Skin lightening creams containing steroids or hydroquinone are slammed by dermatologists as a real public health hazard, but there is no shortage in Senegalese markets where they continue to seduce clients.

According to a 2003 study by French and Senegalese dermatologists, the use of such creams is widespread among women in many Sub-Saharan African countries where an estimated 25 to 67 percent are regular users.

For 20 years, Mrs. Diop faithfully applied lightening cream to her face every night before bed to make herself "prettier" -- until unsightly dark spots started appearing two years ago.

Fifty-year-old Mrs. Diop, who said she was too embarrassed to give her first name, had been warned of the risks but like many Senegalese women chose to ignore them.

"I liked lightening my skin because people say you look better, you're prettier like that," she said.

After her two-decade ritual, Mrs. Diop found it hard to stop, even when the spots appeared.

"To be able to stop I had help from a friend who supported me. Without her it would have been difficult," she said.

"My friend showed me magazines with pictures of women who were suffering from the effects of the creams, I saw the pictures and told myself I really have to stop."

The creams are notably popular in Senegal's bustling capital of Dakar.

At the Sandaga open air market in the city's center, vendors say they daily sell entire cartons of potions with names like X-White and Clear and White.