How to have a smooth face in Nigeria <= this is one question I’ve been asked severally by women.

It’s one of the most searched skin-care related topics in Nigeria. How do we know? Analytics!

I guess the reason women specifically search that is because if you google “how to get a smooth skin”, most of the results you will get are from Oyinbo skincare websites. People who barely have an idea of the harsh conditions our skins have to endure in our kind of environment.

Our skin, as Nigerians, is constantly exposed to:

• The intense sun
• Dry and windy harmattan periods
• Rainfall so heavy they flood our roads
• Thick dust that covers our faces
• Heavy environmental pollution, like smoke etc.

And that is just mentioning a few factors.

How do we, ladies in Nigeria, have a smooth face despite all the numerous factors that seem stacked against our skin?

I’ve seen that question asked indiretly, in formats like: “I understand honey works, but will it work for me? Remember say na Nigeria we dey o.”

The first thing I need you to understand is that it is very possible for you to have smooth skin in Nigeria.

Many women are rocking smooth face… Why should you be left out?

You just need the right information on what to do and how to do it. And that info is what I will be giving you today.

So, let’s get started, right from the beginning.

Why is my face not smooth?

The first thing you need to know is why your face is rough in the first place.

When you know the factors affecting your skin, this will help you figure out how to beat them and flaunt your smooth face nonetheless.

Here are some of the reasons you do not have a smooth face:

1. Stress
2. Hormonal imbalance
3. Using the wrong skincare products
4. Harsh environmental conditions
5. Constant exposure to the sun
6. Use of comedogenic products
7. Use of dirty makeup brushes and tools
8. Use of certain medications
9. Genetics
10. Diet high in carbohydrates and refined sugar, etc.
11. Bad hygiene
12. etc.

All these factors gradually affect your skin and make it prone to acne, bruises, age spots, black spots, uneven skin tone, etc.

Now, that we know these, it’s time to talk about how to have a smooth face in Nigeria.

Here is exactly how to have a smooth face in Nigeria

Having a smooth face in Nigeria is not as hard as most people think it is. You definitely can have a glowing skin as a Nigerian; you probably know several Nigerian women with very great skin.

So, yes, you can have a smooth skin too.

Generally, I believe that taking care of our skin requires three major changes:

1. A change in our lifestyle (that is, our day-to-day activities)
2. A change in our skincare practices, and;
3. A change in your home remedies.

If you are able to make the right changes in these three areas, you can have not just a smooth face but a smooth skin overall.

What skincare practices can make you have a smooth face in Nigeria?

Your skin care practices are very vital. They determine greatly whether or not you can have a smooth face. Here are some tips that should help you have a smooth face in Nigeria:

1. Use a skincare product that treats your specific skin condition

There is a reason why your skin is not smooth.

The first thing you want to do is get rid of whatever skincare condition that is making you not to have a smooth face.

If you have acne, get an anti-acne product. If it is wrinkles or fine lines, get an anti-aging product. If you have spots, get a spot removal product.

Just make sure that you get a skincare product that will remove that skincare problem completely. Once they are gone, your face gradually becomes smooth and glowing.

2. Stick to a daily skincare routine

If you want to have a smooth face in Nigeria, you need a skincare routine.

Going through your skincare routine in the morning helps to protect your skin from any damage as you go through your day.

And at night, it helps your skin to heal from whatever damage that might have occurred during the day.

So, with the right skincare routine, you will not only have a smooth face, but you will be able to maintain it.

Here’s a summary of what your skincare routine should be like:

First, you cleanse your skin with a cleanser or beauty soap, and then you apply a toner. Apply your serum next, then your eye cream, moisturizer and finally, your sunscreen.

For a fully detailed skincare routine for a smooth face, click on this article: Things to Include in Your beauty Regimen

3. Exfoliate

Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. It also stimulates the growth of new and healthy skin cells.

When dead skin cells are removed, skin blemishes begin to disappear and your skin eventually becomes smooth and glowing.

You should exfoliate three times a week. You can make use of an exfoliating brush, exfoliating scrub or exfoliating cream to exfoliate your skin.

Note: If you want to learn more about exfoliation, please click this article: The Proper Way to Exfoliate Your Skin

4. Apply a face mask

Applying a face mask to your skin removes excess oil, dirt, makeup residue, and other impurities on your skin.

It is a great way to cleanse your skin deeply.

There are different kinds of face masks and they serve different purposes. There are clay masks, sheet masks, gel masks, exfoliating masks, sleep masks, etc.

It’s left to you to pick whichever you want. You can even get a face mask to help treat a specific skin condition, like acne.

Applying a face mask should be a part of your routine thrice a week.

5. Steam your face

This should be done once in a week.

Steaming your face helps to open your pores and loosen any buildup of dirt or oil in them. It also increases your skin’s ability to absorb skincare product which makes them work more effectively.

Just as the name suggests, facial steaming (as it is called) is the process of using hot water to steam your face.

I don’t mean pouring hot water on your face; all you have to do is put your face over a bucket of hot water and cover your head with a towel for a few seconds, enough for the heat from the vapour to steam your face.

Click on this article for a step by step guideline on how to properly steam your face: How to Steam Your Face

6. Do not use comedogenic products

Don’t mind the big word.

Comedogenic products are products that clog your skin pores. It’s that simple.

Whenever you are going shopping for both skincare and makeup products, look out for those that are labeled ‘non-comedogenic”.

This is very important for people who have oily or acne-prone skin. Comedogenic products will definitely cause acne and other skin blemishes to appear on your skin.

7. Use the product that is right for your skin type

Have you ever wondered why a product will work for your friend, but it doesn’t work for you?

The answer is simple: Our skins are not the same. We all have different skin types.

You need to first know what your skin type is, before jumping at any skincare product. Is your skin sensitive or normal? Is it dry or oily? Is it combination skin or acne-prone?

You should be able to answer this.

Note: If you need help figuring out what your skin type is, click on this article: How to Identify and Care for Your Skin Type

Once you know what your skin type is, make sure you only buy products that are suitable for your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, buy products made for oily skin.

Stick to products made for your skin type to avoid unnecessary reactions on your skin.

The exception to this is when you are buying a product that is suitable for all skin types.

What lifestyle changes should you make to have a smooth face in Nigeria?

A little change here and there in your day-to-day life would go a long way in making your skin smooth. Here are some changes you need to make:

1. Give your face a break from makeup

This is one of the first things I tell ladies, even though I’m a makeup artist.

I advise that you do not apply makeup until when it is absolutely necessary. Piling layers of makeup on your skin every single day can clog your skin pores and make your skin worse.

Makeup doesn’t give your skin pores the chance to breathe.

If you must apply makeup, thrice a week is enough. For example, if you wear makeup on Monday, leave your skin bare on Tuesday.

Also, at least once a month, go a week without makeup.

2. Do not go to bed with your makeup on

On days you apply makeup, never go to bed with your makeup on.

No matter how tired you are or how busy your day was, make sure you remove every bit of makeup on your face before you go to bed.

If not, the makeup particles will sink into your skin and clog your pores. Not only that, makeup makes it harder for your skin to repair itself when you sleep at night.

Do not just clean your face with face wipes and stop. Follow up with a cleanser or beauty soap.

3. Eat healthy foods

Even though there is no scientific proof that food can cause skin blemishes, there are research studies that prove that foods that contribute to their development.

This is why some people will eat groundnut or butter, and before you know it, their face is filled with acne.

It is best that you stay away from foods like sweetened beverages, foods made from white flour, fast food (burger, pizza, hot dogs, etc), milk and dairy products, etc.

Instead, eat foods rich in antioxidants, zinc, vitamins, etc. I am talking about fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts, eggs, unprocessed foods, and so on.

Here is a comprehensive list of foods for healthy skin: Foods for Healthy and Glowing skin

4. Get up to eight hours of sleep every night

I know this can be quite hard to achieve especially if you are a nursing mother or you work in busy cities like Lagos.

But you need it.

Do you know that your skin repairs and heals itself when you sleep? A good night rest helps your skin to recover from the stress of the day. You wake up with your skin looking bright.

On the other hand, If you do not sleep well, your face will begin to look pale and dry. You might develop puffy eyes or dark circles around your eyes.

Stress, which can come from lack of sleep, makes it easier for skin blemishes like acne to appear on your skin.

So, get that beauty sleep, sis!

5. Exercise regularly

Exercising regularly is good for the skin.

When I say exercise, I don’t mean the hours you spend waiting for a bus or the number of times you jump on and off a danfo bus or hours you are forced to trek because of the traffic.

Those do not count. Those are just stress.

I mean, deliberately taking out time from your busy schedule to exercise your body. Exercises increases blood circulation in your body which aids easy and steady flow of nutrients to your facial skin.

Also, when you exercise, you sweat. And sweating is a good way to purge your skin pores from dirt and debris.

6. Stay away from the sun

Daily exposure to the sun is one of the major reasons why many women do not have a smooth face in Nigeria.

The ultra-violet rays from the sun damage the skin.

It destroys collagen and elastin in your skin which causes your skin to age prematurely. The effect of these rays can lead to the appearance of black spots, wrinkles, sunburn, sun spots, fine lines, hyperpigmented skin patches, etc.

I know that it is almost impossible to stay away from the sun, but you can protect yourself.

Wear clothes that cover your body, wear hats or use an umbrella, always find a shade to stay under, wear sunglasses and avoid stepping outside between 1 pm and 4 pm (that’s when the sun is hottest).

Most importantly, do not leave your house without applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen first, preferably one with SPF 30 and above.

7. See a dermatologist at least once a year

Seeing a dermatologist is not something we are used to in Nigeria.

Many of us do not know any dermatologist, not to talk of visiting one. By the way, a dermatologist is basically a doctor for your skin.

Your dermatologist gives you expert advice on how to treat your skin, treats whatever skincare problems you may have, and prescribes medications or skincare products that are suitable for your skin.

If you do not have a dermatologist, go on Google and search for one close to you. You must at least see a dermatologist at least once a year.

Which home remedies can help you get a smooth skin in Nigeria?

Home remedies can also help to give you a smooth face.

There are natural ingredients that can smoothen your skin and give you that unique glow. Though some might not work as fast as manufactured skincare products, they will eventually give you the results you want.

Here are some home remedies that can help you get a smooth face:

1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory qualities that make it suitable for fighting acne. It also contains antioxidants that fight against free radicals that damage the skin.

Overall, it nourishes your skin and makes it glow.

2. Olive oil

Olive oil contains flavonoids, which keep your skin protected from free radicals.

It also helps to repair damaged skin cells and stimulates the growth of new and healthy skin cells.

3. Green tea

The great thing about green tea is that you can drink it as well as apply it on your skin.

It contains polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties. It is great for treating puffy eyes and dark circles around the eyes.

It also helps to maintain collagen levels keeping your skin looking firm and youthful.

4. Honey

Honey provides countless benefits for your skin. It evens out your skin tone and removes skin blemishes, while keeping your skin soft and healthy.

Just like aloe vera, It contains anti-inflammatory properties and houses antioxidants that help to protect your skin from damage.

In conclusion,

If you want to have a smooth face in Nigeria, you can!

If you can follow the tips I have given in this article, you will have a smooth skin in no time. Remember, with the right lifestyle changes, right product and right skincare practices, you are good to go.

If you have any questions or questions, leave a comment and let’s talk.