6 Tips On How To Brave This Lagos Heat!


It is no longer news that the sun in all its glory now live in Lagos, Nigeria.
My goodness!

It has become so hot that this searing heat even runs its course all through the night.
Yes you heard and you even know.

Sun ray image culled from google images.



It is no longer strange that the nights are no longer as cool as they used to be. 

Due to the nature of my job, I see a lot of people complain that they're getting darker, they're creams are no longer working and all sorts of complains. But very few talk of protecting their skins or even know that they should. 

It's hot out there in case you forgot. So, any skin lightening should be done with sense. If you're not going to protect the delicate skin beneath that you're planning on exposing then don't bother. 

In this mad heat, SPF should be paramount; and I'm not talking of SPF 8 or SPF 10. We're talking SPF 30 and above. The sun is not smiling at you or your bodyand neither should you. 

In this post, I will be sharing 6 top tips you can employ to give yourself adequate protection from the blazing ball of fire above us all in the sky.

1. Get a sunscreen of SPF 30 and above. 
I can swear by CookieSkin Dermal Repair Complexion Shield SPF50. I use this on my entire body. This is now my favorite sunscreen because it leaves a no-streak, non-greasy after effect. Plus I like the fact that the fragrance is not over-powering.



Disclaimer: I do not work for CookieSkin, I am not affiliated or related to Mrs. Leslie Okoye the MD of CookieSkin; neither have I been paid or sponsored to promote any of her product line. This is my own personal review.

2.  Use Makeup With SPF. 
If you're a lover of sunscreen and wearer of makeup, you will have at one time be faced with the challenge of reapplying sunscreen after applying makeup. Look no further, here's the solution. To solve this problem and adequately protect your face from getting darker than your body, use a face primer, face powder and/or foundation with sunscreen in SPF 30.
Retouching your face gives you a fresh look and at same time protects your skin. Be sure to blot out all the oils before a touch up.
Here are some makeup products with SPF, you can
1. Zaron Mattifying Powder with SPF 30
2. Maybelline Clear Smooth Shine-Free Powder SPF 25
3. Mary Kay Foundation Primer
4. Tara Powder + Foundation with sunscreen and aloevera.


3. Wear Sunglasses. 

They're not called sunglasses for nothing. They reduce glare, protect your cornea and iris and prevent you from constantly squinting in the sun. Think deep wrinkles and crow's feet.

4. Wear a hat.
Image source:  www.dealdey.com
Oh hey, I actually bough the sun hat.

A wide-brim hat, precisely. This one is for more than just sun protection, it is actually a wardrobe necessity. I daresay it compliments almost any outfit.
So when you see me on the streets of Lagos with my sun hat, don't forget to say hi.

5. Cover up. 
Wearing clothing that expose a lot of skin puts you at risk of a quick burn. I'd wear a black, long-sleeve turtle neck with a pencil skirt than wear a tank top and jean. I'll still be fashionable in both. But I'm thinking sunburn rather than heat. Dress the part like they always say.

6. Take Cover.
Use an umbrella. They're not for the rains only. They give you much needed shade. This one is key if you're going to be moving around town without a car. Get a cute, portable one that has a big cover yet can still fit into small hand bags. They're so much better than letting your skin roast in the sun like suya.
It was so hot we had to take a selfie.

Some people say it's embarrassing to carry an umbrella about in the sun.What will be really embarrassing is taking off all the makeup and having to stare at those sunburn black panda eyes. No way ma'am thank you. 

Now that I've shared my tips, this is how to wear your sunscreen.

1.  Apply to your skin lavishly. Making sure hard-to-reach areas are fully covered. 

2. Wait for 20-25 minutes before sun exposure. The waiting time is to allow for the sunscreen to form a mask over your skin. (Follow the directions given on the sunscreen.)

3.  Repeat application after swimming or sweating profusely. Or after 2 hours. (Follow the directions on your sunscreen)

Common Complains With Sunscreen Usage. 
1. It makes me darker. 
No sunscreen is designed to make you darker. After application, the product begins to form a cast on your skin. So this cast is what makes people feel they appear dark but in the real sense of it they aren't. Beside you will still wear you makeup over it so no need to fuss.

2. Sunscreen burns my skin.
Maybe you are sensitive to chemical sunscreen like that are made up of ingredients like Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octocrylene etc Try using mineral sunscreens that are Titanium dioxide and/or Zinc oxide based; these are best for sensitive skin. For more info on best sunscreens to use, visit here.

3. Sunscreens do not work for me.
This complain bothers mostly around usage.
It will not work if you mix it with your cream, serum or any thing else for that matter.
It will not work if you apply it and dash out immediately. You have to give it time to form that cast.
It will also not work if you use early in the morning before sunrise and not repeat it in the heat of day if need be.
You just have to know why it's not working for you. Are you using it rightly?

4. My sunscreen looks like Nixoderm or Shirley.
You have to find the formula that is right for you. That's why I will continually stick to my Cookieskin Sunscreen; it leaves no white mark plus it is mineral based so it's great for sensitive skin. And in the event it is not available, I'll return to my Avon Anew Skinvincible or the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunblock SPF45.  But then, here are more tips on choosing sunscreens and knowing which one to buy. I have done the guess work for you.

With all this info shared, you can now step out confidently in the sun or rain, without fear or worry, slathering on your sunscreen, showing off well powdered noses.

Ifeoma.

Comments

  1. Amazing content. Some things we take for granted. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We really take them for granted don't we? Thanks for reading.

      Delete
  2. The person who writes a very beautiful post is always of a good heart and whenever I am sitting alone, I spend my time looking at such a good post, you have written a good post, which is as much as you can in your life. Will be appreciated And you keep writing such good posts in your life, I wish you all the best.

    ReplyDelete

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