Protecting skin from the sun: Beiersdorf takes lead with new product

Sun-kissed skin, meet sun-smart skin! Recently, Nivea UV Face Sunscreen by Beiersdorf made a debut in Nigeria with a vibrant beachfront launch event in Lagos, bringing together skincare enthusiasts, health experts, and influencers.

The occasion was more than just a glamorous celebration – it was a crucial reminder about the importance of sun protection for all skin types, especially in Nigeria’s tropical climate. With the launch of its Nivea UV Face Sunscreen, the brand is on a mission to educate Nigerians about the risks of sun damage and skin cancer, while promoting healthy, protected skin for all.

Hosted by content creator Bukunmi “Kie Kie” Adeaga-Ilori and broadcaster Gbemi Olagbegi, the event was not just a celebration of beauty but a bold reminder about the importance of sun protection for all skin types, especially in Nigeria’s tropical climate.

Both hosts shared candid skincare experiences, reflecting on how inconsistent sun protection affected their skin in the past. Their stories set the tone for a day of skin education, fun, and self-care.

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Guests were treated to a blend of entertainment and insight, from dance competitions and live testimonials to a Q&A session and the official product unveiling.

Fiyin Toyo, Marketing Director, Central, East and West Africa at Beiersdorf Nivea Occasion during the Nivea UV Face Sunscreen unveiling said, “Nigeria is hot and we’re exposed to the sun every single day. We’ve been seeing the statistics – more and more Black people are diagnosed with skin cancer, melanoma, and so on.

“The reason for this is because we don’t protect our skin. At Beiersdorf, we care about our consumers, partners, and the general public. So, to demonstrate this care, we’ve launched a product that protects them from the adverse effects of the sun.

“While sunscreen is for everybody, our focus is on males and females between 25-45 years old who go out to work, to the office, engage in sports, and participate in other activities that expose them to the sun. You need sunscreen.

Toyo further explained that if Nigerians don’t use sunscreen, they can get sunburn, hyperpigmentation and that means their skin isn’t going to be even.

According to Toyo, sunscreen helps the skin prevent premature aging, skin cancer or hyperpigmentation, adding that the sunscreen can be worn under makeup and is also very affordable in the market.

Wilson Okpani, Pharmacist & Medical Manager for Beiersdorf Nivea, Central, East and West Africa who also spoke at the event said sunscreen actually protects against sun rays which are responsible for causing sunburn or darkening of the skin called hyperpigmentation.

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“Darkening of the skin is the major reason why many people resort to bleaching. What causes darkening of the skin majorly are the sun rays? And that is why it’s very important to have sun protection.

“Some people are ordinarily fair and start getting dark all of a sudden, sunscreen protects that. And the possibility of developing skin cancer is also there if we continue to stay exposed to the sun rays,” Okpani said.

He explained that sun protections are considered safe for everybody; however, there are peculiarities for pregnant women.

“Care should always be taken in the case of pregnant women, though we do not have available data to suggest if it does any harm. Even if you’re indoors, the sun rays can impact your skin negatively. You should use sunscreen,” he added.