By the time you convert your favourite cleanser into naira, remember you still have sunscreen, serum, moisturiser, and that “must-have” exfoliant TikTok won’t stop talking about. One look at your bank app and suddenly that glow they keep selling on Instagram feels like a luxury you can’t afford. Welcome to skincare in the era of inflation, where clear skin meets cold reality.
Nigerian women are not just skincare consumers. We’re beauty investors. We buy promises in bottles, hope in jars, and confidence in tubes. However, as prices continue to rise, many women are now asking, “What do I really need, and what can I leave on the shelf?” Spoiler alert: not everything in your 10-step routine is essential, and no, that ₦85,000 snail mucin essence is not the key to inner peace.
Let’s start with the basics: what does skin actually need?
According to most dermatologists (not influencers), good skincare boils down to three core things: cleanse, hydrate, and protect. That means a gentle cleanser, a reliable moisturiser, and sunscreen. Everything else? Bonus. And if your budget is tight, bonus items can wait.




Still, the pressure to glow at all costs is very real. From beauty counters in Lekki to unboxing videos by skincare creators in Canada, it’s easy to feel like you’re behind if your shelf isn’t stocked with toners, essences, ampoules, eye creams, niacinamide, and that all-elusive retinol serum. But what good is glowing skin when you can’t afford to leave your house?
Let’s talk money.
A good Nigerian-made cleanser can cost anywhere between ₦6,000 to ₦10,000. Moisturisers? ₦8,000 to ₦15,000, depending on the brand and ingredient list. Sunscreen — if you can find one that actually suits darker skin tones without turning you grey — is often ₦10,000 or more. That’s already close to ₦35,000 for a basic routine, and that’s before you even think about targeted serums or exfoliants.
So, how do you balance beauty with budget?
1. Spend smart, not more.
You don’t need seven different serums. One good multitasking product — say, a vitamin C serum in the morning or niacinamide at night — is often enough to brighten and even out your tone. The real flex is consistency, not excess. Even a gold-plated serum won’t work if it only comes out of your drawer once every two weeks.
2. Local brands are not inferior.
Nigerian skincare brands have stepped up. Formulations are improving, packaging is sleeker, and ingredients are increasingly targeted to African skin concerns like hyperpigmentation and oil control. Brands like Arami Essentials, Skin Science Africa and Omari Skin are doing the work — and doing it well. Don’t sleep on them just because they don’t come with a French label or Sephora endorsement.
3. Know your skin type — and stay in your lane.
The worst skincare habit? Buying products just because they’re trending. Oily skin doesn’t need the same things as dry or sensitive skin. Acne-prone skin should not be treated like mature skin. Understanding your skin’s actual needs will save you from unnecessary purchases — and unnecessary breakouts. You don’t need a face full of actives. Sometimes, all your skin is asking for is a bit of moisture and peace.





4. Don’t skip sunscreen. Ever.
This one’s non-negotiable. Sun damage is a major culprit behind hyperpigmentation, premature ageing, and uneven texture. You don’t need to break the bank — just find a sunscreen that works for you and use it daily. Not when you’re going to the beach. Not only when you remember. Every. Single. Day.
5. Stop being a product hoarder.
Buying five moisturisers at once doesn’t make you a skincare enthusiast — it makes you a confused customer. Use what you have before restocking. Half-used products don’t count as self-care; they count as clutter. Empty bottles should be the goal, not crowded shelves.