Let’s face it, sweating in Nigeria is unavoidable. Whether you’re hustling through Lagos traffic, taking a quick ride, or getting your reps at the gym, our tropical heat doesn’t take a day off.

Sweat isn’t our enemy but what might be our enemy is clogged pores, which happens when sweat mixes with dirt on our skin surface. Breakouts, dullness and heat rashes start to show off.

So, how do you keep your skin fresh, clear and glowing in this weather?

Cleanse smart, not hard

Sweat increases oil production and clogs pores. Frequent washing and using harsh soaps can dry out the skin, causing your skin to produce more oil as compensation.

Tip: Use gentle foaming or gel cleanser twice daily. Look for products that contain salicylic acid if you have oily/acne prone skin or ceramides and hyaluronic acid for dry and ashy skin.

Try:

CeraVe Foaming facial cleanser

Neutrogena Oil free Acne wash

Simple refreshing facial wash (budget friendly option)

Face fact ceramide hydrating gentle cleanser

Skin by Aaron Moisturizing Gentle face wash

Also read: Nigerian skincare consultant Dr Olufolakemi Cole Adeife gets ₦42m La Roche-Posay grant for albinism health

Ditch the heavy creams – Gel is the girl

Nobody wants to feel like they are wearing butter in this heat. Creams can be too heavy for our climate. Gel based moisturiser hydrates the skin without suffocating it, oily skin also prefers it. They absorb fast and don’t sit on your skin like a layer of sweat.

Try:     

Neutrogena Hydro boost water gel

Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Gel cream

Aveeno Daily moisturiser

Face fact moisturizing gel cream

COSRX oil free ultra-moisturising lotion

Sunscreen is non-negotiable

Yes, even for rich melanin skin. Humidity can trick you into skipping SPF, but UV rays still penetrate and they can worsen dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Go For: Lightweight, non-greasy formulas that won’t clog your pores or drip with sweat

Try:

Skin Aqua UV super moisturiser gel SPF 50

La Roche-Posay Anthelios invisible fluid 400

Beauty of Joseon relief sun aqua SPF 50

Dang Hydra glow sun protection Gel

Kumano Yushi Reihaku Hatomugi UV milky Gel SpF 50+

Also Read: Jennifer Nnoli, CEO, Omaricode Beauty, says skincare is about self-care

Don’t let sweat sit

After workouts, long commute or just surviving the DISCOs outage with no fan, cleanse your face. A simple micellar water wipes will come in handy and keep breakout at bay.

Tip: Keep a small face towel or wipes in your bag for quick freshen ups. Your skin will thank you.

Exfoliate, but gently, gently

Your skin isn’t wall paint, don’t scrub it raw. Use a mild chemical defoliant to unclog out your pores to give you a glowing skin.

Try:

The ordinary Glycolic Acid seven percent toning solution

Cosrx BHA blackhead power liquid

Paula’s choice BHA liquid exfoliant

What to avoid in this weather

Heavy oils or butters during the day except your skin needs it

Alcohol based toner (This can be very drying and might irritate your skin)

Skipping moisturiser because “I’m already sweating” or “I have oily skin”

Final say

This weather might be doing the most to make you uncomfortable, but your skin can still look flawless and amazing. With the right products and routine, you can glow through the bike rides, bus queues or even the sweaty gym.

Because in Naija glowing through the heat isn’t just luck, but applying the right strategy.

Anita Chinedu