My Skincare Essentials
It has taken me such a long time to find a skin routine that truly works for me. I have sensitive, oily, acne prone skin. As well as some scarring. (Don't pop your pimples!) These skincare products have really been working for me. Keep in mind, I've changed my diet, to where I am eating a lot more fruits and veggies daily, as well as drinking tons of water. I also cut back on coffee and drink more tea, as well as kombucha and alkaline water. Your diet is just as important as the products you use. I wash my face night and morning, every single day. You have to stay consistent. And, never go to sleep with your makeup on. Now, let's be honest, I've been so exhausted to where I went to bed with makeup still on, I touch my face a lot, I ate too many sweets, or it's just that time of the month where my hormones are a little out of wack. Breakouts are still going to happen. Now they are just a little more manageable and I can usually pinpoint what caused it.
So here's what I use:
Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes
It has taken me such a long time to find a facial wipe that worked for me. Some wipes I have tried were too drying, smelled awful, or instantly irritated my skin. These Simple facial wipes aren't harsh on my skin, removes my eye makeup, waterproof makeup as well, and leaves my skin feeling clean and moisturized. I usually can remove all of my makeup with one to two cloths. I recently discovered that they have oil focused ones as well.
Simple Micellar Cleansing Water
Micellar waters are kind of a big thing in the beauty community. It's supposed to remove makeup and hydrate, without having to rinse after. I simply apply this to a cotton round and go to town. It works. It's gentle and removes my makeup and does not dry out my skin. I use this on my lazy days when I don't want to do my entire skincare routine but I don't want to go to sleep with makeup on either.
Shea Moisture African Black Soap
I use this morning and night. It's meant for oily and acne prone skin. You can use it on your face and body, but I just use it on my face. I simply wet my face, wet my hands, rub between the tips of my fingers, and then apply in circular motions onto my skin. It's so gentle and the foam from the soap feels quite nice on the skin. I keep it in a soap dish to be a little more sanitary. That's my only issue with bar soap, is that I feel it can be a little unsanitary. I have seen such a beautiful difference in my skin. I am in love with this range of products.
Side Note: I believe that brands make products in a collection to be used simultaneously together. They are made to work together, creating the best results. So majority of my skincare products are from the African black soap collection.
Shea Moisture African Black Soap Problem Skin Facial Wash and Scrub
This scrub is great. It is such a gentle exfoliant and contains Tamarind Extract and Tea Tree oil. I use this about twice a week and only at night.
Shea Moisture African Black Soap Problem Skin Toner
I only use this toner once a week in the morning because if I use it more often it irritates my skin. It is meant to control shine, without clogging pores and give your skin a matte finish, which I agree it does do. It just isn't as gentle on my skin as the other products. I am still looking for a toner that I can use more often.
Cotton Rounds
I use cotton rounds to apply my micellar water and my toner.
Shea Moisture African Black Soap Problem Skin Moisturizer
This moisturizer is thick but not like tacky or difficult to blend on the skin. It feels nice applying it and sinks into the skin quite nicely without making you look or feel oily. It is also gentle enough to use under the eyes. Make sure when applying a moisturizer or cream to your under-eye area, that you use your ring finger for light pressure. It is a delicate area.
Shea Moisture African Black Soap Clarifying Mud Mask
I love this mask, smell and all. It smells like play-doh, but works so well. I typically apply this mask once or twice a week, depending on need, and I apply it to my acne prone areas.
Shea Moisture Sensitive Mud Mask
I use this mud mask only when needed. I usually need it when my skin is irritated and just needs to calm down. I am a big fan of using multiple masks, so I will apply this to my forehead and nose and apply the other mud mask mentioned to my cheeks and chin area.
Foundation Brush to Apply Masks
I know there are mask applicators out there, but I just use a simple foundation brush to apply my masks. This foundation brush is made by Sonia Kashuk, which can be found in Target.
I am going to leave links below, so that you may read a little more about each product or about the brand.
Enjoy!
Jalesa