Watch The Trailer For Beverly Naya's Poignant Documentary, 'Skin'

Owing to the perverse prestige placed on all things foreign, as well as the globalisation of Western beauty standards, skin lightening — despite its adverse health implications — is an industry that continues to grow, and Nigeria is one of its biggest markets. 

Created by actress and filmmaker, Beverly Naya, Skin is a poignant documentary that aims to uncover the deep-rooted impact of colourism and globalised beauty standards, from the perspective of the Nigerian people. 

(Photo: Beverly Naya/YouTube)

Bleaching, as it is more commonly referred to, is particularly rife in Nigeria, where international figures (namely Blac Chyna & Dencia), as well as local personalities (eg. Toke Makinwa and Toyin Lawani), propagate the disturbing message that fairer skin is better.

Fortunately, for every bleaching connoisseur invading our shores, there are public figures promoting self-love. Through Skin, Beverly Naya uncovers the stories of Nigerian people — interviewing traders, sex workers, celebrities and even children — who all have tales to tell about their skin. 

Make-up artist, Tenny Coco before and after she stopped bleaching (Photo: Beverly Naya/YouTube)

In the trailer, we see Eku Edewor share her experience with being rejected as a black person because of her fair skin; and Bobrisky, who is notorious for selling bleaching products, profess that she wishes she could return to her original skin colour.

Skin delves into the complexities of beauty ideals and the insecurities that are groomed into us by prescribed standards of beauty. It is a bold and meaningful venture for Beverly Naya, and we are very interested in seeing it. 

Watch the trailer for Skin below:

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