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Gaya

News reaching us says you can get arrested for not glowing this year.&nbsp; So, you want to make informed purchases. Not based on the hype, aesthetics, and frightening price tags. But on what that fancy bottle with a floral scent actually does for your skin.&nbsp;

Beyond the TikTok noise, some skincare products are very effective. They play specific roles on your skin and don't just add to the layers you've been accumulating. These are the non-negotiables. The products that should be used judiciously.&nbsp;&nbsp;

So, whether you're chasing glass skin or still struggling to clear stubborn dark spots, stick to what works. No matter your budget, here are some must-haves:

&nbsp;If you'll apply only one product to your skin, let it be sunscreen. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of between 30-50 that blocks out both UVA and UVB rays, specifically. UV rays worsen hyperpigmentation more than any other factor. Sunburn also causes uneven skin tone and premature ageing that steals your glow.&nbsp;

Sunscreen is not a choice. Apply not only when you'll be out in Lagos traffic, but even when you're staying indoors. Don't substitute a lightweight gel or fluid sunscreen with any makeup with SPF claims—most of them are just that, claims! Also, beware of sunscreens that leave a white cast.

You don’t need a 7-step routine that eventually clogs your pores. Just pick one active that targets your main issue and stick to it. Whether acne, texture, dullness, or melasma... there's an active ingredient for you. You just need to use it consistently.

Don't irritate your skin in the name of preventing breakouts. Use actives only on prescription, not random recommendations from social media. For instance, salicylic acid is ideal for acne-prone oily skin, azelaic acid is effective for dark spot treatment and prevention of new breakouts, and retinoids offer repair of texture. So, just imagine how you'll be overworking your skin by using all three at once! Either visit your derm to confirm what you really need, or go easy on the actives.&nbsp;

If your skin barrier is damaged, no treatment will work properly. Actives, especially, will be rather injurious to your skin. A simple test to know if your skin barrier is damaged is the stinging. Do you feel a stinging sensation even when you use inactive agents?

To be safe, only use moisturisers that contain ceramides, glycerin, and other barrier-strengthening ingredients. You don't want to undo your progress with your own hands. Run far from "brightening" creams with exaggerated promises. Stick to lightweight products that absorb well in heat and actually hydrate your skin.

Everyone needs a cleanser. Not scrubs, not harsh soaps. Gentle cleansers. What you may not have known is that over-cleansing actually triggers more oil and acne, which is why you break out after overusing your exfoliant.

Deep cleaning scrubs are not meant for daily use. While they make your face feel as smooth as a newborn baby’s face, they are exposing your pores. You just need to use a foaming or gel hydrating cleanser twice a day. That is enough cleansing for even the worst of skins.

Your skincare goals and brands are allowed to change, but remember that your skin biology doesn't. And melanin-rich skin—especially in hot and humid climates like ours—is unforgiving of failed experiments. Stick to what works for you, and kindly discontinue what doesn't.

Glowing skin is not the result of trying harder. It’s the reward for choosing better and respecting your skin type over trends. 

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