The country's health ministry has banned skin lightening products because they pose a health problem to the users. The products which are spread all over West Africa are normally sold over the counter without prescription from a qualified doctor, making them a recipe for cancer, diabetes and other skin diseases.

Skin lightening has been seen as a disastrous act, with notable backlash erupting when Vanity Fair was accused of making Lupita Nyong'os skin lighter:

Dear Why would you do this?

— Goldie Taylor (@goldietaylor)

https://twitter.com/ReneeKellyGirl/status/423584521242816512

"cosmetic lightening and hygiene creams... that de-pigment the skin... are now forbidden".

"The number of people with side-effects caused by these medicines is really high," said Christian Doudouko, a member of the country's pharmaceutical authority. A large percentage of Kenyans purchase skin lightening creams, thanks to the notion that they're look more beautiful.

The practice is being encouraged by top public figures - for example Queen Dencia - and our very own Vera Sidika.