Institute to train, Equip Nigerian Skincare Professionals with advanced Technology

Nigerian skincare professionals will undergo training by the Tropics Derma Research and Training Institute (TDRTI) using advanced technological devices that can detect skin issues and provide suggestions for treatments.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, stated this during the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry and the Tropics Derma Research and Training Institute. He noted that this initiative was necessary to eliminate harmful skincare products that pose health risks to many Nigerians, particularly women.

He emphasised that the partnership offers innovative, science-backed skincare solutions to combat harmful practices and provide safer alternatives.

“The rise in the use of harmful skincare products, especially those containing substances like hydroquinone and steroids, poses serious health risks to many Nigerians, particularly women. The long-term effects of these unregulated products, such as hormonal imbalances and irreversible skin damage, are alarming,” he said.

The Minister noted that the initiative is enhanced by the Institute’s commitment to train professionals and equip them with skills in cosmeceutical sciences and tropical dermatology.

This partnership also extends beyond consumer protection; it fosters local manufacturing and raises product standards through collaboration with key research institutions such as the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO) and the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI). By encouraging local production, we aim to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on harmful, unregulated imports and build a safer, high-quality beauty industry.

Nnaji stressed that the collaboration exemplifies the transformative power of science, technology, and innovation in tackling public health challenges and promoting sustainable growth.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, welcomed the Institute and their initiative, which helped change the African mindset of believing their skin has problems and bleaching it to resemble that of white individuals.

She noted that the initiative will add value to the skincare raw materials manufactured locally in the country.

The Chief Executive Officer of Tropics Derma Research and Training Institute, Dr Edith Gibson, said that their newly innovative technology is designed to address the skincare needs of Africans and will open numerous opportunities in the beauty and health industry.

“The software can analyse skin, generate data, analyse that data, and create a treatment plan. All we have to do is teach professionals how to follow the treatment plan,” she said.

She added that the skin bleaching pandemic affecting Africans primarily stems from individuals attempting to treat their skin pigmentation, often ending up in the hands of unqualified professionals who suggest bleaching as a skincare solution.

“As far as cosmetics are concerned, we were able to not only select the right kind of active ingredients that will work for our skin but also introduce a specific delivery system using nanotechnology and liquid encapsulation. This allows us to deliver active ingredients without causing any inflammation,” she noted.

Dr Gibson stressed that Africans are naturally hyperpigmented due to the climate in the region, which makes their skin challenges unique. Therefore, suitable solutions should be developed for their skin rather than relying on foreign products not meant for them.