Skin Care
Are Your Skincare Habits Helping or Hurting Your Glow?
There’s nothing like catching your reflection in good lighting and thinking, “See that glow!” But what if that glow is only surface-deep—or worse, slowly fading because of the very things you’re doing to maintain it? In a country like Nigeria, where the weather jumps between harsh sun, dust, and high humidity, skincare is more than routine—it’s a survival strategy. Yet, many of us are unknowingly sabotaging our skin, all in the name of looking good.
That Soap You Swear By? It Might Be Too Harsh

Let’s start with your cleanser. If your face feels overly tight or dry after washing, that’s a red flag. Soaps packed with strong fragrances or “whitening” promises often contain chemicals that strip the skin’s natural oils, leaving it vulnerable and irritated. Your face doesn’t need to feel squeaky-clean—it needs to feel balanced. Opt for gentle cleansers that clean without causing damage.
Over-Exfoliating Won’t Speed Up Your Glow

Exfoliating once or twice a week can help remove dead skin cells—but when done too often, it does more harm than good. Constant scrubbing weakens the skin’s barrier, making it more sensitive to sun, heat, and environmental stress. In Nigeria’s climate, that means increased chances of sunburn, inflammation, and dark patches. Scrub in moderation. More isn’t always better.
Beware of “Glow” Products That Do the Opposite

Shot of an attractive young woman applying suntan lotion while relaxing outside
We’ve all seen them—creams that promise instant brightness, flawless skin in days, or baby-smooth texture. But behind the marketing, some of these products contain harmful lightening agents that gradually damage your skin. The glow may be fast, but so are the side effects: uneven tone, thin skin, green veins. Real glow isn’t about bleaching; it’s about balance.
Moisturizer Is for Everyone, Not Just People With Dry Skin
Too many Nigerians skip moisturizer because they fear it’ll make them sweat more or look oily. But skipping it actually dries the skin out, causing it to produce even more oil to compensate. The result? Shiny skin, clogged pores, and uneven tone. Use a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer that hydrates without weighing your skin down. Your skin needs water just as much as your body does.
Sunscreen Is Not Just for Fair Skin
Let’s clear this up: yes, Black skin can burn. While melanin offers some natural protection, it’s not enough to prevent damage from daily sun exposure. Hyperpigmentation, sunburn, and premature aging are common in our climate. Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should be a daily essential—no matter your complexion. Apply it every morning, whether or not the sun is out.
Final Thoughts: Skincare Is a Lifestyle, Not a Quick Fix
Having great skin isn’t about chasing trends or using ten different products. It’s about understanding what your skin needs and being consistent. Sometimes, less is more—especially if your current routine is leaving your skin confused and reactive. Listen to your skin. If it’s constantly breaking out, irritated, or flaky, it’s not glowing—it’s crying for help.
Take a step back, review your routine, and ask yourself the real question: are your skincare habits helping—or quietly hurting—your glow?
Skin Care
Inside Nancy Isime’s 5 Skincare Tips for Women in Their 30s
Nancy Isime finally shared the skincare routine behind her signature glow. You just hit 30, and suddenly your skin is changing? Here are 5 skincare tips from the media personality to consider in your 30s.
Clinical Facials

Photo – istock
She highlighted clinical facials as her number one routine to maintain her glow. Nancy pointed out that while women could get away with simple scrubbing and face masking in their 20s, their 30s require transitioning to professional and medical-grade skincare treatments by licensed skincare professionals.
She also mentioned treatments like microneedling, often known as collagen induction therapy, vampire facials, laser therapy, salmon DNA, chemical peels, and skin boosters.
Clinical facials provide deep extraction and medical exfoliation to revive your skin. She also talked about getting a good esthetician to test your skin type first.
Hydration

Photo – Instagram
Nancy mentioned how staying hydrated helps you glow from within, because drinking enough water supports skin health. She described hydration as an essential part of her routine. She also recommended drinking herbal tea and natural juices to support overall wellness. Nancy pointed out that taking IV (intravenous vitamins) drips helps with the infusion of vitamins, including vitamin C, biotin, and vitamin B.
Set Boundaries
Taking care of your skin requires setting boundaries. Nancy pointed out that maintaining healthy skin starts from making strict decisions on what to eat, drink, and do.
Intermittent Fasting
In addition to a structured diet, Nancy incorporates intermittent fasting into her routine.
Some studies suggest intermittent fasting may support cellular repair processes. Cell regeneration slows down during your 30s, causing the build-up of metabolic waste, which can contribute to visible skin changes over time.
She stated that skipping breakfast once or twice a week does not negatively affect your system. Instead, it triggers your body to clear out damaged cells and boost your natural glow. Nancy shared that doing an occasional 36-hour water fast may hasten the process.
Sleep

Photo – istock
Lack of sleep can affect the skin’s appearance, especially in your 30s. During deep sleep, the body naturally repairs itself, producing hormones that support skin repair and boost blood flow.
As someone who loves her sleep, Nancy advised that sleeping 6 to 9 hours, or even 10, rejuvenates your skin, which aligns with doctors’ recommended 8 hours of sleep every night. In cases where you find it hard to fall asleep, Nancy also mentioned taking supplements to help with sleep.
Skin Care
Bar Soap vs Body Wash: How Each Affects Your Skin
Bar soap and body wash both promise clean, fresh skin, but they do not always treat your skin the same way. The truth is, your choice between bar soap and body wash can affect how your skin feels, looks, and even behaves over time. If you have ever stepped out of the shower feeling tight and dry, or soft and moisturized, your cleanser probably played a big role.
Let’s break it down.
Bar Soap: Simple, But Sometimes Drying

Photo: Dove
Bar soap has been around for generations. It is affordable, easy to use, and lasts longer than most body washes. For many people, it is the default choice.
Traditional bar soaps are made with cleansing agents that remove dirt, oil, and sweat. That sounds good in theory, but these cleansing agents can sometimes strip away your skin’s natural oils. When that happens, your skin may feel tight, dry, or slightly itchy after bathing. This is especially noticeable if you already have dry or sensitive skin.
Some bar soaps also have a higher pH level, which can disrupt your skin barrier. Your skin naturally leans slightly acidic, and when that balance is disturbed, it can lead to dryness, irritation, or even breakouts.
Bar soaps can also be a good option if you have oily or acne prone skin. They tend to cleanse deeply and remove excess oil effectively. Some medicated bar soaps even contain ingredients designed to help with body acne.
So while bar soap gets a reputation for being drying, it really depends on the formula and your skin type.
Body Wash: Gentle and Hydrating

Photo: Dove x Mykirei x Neutrogena
Body washes tend to feel more luxurious, but their biggest advantage is how gentle they are on the skin. Most body washes are made with milder cleansing agents that clean without stripping away too much moisture. This makes them a popular choice for people with dry or sensitive skin.
Many body washes also contain added ingredients like aloe vera, ceramides, oils, or hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help hydrate the skin while you cleanse, which is why your skin often feels softer after using body wash.
Another benefit is flexibility. Body washes come in different formulas for different skin needs. There are moisturizing body washes, exfoliating ones, brightening formulas, and even body washes designed for sensitive skin.
However, body wash is not perfect. Some formulas contain fragrances and additives that can irritate sensitive skin. Also, if you use too much product, you may not rinse properly, which can leave residue on your skin.
So Which One Is Better?

Photo: Google
There is no universal winner here. It depends on your skin and what it needs.
If your skin is dry or sensitive, body wash is usually the safer option. It is more hydrating and less likely to disrupt your skin barrier.
If your skin is oily or you prefer a deep clean, bar soap can work well, especially if you choose a gentle, moisturizing formula.
At the end of the day, both bar soap and body wash can keep your skin clean. The best choice is the one that keeps your skin comfortable, healthy, and happy.
Skin Care
4 Best Cleansing Oils We Tested to Gently Remove Makeup, Dermatologist-Approved
Cleansing oils have become essentials for anyone who wears long-wear makeup or relies on sunscreen daily. They break down pigment without stripping the skin, and the right formula keeps the complexion smooth, clear, and comfortable. We tested multiple options across different textures and skin types to find the oils that truly perform.
Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil

A lightweight favorite that cuts through foundation and brow products almost immediately. It emulsifies cleanly, making it ideal for oily and combination skin that needs a thorough cleanse without residue.
Hada Labo Gokujyun Cleansing Oil

Soft, hydrating, and perfect for dry or dehydrated skin. The formula gives a smooth glide and rinses off without leaving a coated feel, making it a strong choice for evening routines.
Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil

A minimal, fragrance-free option made for sensitive skin. It removes makeup gently and keeps the moisture barrier intact, which is important for anyone prone to irritation or dark marks from harsh cleansers.
Neutrogena Ultra-Light Cleansing Oil

Featherlight and quick to dissolve sunscreen, dust, and daily buildup. It’s a reliable everyday cleanser for those who prefer a barely-there texture that still works efficiently.
A few seconds of massaging, a splash of water, and each of these oils transforms into a clean, milky rinse, dependable formulas that make end-of-day cleansing feel smooth instead of stressful.
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