For many Nigerians, shea butter is more than a beauty product; it’s woven into daily life. From childhood, we’ve witnessed its magic on dry skin, cracked lips, and coarse hair. Its rich, creamy texture has made it a staple in homes across the country, passed down through generations. Today, as shea butter takes centre stage in modern skincare routines, a common question arises: can this age-old balm trigger breakouts?

Why the Worry?

Shea butter is prized for its deep moisturising properties, creating a protective barrier that locks in hydration. That same thickness, however, can be a double-edged sword. For skin prone to clogged pores, heavy application may lead to pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads. The concern is particularly strong among people who experience oily or combination skin, where excess oils sit on the skin’s surface rather than absorbing efficiently.

Skin Type Matters

Not all skin responds the same way to shea butter. Dry and sensitive skin types often find it soothing, restorative, and protective against harsh weather conditions. Conversely, those with oily or acne-prone skin may notice more frequent breakouts when shea butter is applied directly to the face. The key lies in how your skin handles dense, occlusive oils: what nourishes one person might feel overwhelming for another.

How to Use It Wisely 

You don’t need to abandon shea butter entirely. Many skincare enthusiasts keep it reserved for the body, applying it to elbows, knees, heels, and other areas that need extra moisture. For the face, lighter oils or non-comedogenic creams may be a better option. If you love shea butter for facial care, try whipped formulations or products where it is blended with lighter ingredients, allowing your skin to enjoy the benefits without feeling clogged or heavy.

The Bottom Line

Shea butter remains one of nature’s treasures, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The best guide is your own skin: if your face stays clear, smooth, and hydrated, continue using it. If breakouts appear, consider limiting it to the body. Thoughtful application ensures you enjoy the nourishing benefits of shea butter while keeping your complexion healthy and balanced.

Even if you follow a full skincare routine—cleansing, moisturising, maybe adding a serum—your skin might still feel off. One common reason is the kind of products you use, specifically whether they are oil-based or water-based. In Nigeria’s climate, which swings between dry harmattan winds and humid rainy seasons, knowing how these products affect your skin can make a noticeable difference.

What Sets Oil-Based and Water-Based Skincare Apart?

At its simplest, skincare products are either oil-based or water-based depending on their main ingredient. Oil-based products use natural or synthetic oils, often feeling richer and thicker on the skin. They form a light barrier that locks in moisture and protects your skin. Water-based products, by contrast, are lighter and absorb quickly, delivering hydration without heaviness.

The label alone doesn’t tell the full story. How a product feels and behaves on your skin is a better clue. If it spreads like a serum and vanishes quickly, it’s probably water-based. If it leaves a slight sheen and feels more substantial, it’s likely oil-based.

When Oil-Based Products Work Best

If your skin feels dry, rough, or tight—especially during harmattan or after frequent washing—oil-based products help by sealing in moisture. Some oils closely mimic your skin’s natural oils, which helps balance and soothe irritation.

Even if you have oily skin, certain lightweight oils can work without clogging pores or causing breakouts. The key is choosing oils that absorb easily and feel comfortable throughout the day.

Why Water-Based Products Are Ideal in Humid Weather

In hot, humid cities like Lagos, heavy products can feel overwhelming. Water-based skincare hydrates quickly and refreshes without leaving a residue. These products are often the first step in a routine, helping your skin absorb moisture and prepare for what comes next.

For oily or acne-prone skin, water-based formulas reduce shine and minimise the risk of clogged pores. They keep the skin feeling light and breathable throughout the day.

Combining Both for Balanced Skin

You don’t have to pick one or the other. Many find the best results by layering: start with water-based products such as toners or serums, then apply oil-based moisturisers or face oils to seal everything in. This helps your skin retain hydration longer and keeps it nourished.

Adjust this routine depending on how your skin feels or the season—lighter in humid months, richer in drier times.

Choosing What Works for You

Listen to your skin’s signals. If it feels tight or flaky, it needs more hydration—water-based products can help. If it feels dry quickly or lacks softness, an oil-based layer might be necessary.

When shopping, check ingredients for irritants like harsh alcohols or heavy oils that might not suit your skin type. Focus on products that support your skin without overwhelming it.

The difference between oil and water-based skincare isn’t just marketing—it’s about matching your routine to your skin’s real needs and the changing Nigerian climate. By understanding how these products work and when to use them, you’re better equipped to build a routine that keeps your skin healthy and comfortable all year round.

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.