PSYCHOSOCIAL AND ECONOMIC INFLUENCE OF FASHION TREND ON SKIN BLEACHING AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE

Abstract

The common practice of skin bleaching nowadays is a fashion trend of body beautification among the younger generation. The study examined the psychology, social and economic factors of fashion trend on the practice of skin bleaching among adolescents in Abeokuta township of Ogun state. Descriptive research design was used for the study. The population for the study was 200 respondents selected from four (4) Local Governments in Abeokuta. Purposive random sampling technique was used to select 50 adolescent from each of the four local governments. A well structured questionnaire was employed to collect data and the data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed beauty and attraction especially to opposite sex, peer group compliance, social relevance and civilisation as psychosocial factors while financial gains, cheap and accessible treatment of skin pigmentation, growth and development of cosmetics were economic factors. Health hazards of skin bleaching identified include; hypersensitivity to sunrays, skin problems and delay of leprosy diagnosis. Possible constraints revealed include; employment and social opportunities, ignorance and illiteracy. The study concludes that although skin bleaching is trendy it is not beneficial to human health thus; individuals should accept and celebrate the natural skin knowing full well that melanin is not a curse but a gift. It is recommended that government should prohibit the production and sales of skin bleaching products to reduce the trend and Physicians (like doctors, dermatologist etc.) should publish journals and sponsor advertisement programmes on the damages of skin bleaching.