Nigerian Model Promises Whiter Skin with 'Whitenicious' Cream

As most of you already know, skin bleaching is becoming more and more popular among many who long for a much lighter complexion.

Although a new skin care product called "Whitenicious" promises the removal of dark spots, acne and hyper pigmentation, the ad above depicts a very different and disturbing form of use. So who is exactly behind "Whitenicious"? Well, you can thank Dencia, a Nigerian and Cameroonian singer, for the skin lightening product currently making its way through the press. 

The singer apparently has been featured in several music videos alongside some of the biggest stars in music: Chris Brown, 50 Cent, Lady Gaga and Ludacris - just to name a few.

During a candid interview for Ebony Magazine,  Dencia claimed she had nothing against dark skin - in fact, she even insisted that the image featuring her wearing a leopard bikini (seen above) is just her with a tan.

“Actually, I will send you pictures of when I was 16. I’m not that lighter from when I was younger, I’m not. The picture they’re passing around where I’m wearing the animal print underwear, that picture was three years ago and that was a tan. If anybody looks at that picture and you look at the oil on my skin, you would know it’s a tan."

However, she eventually elaborated on why she lightened her own skin:

“Why did I get a couple of shades lighter than I was? That’s a personal choice. That is what I wanted to be. And honestly, I just wanted to. I’m very daring. I like trying things. I’m not doing it because I wanna have boyfriends. And I’m not doing it because I want anybody to accept me. It’s because I just wanted to do it.”

Although Whitenicious supposed purpose is to remove dark spots, Dencia admits it can also be used for bleaching the skin, hence the awkward name.

Is this self-hatred or just a woman eager to make a quick buck?