There was a time when putting a celebrity’s face on a product was enough to get people talking. But today’s Nigerian consumers want more — does the product work? Is it worth their money? And most importantly, is it made with their skin in mind?

Bisola’s “Brown Girl Magic” Is More Than a Name — It’s a Statement

Bisola Aiyeola knows how to command attention, and her beauty line carries that same quiet confidence. From the richly hydrating lip oils to foundation shades that finally match darker skin tones without turning grey or dull, this brand prioritises real results over playing it safe. It’s a brand made for Nigerian skin — bold, authentic, and unapologetic.

Dakore’s Glow Game is Subtle but Strong

Dakore Egbuson-Akande’s beauty line appeals to women who care less about flashy trends and more about reliable, gentle skincare that fits into their daily routine. Her serum range has quietly built a loyal following among those looking for simple, effective products without unnecessary fuss.

Sanaa Beauty by Adesua and Jemima: Quality Without Compromise

Adesua Etomi-Wellington and Jemima Osunde teamed up to create a line that speaks to young women who want products that deliver without empty promises. Their face masks, lip balms, and body butters are elegantly designed, practical, and affordable — all while reflecting the style and spirit of a generation that values both quality and budget.

April by Ini: Homegrown Ingredients for Real Results

Ini Edo’s April by Ini started as a word-of-mouth favourite, and it’s easy to see why. With its mix of natural oils and ingredients suited to the Nigerian climate, the “Beauty Secret” range offers skin-brightening oils and scrubs that feel familiar and effective. This isn’t an imported formula repackaged for local sales — it’s beauty made for Nigerian women, by a Nigerian woman.

What Sets These Brands Apart

What these brands share is a clear understanding of Nigerian women’s skin and beauty needs. They don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions or rely on quick fixes. Instead, they reflect the strength, diversity, and complexity of Black womanhood — celebrating it in products that work, feel good, and respect the wearer.

When women take control of the products created for them, beauty goes beyond surface level. It becomes thoughtful, intentional, and rooted in real experience.

Ever wondered why your skin breaks out before your period? That “pregnancy glow” isn’t a mirage after all? It might not be your beauty regimen’s fault — it could very well be your hormones. Yes, those tiny messengers in your bloodstream have a bigger impact on your skin than you might think.

Dry spots are replaced with dark spots and premature lines, your hormones are typically in charge behind the scenes.

Puberty: When It All Starts

hormone levels start to rise. As your body’s androgen levels rise, your oil glands become more active, producing excess oil that can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. The excess oil can clog your pores, leading to breakouts.

For many, these teenage breakouts settle down over time. However, for some women, hormonal fluctuations can continue to trigger acne well beyond the high school years.

Your Cycle This Month: Skin on a Schedule

If you’ve ever noticed breakouts popping up right before your period, you’re definitely not imagining things. In those days leading up to your cycle, estrogen and progesterone levels take a dip while testosterone stays steady — and that shift can throw your skin off balance.

Your skin might get drier, which can lead to clogged pores, especially around your chin, cheeks, or jawline. It’s all part of the hormonal rollercoaster your body rides each month — and your skin’s just along for it too.

Not poor hygiene, dirty skin, says Dr. Ifeoma Adeyemi, a dermatologist in Lagos. “It’s how hormones shift throughout the month.”

Pregnancy: The Glow and the Grit

During pregnancy, rising estrogen and progesterone levels—along with increased blood flow—can give your skin that characteristic “pregnancy glow.” But not all transformation is so. Many women experience melasma, those blotchy dark spots prone to showing up on the face as a result of a mix of hormones and sun, appear on many women during pregnancy. The good news? It’s totally normal—and with the proper skincare and daily sun protection, you can manage it.

Menopause: When Skin Needs Extra Love

As estrogen levels drop at menopause, your skin might become drier, thinner, and more delicate. You might discover that it does not bounce back the way it used to, and your face loses a bit of its natural plumpness. It’s all normal, but it also means that your skin can use a little extra moisture and care.

Estrogen keeps the skin hydrated and stretchy, says Dr. Adeyemi. So when estrogen declines, skin loses the healthy, young look.

When Hormones Go Off-Track

There are times when hormones can go off balance and affect your skin. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), for instance, can cause higher androgen levels, leading to chronic acne, facial hair, and hair thinning in women

Disorders with the thyroid — restless or underactive — can also impact your skin. It may get drier, coarser, or cold-sensitive.

So, What Can You Do?

Start by paying attention. When you notice a pattern — for instance, when you get breakouts during the same time every month or when skin issues do not heal with normal products — then you are likely to explore a bit deeper.

A consultation with a dermatologist is a good first step. Dermatologists can advise on whether your skin problems follow a hormonal pattern, and can refer you to an endocrinologist or women’s health doctor. Treatment might include topical creams, hormonal therapy, diet changes, or stress management, since cortisol (your stress hormone) also affects your skin.

Conclusion

Good skin isn’t just about what you put on your face; it’s also about what’s happening inside your body. What you put on your face; Hormones play a big role in how your skin looks and feels, often without you even realising it.

Maybe it starts with a conversation—someone you know mentions getting a little “touch-up,” or you scroll past a post about cosmetic treatments that makes you curious. You’ve never thought much about it before, but now the idea echoes. What exactly do these treatments do? And how different are they, really?

Botox and fillers often come up together, especially in discussions about aging or facial aesthetics. While they’re sometimes grouped under the same umbrella, they serve very different purposes. Understanding how each one works can help you figure out which—if either—might suit your needs.

Understanding Botox

Botox works below the skin. It’s used to relax specific facial muscles—especially those that move when you frown, squint, or lift your eyebrows. These repeated movements eventually leave lines behind, most often on the forehead or around the eyes.

When the muscle is relaxed, the skin above it isn’t pulled in the same way, and the lines tend to fade or become less obvious. It doesn’t stop all motion and doesn’t have to look stiff. In the right hands, it simply softens the more noticeable signs of repeated expression.

What Fillers Are Meant to Do

Fillers are different. They’re not about muscle—they’re about volume. As the skin ages, it loses some of its natural support. Cheeks may look flatter, lips thinner, or the area under the eyes a bit hollow. That’s where fillers come in.

Most are made from hyaluronic acid, which holds moisture and adds structure. When placed carefully, fillers can bring back some fullness and shape. They’re also used to define features that have started to lose their edge. Done well, they don’t change your face; they just give it a bit of its old firmness back.

Choosing Between the Two

If you notice wrinkles that deepen when your face moves—like when you squint or frown—Botox may help. If what’s bothering you is volume loss, or a change in the overall shape of your face, then a filler might be more suitable.

Some people choose to combine the two. Botox to settle the muscles, and fillers to rebuild what’s faded. But there’s no rule. It depends on what you’re comfortable with and what result you’re looking for.

Why the Person Doing It Matters

These are not over-the-counter treatments. They require medical skill and good judgment. Whoever you see should have proper training and know how to apply these tools with care and restraint.

Before going ahead with anything, ask to see examples of past work. A solid consultation should include a real conversation—where you feel free to ask questions and get honest feedback, not a sales pitch. The best practitioners don’t rush and won’t push you into decisions.

You Decide What Matters

There’s no correct age to start any of this. There’s no standard version of how you’re supposed to look. These treatments are personal. Some people try them and feel better for it. Others don’t feel the need.

Either way, it’s your face. You’re the one living in it every day. If you choose to do something, let it be for you—not because of pressure or trends, but because it feels right in your own mind.