Skincare is Selfcare: Top 5 Must Have Ingredients

One observation that could be made of the global pandemic is the unexpected sales boom of skincare products.

With more people required to work from home, physical distancing and mask wearing; it has become much less important to wear makeup and fragrance.

More and more consumers found they had more time at home to invest in effective new skincare routines. There has been a greater online access to expert advice. And an ever-increasing range of innovative new products to choose from.

Skincare is Big Business

Other factors have been at play, with the emergence of new skincare problems such as ‘maskne’ (acne caused by masks). In addition, ‘Zoom Face’ and concerns over ‘blue light’ exposure. These all prompting more people to buy into the category in new ways and for new reasons.

Skincare is big business. The global beauty industry generates $500 billion in sales a year. Celebrities such as Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Nollywood actress Ini Edo and Nigerian Radio personality Toke Makinwa have released their own skincare brands – capitalising on this growing market.

Beauty social media influencers such as the Nigerian-American Jackie Aina, are receiving cult followings for their skincare tips. Even men are getting in on the act. Superstar Pharrell Williams released his own skincare brand – Humanrace for both men and women.

Skin Bleaching

Unfortunately, skin lightening products are prevalent in Nigeria. The World Health Organisation (WHO) published a report in 2011, estimating that 77% of Nigerian women use skin lightening products regularly. This is in comparison with 59% in Togo, 35% in South Africa, and 27% in Senegal. In fact, bleaching products are reportedly the fourth most sought-after household item by African women.

Skin lightening or skin bleaching, can finds its roots in the transatlantic slave trade; and the European colonization of African nations. The caste systems that entitled European slave owners and traders to reduce African blacks to indentured servants, perpetuated disparities in political status, wealth and beauty, furthering discrimination based on skin color.

The legacy of racist views which positions white Europeans as superior still remains a structural belief system amongst the women who choose to use these skin lightening products.

However, the use of skin lightening products can be potentially dangerous and harmful. Skin bleaching can manifest several complications, ranging from dermatological consequences including: eczema, dermatitis, acne to more serious health risks including diabetes, skin cancer, fetal toxicity, renal and liver failure.

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Skin Positivity

On a positive note, there has been a growing trend of skincare enthusiasts, who are educating themselves through online and social media platforms on how to care for their skin.

This phenomena extends to how to read ingredients on product labels in order to make more informed choices. Therefore, embracing more efficient and dermatological recommended products, proven to improve the condition of the skin.

Furthermore, there is a growing social media movement called ‘skin positivity’ which seeks to promote positive attitudes to the way people feel about their skin. Helping to challenge the misconceptions and stigma attached to a myriad of skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema and dermatitis to name a few.

Top 5 Must Have Skincare Ingredients

In recognition of this growing trend, NRTC have compiled the 5 must have ingredients, you should consider incorporating in your skincare regime:

Niacinamide or Vitamin B3

Niacinamide is a multitasking ingredient which became increasingly popular in the last year, and has been a firm staple in many skincare regimes. It works by controlling the skin’s oil sebum, perfect for those with oily skin or acne prone skin. It brightens complexion and reduces the appearance of hyper-pigmentation and dark spots.

Vitamin C

A powerful antioxidant that helps fight free-radical damage. Vitamin C softens rough patches, counteracts sun damage and helps fade pigmentation spots.

It also stimulates collagen production, and has an anti-inflammatory effect, helping to slow or reverse the signs of ageing.

Vitamin A (Retinol)

Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is one of the most powerful anti-ageing ingredients available. Proven to tackle fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, dullness and sagging skin.

It can also help treat skin disorders such as acne and psoriasis. While reducing pigmentation marks and smoothing the complexion.

Retinol has the power to stimulate cellular repair at the deepest level. Boosting the circulation, so skin looks healthier and younger.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

HA is naturally occurring in the skin. It is known for its skin benefits especially alleviating dry skin, increasing the skin’s suppleness, softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and speeding up wound healing.

In skincare products it is used as a humectant – a substance that helps the skin hold onto water. In doing so – it gives the skin a more radiant and youthful appearance.

Ceramides

Ceramides are lipids (aka fat molecules) that are found naturally in the skin. It’s a great ingredient in skincare for black skin, as black skin is found to have lower levels of ceramides in the top layers of the skin. It helps the skin to retain moisture and improve the skin’s function.