively with regulators and other stakeholders to deliver the message that all skin tones deserve care, respect and celebration.
“Our activities will include the development of educational materials and resources, community engagement through schools, universities, media and local networks, and the development of clinical and policy guidance to help dermatologists engage with patients safely and empathetically on this subject – all aimed at making a global impact.”
Professor Rashmi Sarkar, ILDS Board Member and President of the Pigmentary Disorders Society, said: “Skin bleaching has become a significant public health concern, driven by social perceptions that link skin colour with identity and beauty. A collective response from dermatologists, governments, educators, industry and the media is urgently needed to challenge colour-based beauty ideals and raise awareness of the serious health risks associated with skin bleaching.”
ILDS President Professor Henry W. Lim added: “The establishment of the ILDS Strategic Working Group on Skin Bleaching is the next step in our long-term campaign to drive meaningful change in perceptions of what healthy skin looks like and to ensure that everyone values the skin they live in.”
¹ ² ³ - Pollock et al
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Notes to editors
Members of the ILDS Strategic Working Group on Skin Bleaching
Chair: Dr Ncoza Dlova, South Africa
Professor Ramesha Bhat, India
Professor Seemal Desai, USA
Professor Khaled Ezzedine, France
Dr Esther Freeman, USA
Dr Evangeline 'Vangee' Handog, Philippines
Professor Nina Jablonski, USA (anthropologist)
Professor Henry W Lim, USA
Dr Gloria Masenga, Tanzania
Professor Daudi Mavura, Tanzania
Professor Dominic Sagoe, Norway (health psychologist)
Professor Rashmi Sarkar, India
About the ILDS
The ILDS has 240 member organisations across 113 countries, representing more than 200,000 dermatologists and other dermatology professionals worldwide. It holds ‘official relations’ status with the World Health Organization (WHO) and champions the inclusion of skin health in global health policy – promoting education, clinical care, research and innovation globally. For more information about ILDS visit www.ilds.org
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