KNOWLEDGE OF HEALTH IMPLICATIONS AND USE OF COSMETICS AMONG FEMALE SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ENUGU METROPOLIS

There has always been the need to beautify the skin and it has has always been part of human history. This need gave rise to the use of materials available within the environment to beautify and improve physical looks. Many researchers in Nigeria previously have revealed consistently high prevalence of cosmetic use especially skin bleaching products in the country. The increase of diseases associated with cosmetic use has necessitated the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to declare a state of emergency on bleaching creams in Nigeria. A question one would likely ask is, are people aware of the health implications of these products? If yes, then a reason behind their using it even when they are aware of the side effects would be looked at. The survey research design is used for this study. A sample of Secondary School teachers were selected for the study. Results from this study shows that there is a knowledge gap that exists among female secondary school teachers in Enugu metropolis regarding the health implications of the use of cosmetic products.