Tag: Skin

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and taking care of it goes beyond washing and moisturizing. Many people unknowingly apply things that do more harm than good, often in the name of “DIY skincare” or quick fixes. To protect your skin barrier and keep it healthy, here are five things you should stop putting on your skin and safer alternatives to use instead.

1. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is often praised as a natural lightener or acne remedy. However, it’s highly acidic (with a pH of around 2), which can irritate your skin, disrupt its natural balance, and cause chemical burns. Even worse, lemon juice increases your sensitivity to sunlight, which can lead to stubborn dark spots and long-term skin damage.

Safer alternative: Try products with vitamin C serums or niacinamide for brightening. These are formulated to be gentle yet effective.

2. Toothpaste

A common “hack” for pimples is dabbing toothpaste on breakouts. But toothpaste contains fluoride, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda, which can burn or excessively dry out the skin. This often leads to redness, irritation, and even scarring.

Safer alternative: Use a spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or tea tree oil. These are dermatologist-approved for acne.

3. Sugar Scrubs (on Your Face)

While sugar scrubs may feel satisfying on your body, they’re too harsh for your delicate facial skin. The uneven, sharp granules can cause micro-tears, leaving your skin inflamed and prone to infection or breakouts.

Safer alternative: Use gentle chemical exfoliants like AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid) or BHAs (salicylic acid). These smooth the skin without physical damage.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a strong disinfectant, but that doesn’t make it safe for skincare. Applying it directly to wounds or acne damages healthy skin cells, slows down healing, and can cause long-term irritation.

Safer alternative: Clean wounds with mild soap and water, and use over-the-counter antiseptic creams if needed. For acne, stick to dermatologist-recommended treatments.

5. Hot Water

While it may feel relaxing, hot water is harsh on your skin. It strips away natural oils, weakens your protective barrier, and leaves skin dry, itchy, and more prone to premature aging or eczema flare-ups.

Safer alternative: Use lukewarm water to cleanse your skin and always follow up with a hydrating moisturizer.

Your skin deserves care, not experiments that can cause long-term damage. Always choose products that are dermatologist-tested, pH-balanced, and formulated for your skin type. When in doubt, consult a professional instead of turning to DIY hacks that may do more harm than good.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified dermatologist or healthcare professional before trying new skincare treatments or products, especially if you have sensitive skin or existing skin conditions.

Glowing skin isn’t reserved for expensive products and luxury spa days. In 2025, more Nigerians are proving that you can achieve healthy, radiant skin without breaking the bank. With a consistent routine, affordable products, and smart choices, you can maintain a fresh, youthful glow—no matter your budget.

1. Understand Your Skin Type First

Before you start any skincare routine, you must know whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, or sensitive.

• Oily skin: Produces excess sebum, often shiny and prone to acne.
• Dry skin: Feels tight and may have visible flaking.
• Combination skin: Oily in some areas (like the T-zone) and dry in others.
• Sensitive skin: Easily irritated, reacts to harsh products.

Why this matters: Knowing your skin type ensures you choose products that work with your skin and not against it.

2. The Basic Budget-Friendly Routine

Step 1: Cleanse (Morning & Night)

A good cleanser removes dirt, sweat, and excess oil without stripping your skin.

• Affordable options in Nigeria: Simple Refreshing Facial Wash, Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, or mild African black soap (unscented).
  Tip: Avoid harsh soaps—they can make your skin dry and cause breakouts.

Step 2: Tone (Optional but Helpful)

Toners help balance skin pH and remove leftover dirt.

• Budget options: Rose water, Witch hazel, or DIY green tea toner.
  Tip: Skip alcohol-based toners—they can irritate the skin.

Step 3: Moisturize (Always)

Even oily skin needs moisture to stay balanced.

• Affordable moisturizers: Nivea Soft Cream, Dr. Rashel Vitamin C Cream, or Shea butter blended with coconut oil (lightly applied).
  Tip: Apply while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration.

Step 4: Sunscreen (Morning Only)

UV rays are one of the main causes of premature aging and hyperpigmentation.

• Budget-friendly sunscreens: Skin Doctor SPF 50, Gavia Sunblock SPF 50, or Nivea Sun UV Face.
  Tip: Use SPF daily—even on cloudy days.

3. Weekly Glow Boosters

• Exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells (sugar + honey scrub or Neutrogena Visibly Clear Scrub).
• Face masks: Try natural masks like oatmeal + honey, turmeric + yogurt, or aloe vera gel.

4. Lifestyle Habits for Glowing Skin

Skincare is not just what you put on your face; t’s also about how you live:

• Drink enough water daily.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants (pawpaw, watermelon, carrots).
• Get enough sleep; your skin repairs itself at night.
• Manage stress; stress can cause breakouts and dullness.

5. Sample Budget Skincare Shopping List 

• Cleanser
• Toner
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen
  With this, you have everything you need for a complete daily routine.

A glowing complexion isn’t about spending more. It’s about consistency, smart product choices, and healthy habits. Follow this simple, budget-friendly routine, and within weeks, your skin will start to look healthier, brighter, and more refreshed; without burning a hole in your pocket.

Skincare routines are essential to maintaining and achieving the perfect skin, but how do we achieve it? What do we do next? What are the best types of products to use? Once you’ve finished reading this article, you should have the best skincare knowledge at your fingertips.

The key to getting your perfect glow is applying the right products that work for you, and the key to maintaining it is consistency. Sadly, some people skip the important steps and wonder why their product doesn’t work for them.

Should you wish to attain a glowing complexion, here are the general skincare steps you must not skip in your routine.

Cleaning: Face washing with soap and water sounds nice, but it isn’t advisable. What you should do instead is use a face cleanser. It removes the dirt and impurities accumulated over time. Make sure you use a cleanser that works with your skin type, and depending on your skin type, you can get a soft face cleanser.

It is advisable to cleanse your face twice a day, and before you do, use a face wipe to clean off the sweat.

Exfoliate: This process helps achieve smooth and spotless skin. It removes dead skin cells, excess oil, and deep-settled oil, and promotes cell turnover. For skin that is more radiant and glows, it’s recommended to exfoliate at least twice a week. Remember to use a mild exfoliant and don’t be excessive; you want to avoid irritation.

Toning: You might not notice this, but even after the steps involved in cleansing and exfoliating, traces of dirt and bacteria can still linger on your skin. These processes open pores, which can invite bacteria and lead to acne. A toner will thoroughly clean the skin, balance your skin’s pH levels, and tighten pores.

Hydration: Before you continue, if you haven’t drank water, do so now. Drinking water is essential for healthy skin; it keeps your skin plump and nourished. Drink enough water and stay hydrated.

Moisturizing: Lock your hydrated skin with a moisturizer. Another function of a moisturizer its keep your skin protected whether oily or dry. Choose a moisturizer that works for you and stick with it. Moisturize twice daily, morning and night.

Sunscreen: Considering the increasing daytime temperatures in most regions, it will be a good idea to use sunscreen. It’s advisable to keep your skin sun protected. In a sunny condition, it is recommended to apply at least every three hours especially if you’re outside hence apply every morning.

If you reside in an environment that is extremely hot, do not stay under the sun for a long period of time.

Watch Your Health: Don’t rely on only products, get in shape, and eat healthy. Whatever may affect your health avoid it and if you need help, seek a dermatologist.

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