The library

Dark marks, acne, eczema, sun care and everyday skin health on darker skin.

• A simple skincare routine for menThree steps, five minutes: cleanse, moisturise, protect.4 min
• AcneWhat causes spots, how to treat them gently, and how to prevent dark marks afterwards.5 min
• Contact dermatitisRashes caused by something touching the skin: fragrance, hair dye, nickel and more.5 min
• Dark marks after spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)The dark patches left behind after acne, bites, burns or eczema, and how to help them fade.6 min
• Eczema (atopic dermatitis)Dry, itchy, inflamed skin that comes and goes, and how to calm it.5 min
• Fungal skin infections (ringworm)Itchy, ring-shaped or scaly patches, and how to clear them properly.5 min
• Hair products and forehead acneHow oils and gels cause breakouts along the hairline.4 min
• Harmattan skin careProtecting skin, lips and hair from dry, dusty winds.4 min
• Hives (urticaria)Itchy, raised welts that come and go.4 min
• How to patch-test a new productA simple way to reduce the risk of reactions.4 min
• How to spot fake and dangerous creamsCounterfeit and "mixed" creams are common. Here are the warning signs, and what to do if you suspect one.5 min
• KeloidsRaised scars that grow beyond the original wound, and how to lower your risk.5 min
• Light patches: pityriasis alba, vitiligo and tinea versicolorThree common causes of pale patches, how to tell them apart, and which ones need a doctor.5 min
• MelasmaSymmetrical brown patches on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip, often linked to hormones and sunlight.5 min
• Myth: "Bleaching is safe if it's natural""Natural" lighteners can burn skin, and many contain hidden mercury or steroids.4 min
• Myth: "Chocolate and oily food cause acne"Diet plays a small role for some people; hormones, genes and skincare matter more.4 min
• Myth: "Dark skin doesn't need sunscreen"Melanin helps, but it does not stop dark marks, melasma or sun damage.4 min
• Myth: "Oily skin doesn't need moisturiser"Skipping moisturiser can make oily skin feel worse; light non-comedogenic moisturisers help.4 min
• Myth: "Scrubbing removes dark spots faster"Rough scrubbing inflames skin and usually makes dark marks darker.4 min
• Myth: "Shea butter cures everything"A good moisturiser, but not a cure for infections, acne or pigment problems.4 min
• Myth: "Toothpaste dries out pimples"Toothpaste irritates skin and can leave dark marks; proven acne treatments work better.4 min
• PsoriasisThick scaly patches that come and go, and why it is more than a skin condition.4 min
• Razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae)Bumps after shaving are not "just irritation"; here is how to shave without them.5 min
• Retinoids: how they work and how to startA guide to adapalene, retinol and other vitamin A creams.4 min
• Skin bleaching, mercury and steroid creams: the dangersWhy "toning" and lightening creams can cause lasting harm, and safer ways to even tone.5 min
• Skin changes in pregnancyMelasma, dark lines, stretch marks and which products to pause.4 min
• Skin types explainedHow oil, sensitivity, pigment and barrier combine — and how our questionnaire works.4 min
• Small dark bumps on the face (dermatosis papulosa nigra)Harmless dark bumps on the cheeks and around the eyes, common in darker skin.4 min
• Sunscreen for dark skinYes, darker skin needs sunscreen. Here is why, and how to choose one without a white cast.5 min
• Uneven skin toneWhy skin tone varies across the face and body, and a realistic plan for a more even glow.5 min
• VitiligoWhite patches caused by loss of pigment cells.4 min
• Your skin barrier, explainedWhy the outer layer of skin matters, and how to keep it healthy.4 min

Scalp health, breakage, hair loss and caring for textured hair.

• A gentle wash-day routineStep-by-step for textured hair.4 min
• Beard careA healthy beard on curly hair: washing, softening and shaping without bumps.4 min
• Bumps on the back of the neck (acne keloidalis nuchae)Firm bumps at the hairline after short haircuts, and why early care prevents scarring.4 min
• Caring for locsKeeping locs clean, strong and your scalp healthy.4 min
• Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA)Scarring hair loss at the crown, most common in women of African descent; early care matters.4 min
• Dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitisFlaky, itchy scalp and greasy scale on the face, and how medicated shampoos help.4 min
• Hair breakageWhy textured hair snaps, and gentle habits for length retention.4 min
• Hair dye safetyPPD allergy, black henna and patch testing.4 min
• Hair loss in womenCommon causes and when to get checked.4 min
• Hair porosity explainedHow your cuticle controls moisture, and how to care for each type.4 min
• Male-pattern hair lossReceding temples and crown thinning: what is normal, what works, and what to avoid.4 min
• Myth: "Oils make hair grow"Oils can reduce breakage, but there's little evidence they make hair grow faster.4 min
• Myth: "Trimming makes hair grow faster"Trimming doesn't change growth speed — but it helps you keep length.4 min
• Protective styles, safelyBraids, twists and wigs without damaging your hairline.4 min
• Relaxer safetyHow to reduce burns, breakage and scalp damage if you choose to relax your hair.4 min
• Shedding after illness or childbirthTelogen effluvium: why hair sheds and recovers.4 min
• Traction alopeciaHair loss from tight styles, and how to catch it while it can still recover.5 min

Nail fungus, dark lines, brittle nails and safe nail treatments.

• Brittle nailsNails that split, peel or break easily, and simple ways to strengthen them.4 min
• Cracked heelsThick, dry skin on the heels and how to soften it.4 min
• Dark streaks in the nail (melanonychia)Brown or black lines in the nail are common in darker skin, but some need checking.4 min
• Fungal nail infectionThick, discoloured, crumbly nails, and why treatment takes patience.4 min
• Gel, acrylic and UV lamp safetyHow to enjoy salon manicures while protecting your nails and skin.4 min
• Infected nail folds (paronychia)Red, swollen skin around the nail.4 min
• Ingrown toenailsCauses, prevention and when to get help.4 min
• Myth: "Nails need to breathe"Nails get oxygen from the blood, not the air — but breaks from gel help for other reasons.4 min
• Myth: "White spots on nails mean calcium deficiency"Usually caused by minor knocks to the nail; calcium is rarely the reason.4 min
• Nail psoriasisPitting, lifting and thickening.4 min

Body odour, sweating, body acne and skin care for a hot climate.

• Ashy, dry body skinWhy skin looks grey and how to restore glow.4 min
• Athlete's footFungal infection between the toes.4 min
• Body acne (chest and back)Spots on the chest, back and shoulders, and how to clear them without dark marks.4 min
• Body odourWhat causes it, an effective daily ritual, and when a change in smell matters.4 min
• Dark knees, elbows and underarmsWhy skin in folds and pressure points darkens, and when it is a sign to check your health.4 min
• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)When sweating is more than the heat explains, and the treatments that help.4 min
• Ingrown hairs on the bodyBumps after shaving or waxing.4 min
• Jock itch (tinea cruris)An itchy rash in the groin; easy to treat, easy to get back.4 min
• Myth: "Antiperspirants cause breast cancer"Large studies haven't found a link.4 min
• Myth: "Shaving makes hair grow back thicker"Shaving changes how hair feels, not its thickness, colour or speed of growth.4 min
• Painful lumps in armpits and groin (hidradenitis suppurativa)A long-term inflammatory condition, not poor hygiene.4 min
• Rash in skin folds (intertrigo)Under the breasts, groin and belly folds.4 min
• Stretch marksWhy they appear, what helps them fade, and what to be wary of.4 min
• Sweat and odour for menStaying fresh in Nigerian heat: a practical ritual.4 min

Shaving bumps, beards, hair loss and simple routines for men.

• A simple skincare routine for menThree steps, five minutes: cleanse, moisturise, protect.4 min
• Beard careA healthy beard on curly hair: washing, softening and shaping without bumps.4 min
• Bumps on the back of the neck (acne keloidalis nuchae)Firm bumps at the hairline after short haircuts, and why early care prevents scarring.4 min
• Jock itch (tinea cruris)An itchy rash in the groin; easy to treat, easy to get back.4 min
• Male-pattern hair lossReceding temples and crown thinning: what is normal, what works, and what to avoid.4 min
• Razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae)Bumps after shaving are not "just irritation"; here is how to shave without them.5 min
• Sweat and odour for menStaying fresh in Nigerian heat: a practical ritual.4 min

Babies' and children's skin, hair and nails — and when a rash is urgent.

• A simple skin routine for school-age childrenEasy habits for children aged 5 to 12 that protect skin for life.4 min
• Acne in teenagersSpots in the teenage years are normal and very treatable; early care prevents dark marks and scars.4 min
• Baby acneLittle red or white spots on a baby's face in the first weeks: common and temporary.4 min
• Birthmarks: what is normal and when to checkMost birthmarks are harmless. Here is a guide to the common ones and the few that need a doctor.4 min
• Body odour and puberty hygieneA calm, practical guide for parents and pre-teens as bodies change.4 min
• ChickenpoxWhat to expect and when it's urgent.4 min
• Children's hair care: braiding, detangling and no relaxersGentle routines for children's curls, and why tight styles and relaxers can harm young scalps.4 min
• Children's nailsTrimming, nail biting and changes worth checking.4 min
• Choosing safe products for childrenWhat to look for on the label, and what to leave on the shelf.4 min
• Cradle capGreasy yellow scales on a baby's scalp are harmless and gentle care is enough.4 min
• Eczema in babies and childrenDry, itchy patches in little ones: a calm, practical plan for parents.4 min
• Gentle bathing for babies and childrenHow to bathe little ones without drying their skin.4 min
• Head liceItchy scalp and tiny insects: how to clear lice calmly.4 min
• Heat rash (prickly heat)Tiny itchy bumps from blocked sweat glands in hot weather, and how to cool them.4 min
• ImpetigoCrusty "honey-coloured" sores that spread easily, and need prompt treatment.4 min
• Insect bites in childrenItchy bumps from mosquitoes and other insects, and how to prevent malaria-carrying bites.4 min
• Milia in newbornsTiny white spots on a newborn's nose and cheeks are normal and clear without treatment.4 min
• Molluscum contagiosumSmall pearly bumps in children: harmless and usually clear on their own.4 min
• Myth: "Baby powder is good for nappy rash"Powders don't protect skin and can be inhaled; barrier creams work better.4 min
• Myth: "Eczema is caused by dirt"Eczema is a barrier and immune condition — over-washing makes it worse.4 min
• Nappy rashSore skin in the nappy area, and how to prevent and soothe it.4 min
• Pale patches on a child's face (pityriasis alba)Faint pale patches on children's cheeks are common and harmless.4 min
• ScabiesIntense itching, worse at night, that spreads through families. Treat everyone together.4 min
• Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis)A fungal infection that causes scaly patches and hair loss, common in children.4 min
• Sun protection for childrenSimple habits that protect growing skin, even darker skin.4 min
• Warts in childrenRough bumps on hands and feet: harmless, and most go away on their own.4 min
• When a child's rash is urgentThe glass test, and the warning signs that mean you should seek emergency care now.4 min

Labels, shade matching, safer products and allergies in makeup.

• Foundation types, and why tinted (iron-oxide) sunscreen helps dark spots and melasmaLiquids, powders and sticks compared, plus the evidence for visible-light protection in darker skin.4 min
• Kohl, tiro and lead: what Nigerian families should knowTraditional eye cosmetics can contain lead. Here is how to enjoy the look safely.4 min
• Lipstick safety: lead, dyes, fragrance and lip allergy (cheilitis)What is really in lipstick, and what to do when your lips peel or swell.4 min
• Mascara and eye makeup: the 3-month rule, infections and allergiesSimple habits that protect your eyes from infection, allergy and injury.4 min
• Myth: "Expensive makeup is safer"Price reflects packaging, brand and marketing far more than safety.4 min
• Myth: "Makeup causes acne"Most makeup does not cause acne — but some products and habits can. Here is the evidence.4 min
• Myth: "Mineral makeup is always safe"Mineral makeup can be gentle, but "mineral" does not equal risk-free.4 min
• Reading makeup labels: what "fragrance-free", "non-comedogenic" and "tested" really meanA practical guide to the words on the tube, which ones help sensitive and darker skin, and which are marketing.4 min
• Removal, double cleansing, brush hygiene and patch testingThe habits that prevent most makeup problems.4 min
• Shade matching and undertones for deep skinHow to find a foundation that disappears into Nigerian skin tones without looking grey or orange.4 min
• The makeup allergen list: what to avoid if you reactFragrance, MI/MCI, formaldehyde releasers, PPD, nickel, carmine and more — explained calmly.4 min

Common beliefs about skin, hair and nails, checked against the evidence.

• Myth: "Antiperspirants cause breast cancer"Large studies haven't found a link.4 min
• Myth: "Baby powder is good for nappy rash"Powders don't protect skin and can be inhaled; barrier creams work better.4 min
• Myth: "Bleaching is safe if it's natural""Natural" lighteners can burn skin, and many contain hidden mercury or steroids.4 min
• Myth: "Chocolate and oily food cause acne"Diet plays a small role for some people; hormones, genes and skincare matter more.4 min
• Myth: "Dark skin doesn't need sunscreen"Melanin helps, but it does not stop dark marks, melasma or sun damage.4 min
• Myth: "Eczema is caused by dirt"Eczema is a barrier and immune condition — over-washing makes it worse.4 min
• Myth: "Expensive makeup is safer"Price reflects packaging, brand and marketing far more than safety.4 min
• Myth: "Makeup causes acne"Most makeup does not cause acne — but some products and habits can. Here is the evidence.4 min
• Myth: "Mineral makeup is always safe"Mineral makeup can be gentle, but "mineral" does not equal risk-free.4 min
• Myth: "Nails need to breathe"Nails get oxygen from the blood, not the air — but breaks from gel help for other reasons.4 min
• Myth: "Oils make hair grow"Oils can reduce breakage, but there's little evidence they make hair grow faster.4 min
• Myth: "Oily skin doesn't need moisturiser"Skipping moisturiser can make oily skin feel worse; light non-comedogenic moisturisers help.4 min
• Myth: "Scrubbing removes dark spots faster"Rough scrubbing inflames skin and usually makes dark marks darker.4 min
• Myth: "Shaving makes hair grow back thicker"Shaving changes how hair feels, not its thickness, colour or speed of growth.4 min
• Myth: "Shea butter cures everything"A good moisturiser, but not a cure for infections, acne or pigment problems.4 min
• Myth: "Toothpaste dries out pimples"Toothpaste irritates skin and can leave dark marks; proven acne treatments work better.4 min
• Myth: "Trimming makes hair grow faster"Trimming doesn't change growth speed — but it helps you keep length.4 min
• Myth: "White spots on nails mean calcium deficiency"Usually caused by minor knocks to the nail; calcium is rarely the reason.4 min