Healthy skin doesn’t need an expensive routine. A few simple daily habits, the right products for your skin type, and a healthy lifestyle make the biggest difference, whatever your skin tone. Here are easy, practical tips for clear, healthy skin, plus the products to avoid and when to see a doctor.
Know your skin type
- Oily: shiny, especially on the forehead, nose and chin, and prone to spots
- Dry: feels tight, rough or flaky
- Combination: oily in the T-zone, normal or dry elsewhere
- Sensitive: easily stings, itches or reacts to products
- Normal: balanced, with few problems
Choosing products made for your skin type helps avoid breakouts, dryness and irritation.
A simple daily skin care routine
1. Cleanse gently, morning and night. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water. Avoid harsh soaps and scrubbing, which strip the skin and can make oiliness and spots worse. Always remove makeup before bed.
2. Moisturise. Apply a moisturiser after washing, while your skin is still slightly damp. Oily skin needs one too: choose a light, oil-free product labelled “non-comedogenic”, which won’t block pores.
3. Use sunscreen every day. Dark skin can still burn, and sun exposure worsens dark spots and uneven skin tone and causes premature ageing. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on your face, neck and hands, and reapply if you are outdoors for long.
Healthy habits for clear skin
- Don’t pick or squeeze spots. It spreads bacteria and can leave dark marks and scars, which are common on darker skin.
- Change your pillowcase at least once a week, and keep phone screens and makeup brushes clean.
- Wrap or tie your hair at night, and keep hair oils and pomades off your face and forehead.
- Drink enough water. See signs you’re not drinking enough water.
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, and cut down on sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates, which are linked to acne. Read about fruits and foods for glowing skin.
- Exercise regularly, and shower afterwards to remove sweat.
- Sleep 7 to 9 hours and manage stress, which can trigger breakouts and eczema flares.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking damages collagen and speeds up wrinkles.
Products to avoid
- Bleaching and “toning” creams. Many sold in Nigeria contain mercury, high-strength steroids or hydroquinone, which can thin the skin, cause stretch marks, dark patches and acne, and harm the kidneys.
- Steroid creams used without a prescription, including on the face.
- Harsh scrubs, lemon juice, toothpaste or kerosene on the skin. These can burn and irritate.
- Heavily fragranced products if your skin is sensitive.
When trying something new, test a small amount on your inner arm for a day or two first, and introduce one new product at a time.
When to see a doctor or dermatologist
- Acne that is painful, leaves scars or doesn’t improve after a few months of good care
- Dark patches, light patches or uneven skin tone that are spreading
- Itchy, scaly or weeping rashes that don’t go away
- A mole or spot that changes in size, shape or colour, bleeds or won’t heal
- Skin damage from bleaching products
Reliance HMO members can book an appointment at a Reliance Family Clinic.
Related: Home Remedies for Body Odour: What Works and When to See a Doctor
Frequently asked questions
How can I get clear skin naturally?
Wash gently twice a day, moisturise, use sunscreen, don’t pick spots, eat a balanced diet, drink water and sleep well. Results take 4 to 6 weeks.
Do Black people need sunscreen?
Yes. Sunscreen helps prevent dark spots, uneven tone and premature ageing, and protects against skin cancer.
How often should I wash my face?
Twice a day, and after heavy sweating. Washing more often can dry and irritate the skin.
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor.
Get a Health Plan
Thank you Oyedokun, I would write about tips on how to get a flat stomach. Stay tuned.
Thank you Ify for your response. God bless you too.
Thank you for this question Oluwatofunmi, I would write an article on this. But for now, I will advise that you exercise, use waist trainers or try tying a wrapper on around your belly button every now and then. Also, try to drink more of hot fluid, and reduce cold drinks.
Yes, it can, this is because it is harsh on the skin especially when you go under the sun immediately.
Tumeric is good for the skin, you can keep using that. But you should stop using sugar because of the longterm effect. You can get a good moisturizer to keep your skin properly hydrated e.g. Cetaphil. You can also get good face wipes to clean your face whenever it’s oily, this helps to mattify the face.
For oily skin, you should get a good moisturizer. I would recommend Cetaphil. You can also get good face wipes to clean your face whenever it’s oily, this helps to mattify the face.