The skincare game in Nigeria right now is chaotic. Between the market women selling ‘original’ products in unlabeled bottles, the Instagram vendors posting dubious before-and-after testimonials, and the influencers pushing whatever pays, it’s hard to know who to trust. After witnessing close friends accidentally burning their faces and going through my own fair share of annoying dermatologists, here are four traps we need to retire.
- The “Cream That Bleaches Must Be Working” Trap
If your cream burns, if it stings, if your face feels hot for hours after applying, then that is your skin screaming for help.
We have a particular problem in Nigeria with steroid-laced creams sold as “fairness” creams or even just “regular” moisturizers. They work fast because they’re basically hospital-grade medication. Then you stop using them, and your skin rebels, bringing on acne, dark patches, etc. Now you’re stuck in a cycle you didn’t sign up for.
The fix to this is to always buy from stores you trust. If a cream promises dramatic results in one week, run. And if it burns? Throw it out immediately. Your skin barrier is worth more than any glow.
- The “Hot Water Opens Pores” Lie
The aunties have been telling us this forever: wash your face with hot water to open the pores. But let me give you a shocker: pores don’t have muscles. They cannot open and close like doors.
What actually happens: hot water strips your skin of its natural oils. In our humidity, you might not notice the dryness immediately, but over time, your skin starts overproducing oil to compensate. Now you’re oily and dehydrated, buying more products to fix a problem that hot water created.
The fix for this is using lukewarm water. That’s just it. If you want to really clean deep, use a good salicylic acid cleanser (try CeraVe or a local brand like Haus of Beauty).
- The “More Products, Better Results” Trap
We are all undoubtedly guilty of this one. Because we have access to everything now (Korean skincare, American brands, UK imports, etc.), we want to use all of it. Three serums in the morning. Two different exfoliants at night. A face mask every single day.
Here’s the thing: your skin cannot process all that. It’s not a blender. You’re just wasting money and irritating your face.
The fix to this is to simplify your routine. In this weather, most of us only need a good cleanser, one active serum (vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night if you’re using it), a light moisturizer, and sunscreen. That’s it. Give that routine two months before you add anything else.
- The “I Don’t Need Sunscreen, I’m Inside” Excuse
This one hits close to home. We think because we’re indoors, or because the sun isn’t “scorching,” or because we have melanin, we can skip sunscreen. That’s totally wrong.
UVA rays (the ones that age you) go through windows. Through clouds. Through car glass. And while melanin protects against burning, it does not fully protect against the long-term damage that causes dark spots and sagging.
The fix to this is finding a sunscreen you don’t hate. Labouse makes a good one that doesn’t leave a white cast. Nice and Lovely has options. Even if it’s just SPF 30, wear it every single day. Reapply if you’re out and about. Your future face will thank you.
The Bottom Line
The Nigerian beauty market is booming, which means the scams are booming too. Don’t let any hype fool you. Just stick to the basics, trust your skin’s signals, and remember: if it burns, it’s not working. It’s damaging your skin.
Your face is not a testing ground. Treat it like the investment it is.
