In response to the increasing incidents of skin issues and poorly executed cosmetic procedures, Prof. Dasetima Altraide, President of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, has called on both federal and state governments to implement laws regulating cosmetic practices in Nigeria.
Altraide expressed concern over the rise in unlicensed practitioners in the country, noting that this trend has contributed to a significant uptick in cases involving skin complications and failed procedures.
He warned that if this problem continues, many Nigerians could face various complications from using bleaching products, including stretch marks, fungal infections, bacterial infections, transmission of HIV and hepatitis viruses, as well as the risks associated with botched procedures, burns, and scars.
The lack of enforcement of cosmetic regulations, he pointed out, has also allowed unlicensed foreign practitioners to train unsuspecting Nigerians, charging them high fees in dollars and awarding certificates.
In an exclusive interview with Naijatraffic, Altraide stated, “We need to establish and enforce cosmetic laws and regulations. There is a dramatic increase in the number of spas, beauty salons, and skin therapists who lack the necessary experience and licenses.
“We also see foreigners coming into Nigeria without licenses, training individuals, charging exorbitant fees in USD, and issuing certificates—something that would not be permitted if a Nigerian tried to do the same in their country.
“They set up skin clinics and offer inappropriate treatments to clients. They are also known to organize pop-up clinics and beauty fairs, promoting their services through sponsored advertisements on social media, which results in many people being misled.”
NAIJATRAFFIC reports that the rising trend of multiple piercings—on the ear, nose, tongue, belly button, and other body parts—alongside tattooing, has led to an influx of local and roadside beauty shops.
This increase raises concerns regarding the safety of equipment used, the hygienic practices followed, and the overall lack of industry regulation.
As stated by the Mayo Clinic, a prominent American health organization, piercings performed with contaminated equipment can transmit bloodborne diseases, including hepatitis B, C, and tetanus.
Other potential risks include allergic reactions, skin infections, and complications such as keloids.
Statistics from the National AIDS, Hepatitis, and STIs Control Programme under the Federal Ministry of Health reveal that Nigeria accounts for 8.3% of the global chronic Hepatitis B burden and 4.5% of Hepatitis C virus infections.
Many Nigerians, however, remain unaware of their health status, often seeking medical help only when significant liver damage has already occurred.
NAIJATRAFFIC previously reported how unregulated salons in the country contribute to the rise in Hepatitis B and HIV transmission. Hepatologists cited in the report emphasized the urgent need to regulate beauty parlors.
Investigations conducted by NAIJATRAFFIC revealed that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act, specifically the Cosmetic Products Regulation of 2023, governs the production, import, export, advertising, distribution, sale, and usage of cosmetic products in Nigeria.
However, a search for the requirements to obtain a cosmetology license in Nigeria indicated that the sole requirement is enrollment in a cosmetology program accredited by the National Board for Technical Education.
Further inquiries into the organizations responsible for overseeing and enforcing the practices of cosmetologists pointed to non-governmental bodies, including the Nigerian Association of Hairstylists and Cosmetologists and the National Association of Hair and Beauty Practitioners of Nigeria.
In conclusion, the president of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists highlighted that the unregulated practices of unlicensed individuals are leading to an increase in skin complications reported at dermatology clinics.
Altraide said, “They carry out procedures such as chemical peels, Botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, micro needling, Platelet plasma and even laser therapy which they do not know the principles of these procedures and what we see in our dermatology clinics is an increase in complications to the skin, botched procedures and complications from patronising unlicensed spas and beauty parlours.
“There was a case of a high-profile lady in our society who had a burn complication from visiting a skin care therapist.
“Recently, In the United States of America, there was a reported case of three women who contracted HIV after getting ‘vampire facial’ at a spa.”
Speaking on the implications of the unregulated beauty industry, the NAD president stated, “There is so much uncertainty surrounding the standard of care, techniques used and training of the practitioner which can make these procedures done by an unlicensed individual a tremendous gamble that can have bad results.”
A dermatologist expressed concern over individuals claiming to be dermatologists without proper medical training or certification.
He emphasized the importance of seeking out licensed professionals for skincare treatments and procedures, and recommended consulting a dermatologist for more complex issues.
“They should go to a licensed aesthetician to do facials or other mild treatments within their scope of practice but refer clients to a dermatologist for cases that are not within their scope of practice,” he recommended.
He also advised Nigerians to research the background and credentials of their beauty providers and encouraged them to utilize the NAD website to find licensed dermatologists in the country.
