As you navigate the hot season in Nigeria, staying fresh and confident becomes a daily challenge. One essential tool in this battle against sweat and body odor is deodorant. However, applying deodorant correctly is crucial to reap its benefits. You can’t afford to emit an offensive smell. It not only turns people off but gives an awful perception of you. How you smell matters as much as your looks. As the climate keeps changing due to global warming so is the effect on the Earth and unfortunately we’re victims in this game. Let’s delve into the world of deodorants and explore the best practices for applying them, so you can stay cool, calm, and collected.

A brown skinned lady applying deodorant stick in her underarm

Understanding Your Deodorant

Before you apply your deodorant, take a moment to understand what it can do for you. Deodorants are designed to control body odor, while antiperspirants aim to reduce sweat. Many products combine both functions, but it’s essential to choose one that suits your needs.

Deodorant spray

Preparing Your Skin

To ensure your deodorant works effectively, follow these simple pre-application steps:

1. Shower or bathe: Start your day with a refreshing shower or bath to remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria.

2. Dry completely: Dry your underarms thoroughly, paying extra attention to the folds of your skin.

3. Exfoliate (optional): Gently exfoliate your underarms to remove dead skin cells and help the deodorant absorb better.

The Art of Applying Deodorant

A light skinned lady applying a deodorant

Now that you’re prepped, it’s time to apply your deodorant correctly:

1. Hold the deodorant correctly: Hold the deodorant stick or spray at a slight angle, ensuring the applicator or nozzle is close to your skin.

2. Apply a thin layer: Apply a thin, even layer of deodorant to your underarms. For sticks, glide the applicator across your skin in a smooth motion. For sprays, hold the nozzle 5-6 inches away and spray a light mist.

3. Focus on the center: Apply the deodorant to the center of your underarm, where sweat glands are most concentrated.

4. Avoid overapplication: Don’t overapply deodorant, as this can lead to irritation, residue buildup, or reduced effectiveness.

A black skinned lady applying a spray deodorant

Additional Tips for Nigeria’s Hot Season

To stay fresh and confident in Nigeria’s scorching heat:

1. Reapply as needed: Reapply deodorant throughout the day, especially after exercising or sweating heavily.

2. Choose a deodorant with moisturizing properties: Opt for a deodorant that helps to moisturize and soothe your skin, reducing irritation and discomfort.

3. Wear breathable clothing: Wear lightweight, breathable clothing to help keep you cool and reduce sweat buildup.

4. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body regulate its temperature and reduce sweat production.

By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to staying fresh, confident, and cool in Nigeria’s hot season. Remember to choose a deodorant that suits your needs, apply it correctly, and reapply as needed to keep body odor at bay. Stay cool, Nigeria!

Read also: The Power of Retinol: Unlocking its anti-agingsecrets

Skin aging happens naturally, as one grows older . But excessive exposure to the sun speeds up the aging process.

Retinol is a fat- soluble vitamin in the vitamin A family that has many benefits for  our skin. It is used to treat acne and has powerful anti-aging effects.

Retinol

It is a topical treatment, in the sense that you apply it on top of your skin. And it comes in different forms, including:

• Creams.
• Gels.
• Lotions.
• Ointments.
• Serums.

Cosmetic goods occasionally contain retinol as a component.

Retinol for Anti-aging 

• Like an extra-strong loofah, retinoids do more than simply remove the outermost layer of your skin cells. They cause your body to produce more collagen, which is a protein found in your bones, muscles, and skin. It maintains the firmness and elasticity of your skin. Less creases will result from this. Retinoids reduce wrinkles and fine lines by encouraging your skin to produce more collagen.

• They also stimulate new blood vessels, which can give your complexion a rose hue. Retinoids also assist to reduce age spots and smooth rough regions. Tretinoin (Retin-A) is a commonly prescribed treatment for aging skin.

Power anti-aging agent

Apart from Retinol as an anti-aging agent, there are several other benefits you can get from using Retinol. 

• Regarding acne, Retinol prevents blackheads and whiteheads by clearing clogged pores. Consistent use results in smoother skin, but initial outbreaks may intensify (retinol purge). Regular use of retinol would result in a smoother, acne-free face.
• For dark spots, retinol: By lowering melanin accumulation, retinol can help lighten age spots, sun spots, and black spots. Retinol is a common topical treatment for hyperpigmentation, but it can irritate the skin and take months.
• Using Retinol to Treat Melasma Dark patches or blotches appear on sun-exposed areas due to melasma. Tretinoin, a topical retinoid, may aid in the fading of melasma patches.
• Retinol for psoriasis : Psoriasis creates itchy, scaly rashes. Topical retinol inhibits skin cell expansion and lowers inflammation, so alleviating the rash. However, because retinol can cause skin irritation, it is frequently used in conjunction with topical steroids.
• Retinol can help minimize the appearance of stretch marks caused by pregnancy, weight increase, or muscular growth.

Note Before Using Retinol For Any Of These Treatments Consult Your Healthcare Provider For Personalized Advice. Especially Pregnant Or Breastfeeding Mothers.

How to Apply Retinol Correctly:

To properly utilise retinol, follow a step-by-step approach to maximise its benefits while minimising redness, dryness, and sensitivity.

• Pop  out a very small amount of retinol. Use on dry , clean skin.
• A pea-sized amount of gel retinol is ideal; one pump the size of your fingertip or less should be adequate for creams, serums, and lotions.

• Using a quadrant approach, apply the retinol to the face gently.
• A tiny bit should be applied to the chin, forehead, and both cheeks. Massage retinol into the skin, until no product is visible.
• Apply a light moisturiser and, if desired, finish with a face oil.
•  If you use it in the morning, thoroughly cleanse your skin, follow your usual morning skincare routine, and apply a large amount of sunscreen.

Retinol is sensitive  to light if you expose yourself to sun after using retinol the retinol would degenerate to some extent that is why a proper amount of sunscreen is advised.

Retinol

What are you waiting for? Walk into any beauty store and get a large package of retinol and add to your beauty routine to look fresher everyday.

Real alsoNever do these 3 Things during your Skincare Face Routine.

Many individuals are so interested in using skincare products for different reasons. For some, it is to maintain a neater and glowing skin while for others, it is to repair their skin and make it look better. On a smaller note, many individuals pay more attention to their face, more than their body even. This is due to the urge to keep a smooth face, eradicate acne and have a shiny outlook.  In all, it is necessary to note that not all skin care products are to be used on your face. Infact, any product that was not originally produced for face use should not be used on the face to gain maximum results.

Here is a list of products you should not use of your face while on your skincare routine to avoid damage.

Body Scrub.

This is not advisable to use body scrubs in place of face soaps on the face. They are usually made of harsh fragrances and chemicals. These chemicals can be too harsh on the skin of your face especially the skin around the eyes and lips. This can lead to irritation and micro tears on the skin.

Body Lotions.

It is not advisable to use body lotions on your face while performing skincare. This is because they are formulated with tougher chemicals for tougher skin. This can clog the hair pores on the face and cause breakout. The skin on the face is delicate and is necessary to be treated as such. Instead, make use of dermatologist prescribed face creams.

Read Also: 5 Types of Spa Treatment you Might Want to Add to your 2024 Spa Bucket list.

Perfume or Alcohol based Toners.

It is important to avoid alcohol and perfume based products. These can strip your face of its natural oils and cause dryness, irritation, or sensitivity.

Hair Products.

It is important to note that hair products are a no-no for the face. They are made with chemicals like sulphates, silicones and other irritants that can disrupt the processes of the face and cause irritation.

Lubricants or Petroleum Jelly.

It is not advisable to use Vaseline on the face. This is because it can clog the face pores, cause acne and interfere with natural skin’s moisture barrier.

If you read till the end of this article, you already know what you should avoid when shopping for your face products to improve the the health of your face’s skin.