skincare routine for Nigerians — Light skin

skincare routine for Nigerians — Dark skin

You want to start a skincare routine and you've got all your products. It's just how and in what order to use them next. You then go online for help. What you find in one post is different from what you find in another post and you’re left confused. The world of skincare can be very confusing, especially for beginners but this post will discuss the skincare routine for Nigerians in the easiest way possible.

There are several skincare products and routines online, each claiming to be the best. Seeing all these, you wonder what to do and whose advice to follow. What you should know, however, is that different things work for different people. That means you should choose a good routine that will fit and work well for you.

The skincare routine a black lady will follow will be different from that of a white lady. The skincare products used too might not be the same. This is due to the differences in skin type, geographical location, climate, and a host of other factors. Dark skin is one skin tone that needs special care before it gets that glowing, and flawless look so, it should be taken care of often.

Many Nigerians don’t regard a skincare routine as something important. Some see it as one of the unnecessary things rich people do. What they don't know is that the skincare routine should be practised by all and sundry as it has a lot of benefits.

First, skincare helps prevent skin problems. With a consistent skincare routine, acne is out of the question. Skincare also helps your skin stay in good condition. With a regular skincare routine, your skin becomes supple, never dry, and healthy. Your self-confidence gets a boost too, thanks to a consistent skincare routine. Having skin that glows makes me happy and relaxed whenever I'm around people because I look healthy.

Please note that all skincare products mentioned in this post, except the Egyptian Talking Skin oil, have been used by me and work well for me. This doesn’t mean you can’t source for your own products too.

What are the skincare products you should use in your daily routine?

1. Cleanser

Using a cleanser properly is one of the most important parts of any skincare routine. Cleansing your skin creates a clean foundation for the remaining products you’ll use. You can start your cleansing with a mild and gentle cleanser like Micellar Water. It helps get rid of the previous day's makeup easily. You can also use Micellar Water at night to get rid of dirt residue on your face. Micellar water is one of the numerous black skincare products that can give your skin the beautiful tone it deserves without drying it off or making it look tacky.

2. Toner

A toner does three things. It balances and maintains the skin pH level. It gets rid of the remaining dirt on the skin. It also nourishes the skin. Simply consider a toner as a three-in-one package. Some people, however, don't believe a toner is necessary. I disagree because it fades dark marks and helps with anti-ageing. So, it's completely necessary, for me at least. The Neutrogena alcohol and oil-free toner is one product I would recommend.

3. Serum

A serum is also essential to a skincare routine as it targets specific skincare concerns. It comes in various shapes and sizes though so it’s advisable to research it before trying one.
Dr Rashael’s Vitamin C Serum works wonders. It works well for most people too. You should try it out.

4. Treatments

Many prefer to include their treatments in both daytime and nighttime routines. I feel treatments should be done at night but as I said earlier, do what you think is best for you. Do what works for you. This is where the eye care, dark spot remover, and all other treatments come in.

Many say eye care should come first before other treatments and I agree with them. Doing this first protects your eyes from the other creams you’ll apply later. Eye creams help reduce dark circles and wrinkles also, making them both treatment and protection. Boots Dark Eye Circles Vitamin C Brightening Eye Gel helps treat and then protect your eyes.

Another cause for concern is dark spots. This is because they are easily noticeable on dark skin. The consistent use of L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid is sure to make the dark spots fade away.
You can also include any other face treatments you have.

5. Moisturizer

A moisturizer’s only function is to hydrate skin. There are numerous moisturizers for dark skin, but Jergens Shea butter for dark skin hydrates the skin and prevents dryness. This skincare product may not be what you expected for a moisturizer but, it works. Jergens Shea butter for dark skin, unlike some other products, doesn’t leave you feeling sticky or greasy. Applying a moisturizer to your face helps keep dryness away from your skin. Always remember to cream down to your neck too.

6. Face oil

A face oil doesn't hydrate the skin as well as a moisturizer on its own. What it does is that it seals all previously used products and makes sure they work well. Therefore, face oils should be included in both daytime and nighttime skincare routine.
The Egyptian Talking Skin oil is one of the best oils around. Although I've not used it personally, several friends of mine have and I’ve seen that it's fantastic.

7. Sunscreen

Many Nigerians think sunscreen is for white people. They're wrong. Sunscreen is your shield from the harsh sun. Using sunscreen protects your skin from the ultraviolet rays of the sun which can have adverse effects on both fair and dark-skinned people. It shouldn't be included in your night skincare routine though. The Neutrogena hydro boost sunscreen is another product I’ll recommend.

Caring for your skin every day should be your priority if you want to achieve flawless skin. If you’re familiar with your skin, getting the best out of it, and giving it the best with little effort won’t be difficult. No matter the skincare routine you follow, always know that the skincare routine is based on three simple steps: cleanse, treat, and moisturize. One last thing. Don’t forget that a skincare routine is only as good as the products you use.

If you are a vegan or for some reason you are interested in using strictly organic products, continue reading the section below written by Emmanuel Bakare.

Natural skincare routine for dark skin

There are mainly two methods of skin care.

Use of Inorganic products
Natural Care (Organic products)

A natural skincare routine for dark skin consists mainly of natural substances like leaves, oils and fruit peels as components. Chemically compounded products of organic origin are permissible to a light extent.

Natural skincare routine for dark skin include:

Washing

This is the foundation of any kind of skincare routine. In our daily activities, dust moves around and settles on the skin. Dry and oily skin can be clogged by dust and particles. Regular washing with water alone is always a good start. It helps keep the dust level minimal and maintains skin moisture. Soap should be introduced when a thorough skin cleansing is needed. For example, during a morning bath.

Treatment of acne/pimples

natural products like vinegar and cider when mixed with water can work magic. They should be dabbed on the affected area repeatedly for days for maximum effects.

Moisturization (Use of Oils): A dry skin is subject to cracks and breakage. Keeping it slightly moist with oils like aloe, lemon and almond oils goes a long way. This must however be considered after acne treatment is complete. It is also important to note which oil is likely to cause reactions.

Exfoliation

This is a gentle, yet intense scrubbing of the skin to remove deep clogging dirt on the skin. It should be done seasonally as regular exfoliation can damage the skin. Once a week is enough to keep the skin healthy. The skin attains optimum freshness after exfoliation.

Use of organic sunscreen

it is a common belief that only light-skinned individuals need protection from the sun. However, equal exposure of dark skin to the sun is certainly dangerous. The use of FDA-approved sunscreen creams containing the organic compound 'avobenzone' is strongly recommended. They protect the skin from the harsh temperature and radiation from the sun.

Use of organic facemask

With the use of substances like Honey and Egg, smooth dark skin is not far-fetched. Application of Honey or egg as against chemical-based creams can help to mould the skin into smoothness. It does this by removing dirt and letting the skin soak up all necessary minerals.

General health care

The wellness of the body radiates and is indicated in every part of the body. Eating freshly cooked meals, and eating leafy greens and fruits are key. Bananas and Apples are well known to contain antioxidants which actively combat free radicals in the body reducing ageing and wrinkling.

Most importantly, hydration should not be neglected. When the right amount of fluids get to the skin, the glands beneath them are activated. This leads to the proper functioning of the glands and healthy skin depends ultimately on healthy glands.

Go only for FDA-approved products

Many products out in the market are not tested and tried. Products which are tested, are judged fit for use or not.

The use of artificially compounded products can also help in maintaining dark skin but they are usually known to have numerous side effects.

It is a known thing not to judge a book by its cover. But we should have in mind that the appearance of a thing largely affects our relationship with it. Everyone loves beauty.