Skincare Is the New Beauty “Holy Grail” in Nigeria, Here Are 5 Important Things You Should know
“Beauty is skin deep”
Although this quote is antiquated, its relevance has however transcended times and eras. Beauty as a concept has been with humans since the beginning of things. The Romans of the ancient time defined beauty by complexion, smoothness of skin, and minimal body hair. This prompted Roman women to go the extra mile to keep their natural beauty. To the earliest Greeks, beautiful skin is a function of a beautiful mind. An aesthetically pleasing human may already have an edge among the pack in the all-important, but hushed jostle for the desired mate. All over the world, people have accorded the “Holy Grail’’ status to skincare in the organic beauty landscape.
In Nigeria, the skincare phenomenon has also been on the lips of every Abriella, Adanna, and Abigail. And, as it often plays out with an idea whose time has come, it is difficult to tell who is out for the crown from who is out for the clout. Thus, this exposition will discuss the subject of skincare from the standpoint of the Nigerian, factoring in the various nuances that exist in the concept of skincare. An all-in-one piece that will guide the reader from the frown lines to the fine lines.
How Your Skin’s Biology Interfaces with Your Skincare Routine
Skincare is a crucial aspect of personal health and well-being and has its roots in the science of biology. Understanding skin biology can help you make informed decisions about how to care for and keep your skin healthy.
Basically, the skin is made up of several layers, each with its own structure and function. The outermost layer, known as the stratum corneum, consists of dead skin cells that form a protective barrier against environmental influences such as UV rays and pollutants. The deeper layers of the skin, like the dermis, contain living cells that produce important structural proteins such as collagen and elastin, and specialized cells such as melanocytes that produce melanin pigment.
Skin biology also involves complex interactions between different molecules and signaling pathways. For example, skin cells use various signaling molecules such as cytokines and growth factors to communicate with each other, which can affect cell behavior and the overall health of the skin. Hormones such as estrogen and testosterone also affect skin health and appearance.
Skin care products can target specific aspects of skin biology to improve its health and appearance. The agent helps remove dead skin cells and promotes the growth of new skin cells. Anti-aging products may contain ingredients that stimulate collagen production or reduce the activity of enzymes that break down collagen and elastin.
It’s pertinent to remember that skin biology can vary from person to person, and individual factors such as genetics, age, and lifestyle can all affect skin health. By having a grasp of basic biology and considering individual factors, you can make informed decisions about how to care for your skin and how to maintain your health and buoyancy.
What Constitute the Common Pitfalls of Skincare Routines by Nigerians
Just like in any other country, a Nigerian can fall into certain pitfalls when it comes to skincare routine. Here are some common skincare mistakes Nigerians (and everyone else) should avoid.
Excessive Exfoliation:
Exfoliating can be an important part of your skincare routine, but over-exfoliating can actually damage your skin. This is especially true for those with darker skin. Nigerians should aim to exfoliate once or twice a week and opt for a gentle scrub.
Use of Offensive Products:
Harsh products like those containing alcohol and other drying ingredients can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing dryness, irritation, and even breakouts. Instead, Nigerians should choose gentle, non-drying products formulated for their skin type.
Lack of Sunscreen Usage:
Many Nigerians may not be aware of the need for sunscreen, especially if they have dark skin. However, all skin types and tones are susceptible to sun damage, premature aging, and skin aging. It can lead to cancer. You should use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, regardless of skin tone.
Neglecting Neck and Hands:
A lot of people may only focus on their face when it comes to skincare, but ignoring the neck and hands can result in uneven skin tone and premature aging in these areas. It is important to apply skin care products and sunscreen to your neck and hands as well.
Overloading the Skin:
While it may be tempting to try all the new skincare products on the market, using too many products can actually backfire. Using too many products on the skin can lead to irritation and clogged pores. You should stick to a simple and effective routine with a few key products appropriate for your skin type.
For you to be steps ahead of others in the maintenance of healthy and robust skin, you should avoid excessive exfoliation, steer clear of harsh products, embrace the use of the right sunscreen, do neglect your neck and hands, and ultimately use skincare products minimally.
Best Skincare Guide for the Nigerian Skin
Nigeria has a diverse population with different skin types and concerns, so skin care products that work for one person may not work for another. Here are some general tips and recommendations to help you find skincare products. Many Nigerians tend to have oily skin due to the hot and humid climate, so look for products specifically formulated for oily or combination skin.
Look for products that contain natural ingredients that are good for Nigerian skin. Ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil are popular in Nigeria for their moisturizing and nourishing properties.
Avoid products with harsh chemicals like sulphates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. These can cause irritation and dry out the skin. Choose products with SPF protection as Nigeria is close to the equator and is exposed to high levels of UV rays. It is always best to test a new product on a small patch of skin before applying it to your face to avoid possible allergic reactions.
Consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns. We can provide personalized recommendations for your skin type and condition. Overall, a holistic approach to skin care is important, including eating healthy, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Remember that every skin is unique and finding the right product for you takes trial and error.
Why Nigerians Need a Dermatologist
Nigerians, like people from other regions of the world, need dermatologists for a variety of reasons regarding the health and appearance of their skin, hair, and nails. Here are some of the most common reasons why Nigerians seek the services of a dermatologist.
Skin Diseases:
Dermatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating various skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Nigerians may suffer from these conditions due to factors such as heredity, diet, and exposure to environmental irritants.
Skin Cancer:
Skin cancer is a serious problem in Nigeria due to the effects of climate change and ozone layer depletion. A dermatologist can identify and treat suspicious moles and lesions early. This is very important in preventing the spread of skin cancer.
Condition of Hair and Scalp:
Dermatologists also specialize in treating hair and scalp conditions such as alopecia, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis. These conditions can cause discomfort and affect a person’s self-esteem, so it is very beneficial to seek the advice of a dermatologist.
Beauty Treatments:
A dermatologist can offer a variety of cosmetic treatments to improve the appearance of your skin, including Botox injections, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing. These remedies can help Nigerians who are concerned about signs of aging or who want to treat wounds and scars.
When to Opt for Dermatological Surgery:
A dermatologist can perform surgery to remove skin cancer and other tumors. This can help prevent the spread of cancer and improve the patient’s quality of life. Overall, Nigerians need a dermatologist to ensure the health and appearance of their skin, hair, and nails, and to prevent and treat various skin conditions.
Risk of Skin Cancer in Nigeria (Bonus)
Skin cancer is a major public health problem in many parts of the world, including Nigeria. However, it is worth noting that there are limited and conflicting data on skin cancer incidence and prevalence in Nigeria.
When it comes to the incidence of skin cancer in Nigeria, no one-size-fits-all data are available. However, a 2018 study ranked the disease behind breast, prostate, and cervical cancers in the order of prevalence. Another study reported that squamous cell carcinoma was the most common type of skin cancer in Nigeria, followed by melanoma and Kaposi’s sarcoma respectively.
A third study reported that skin cancer-related death in Nigeria is lower than in Western countries, with an estimated age-adjusted death rate of 2.29 per 100,000 of the population. Growing evidence points to urbanization, increased UV exposure, and lifestyle changes as factors likely to increase the incidence of skin cancer in Nigeria.
It is important to note that these statistics may not reflect the true burden of skin cancer in Nigeria as many cases may go undiagnosed and unreported. It is imperative that policymakers and the general public work together to improve skin cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection in Nigeria.
By 2025, the organic beauty industry is projected to hit $48.04 billion, As such, it will continue to be a brisk business across the global skincare landscape. To strike the all-important balance between novelty and good health, adequate knowledge plus correct application will prove valuable for anyone interested in getting the whole concept of skincare right.
