Skincare took centre stage as the Nigerian finalists of the 2026 CerAwards gathered in Lagos for a wellness retreat focused on self-care, skincare education, science and connection.
After months of competition, the finalists stepped away from their content schedules to experience the CerAwards journey beyond the contest. The Lagos retreat combined movement, relaxation, expert-led skincare education and opportunities for the creators to connect with one another.
Wellness and Self-Care at Oma The Spa
The wellness journey began at Oma The Spa, where a guided Pilates session helped the finalists transition from their high-energy creator lifestyles into a more mindful and relaxed state.
The session gave finalists the opportunity to ask questions, understand their skin better and make informed skincare choices.
The session included sauna time, a keychain station and relaxation, allowing creators to unwind and focus on well-being.
Expert Skincare Education with Dr Olufolakemi Cole
The day then moved into skincare education with a Derm Talk led by Dr Olufolakemi Cole.
The session gave finalists the opportunity to ask questions, understand their skin better and make informed skincare choices.
Exploring the Science Behind Skincare
The finalists also took part in kitchen science sessions, which brought the science behind skincare to life through interactive demonstrations.
The sessions explored topics including cleansing, the removal of oil and dirt, pH balance and salicylic acid. The hands-on activities allowed the creators to engage directly with the science behind skincare ingredients and concepts they encounter in their everyday routines.
An Evening of Connection at Ulo Lagos
The evening shifted to a more relaxed setting at Ulo Lagos, where the finalists spent time by the pool and enjoyed dinner, music and activities.
The relaxed atmosphere gave the creators space to simply be present and connect. Conversations touched on content creation, work, friendships and the realities of building a career in the creator space.
Building Connections Beyond Social Media
Moving the connection offline allowed the finalists to trade digital profiles for real-world relationships. The shared experience provided an opportunity to bond over their journeys, exchange experiences and build a community that extends beyond their content screens.
Continuing the 2026 CerAwards Journey
The Lagos experience also marked a continuation of the wider CerAwards journey. The Nigerian competition forms part of the global CerAwards programme, which celebrates creators producing skincare content across different markets.
In 2026, the Global CerAwards brought together more than 100 creators from 22 countries in Los Angeles for a multi-day content creation experience and awards celebration.
For the Nigerian finalists, the Lagos staycation brought the local chapter of the competition to a close with an experience reflecting the different elements at the heart of the programme: skincare education, science, wellness and meaningful connection.
