Background: While skin-lightening remains prevalent globally, pregnant and nursing mothers represent a distinct group with unique motives, increased physiological vulnerability and additional risk of potential harm to their infants. Despite these concerns, research on skin-lightening behaviours in this population remain limited. This study examined the cultural and modern influences on skin-lightening behaviours among nursing mothers in Ile Ife, Nigeria.

Methodology: This secondary analysis utilized data from a cross-sectional study conducted between May and July 2024 among mothers of children under-five. Data of 256 actively breastfeeding mothers who completed a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire were extracted. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression were conducted, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 30.46 ± 6.28 years; the majority were Yoruba (85.2%), and had media access (96.8%). Nearly half (47.3%) reported current use of skin-lightening products, with 29.3% continuing use during pregnancy, and 22.7% applying lightening creams to their children. Younger maternal age (p=0.023), lower education (p=0.039), and lighter baseline skin-complexion (p=0.001) were significantly associated with skin-lightening practices, while cultural norms and social media influence were non- significant (p=0.092 and 0.128, respectively)). Key social drivers included perceived social advantage (p=0.000), peer influence (p=0.019), and spousal encouragement(p=0.005). Overall, religious beliefs (p<0.001) and spousal influences (p=0.026) emerged as independent predictors of skin lightening behaviour.

Conclusion: Skin-lightening is highly prevalent among nursing mothers, driven more by contemporary social pressures than cultural norms. Gender-sensitive, culturally informed interventions are essential to curb this practice and reduce associated intergenerational health risks.