The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Sunscreen in Nigeria
By Safeway Dermatology Team
6 min read
Living in Nigeria means enjoying plenty of sunshine, but it also means your skin is constantly exposed to powerful UV rays. Sunscreen is not just for preventing sunburn; it's the single most important product for preventing premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer, as confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO). But which one to choose?
As dermatologists in Ibadan, we recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, preferably 50+. "Broad-spectrum" means it protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
For darker skin tones, the cosmetic feel of a sunscreen is important. Many people dislike the white or purplish cast some sunscreens leave. To avoid this, look for "tinted" mineral sunscreens (with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) or newer chemical sunscreens formulated to be invisible on dark skin. Remember to reapply every two hours, especially if you're sweating or swimming.
As dermatologists in Ibadan, we recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, preferably 50+. "Broad-spectrum" means it protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
For darker skin tones, the cosmetic feel of a sunscreen is important. Many people dislike the white or purplish cast some sunscreens leave. To avoid this, look for "tinted" mineral sunscreens (with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) or newer chemical sunscreens formulated to be invisible on dark skin. Remember to reapply every two hours, especially if you're sweating or swimming.