Five Skincare Practices that Saved my Skin
Sincerely, if there were only five skincare practices I could follow religiously, these would be them.
Newly introduced to skincare, I felt out of place. And occasionally, lost. I often felt like a stray puppy hoping for anyone to scan its collar and return it home. In my case, my collar would have read “incoming skincare enthusiast needs an ultimate skincare routine guide”
I had purchased Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion on a whim. My next purchase of actually good skincare products were The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% +HA serum and The Ordinary AHA 30% +BHA 2% Peeling Solution. And without many available cleanser options, I settled for African black soap– which did harm to my skin that good struggled to reverse.
However, my journey on curating my skincare routine had just started. Here are some of the major things I learnt from being a stray puppy to finding home.
1. SKINCARE IS SELF-CARE
Your skincare routine should not be tasking or demanding. For the most part, it should be relaxing, calming, and enjoyable.
Since skincare is a major part of taking care of oneself like exercising or eating timely, I would much rather enjoy it. Feel free to put on some music while you’re at it too!
Furthermore, don’t expect to see instant results after newly introducing a skincare product. It is such unnecessary pressure; on your skin and for your mind. Instead, learn to give your skin time to effect changes.
It has been a better experience for me starting with these positive skincare practices in mind.
2. THE IMPORTANCE OF OIL CLEANSING
After hours of scrolling and refreshing my YouTube feed solely out of boredom, I stumbled upon a video from LaBeautyologist – The Golden Rx. In her video, she highlighted the importance of Oil Cleansing.
Oil Cleansing is a pre-cleanse step that involves the use of an oil to remove grime, makeup, debris, dead skin cells, etc. The theory is to massage the oil into your skin for 10-15 minutes or more which helps to pull out oil plugs. When done consistently and properly, it improves the appearance of the skin.
Truly, I noticed a clearer skin when I incorporated this extra step into my routine. Even better, it significantly helped to balance sebum production in my skin.
I currently use The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser for my pre-cleanse step.
3. THE 60-SECOND RULE
Created and popularised by Nayamka Roberts-Smith, LE – famously known as LaBeautologist. The 60-second rule states that using your fingers, wash or cleanse your face for 60 seconds before rinsing. This gives time for ingredients in your cleansers to work while leaving your pores clean.
Ever since I learnt of this rule, I paid more attention to cleansing every part of my face. I was drawn to focus more on my chin, hairline and other places I would usually neglect. Although, I don’t necessarily have to count to 60 seconds every time I wash my face. Instead, this rule has taught me the importance of cleansing properly.
You should give this a try!
4. PROPER USE OF EXFOLIATING ACIDS
Frankly, it is quite easy to misuse exfoliating acids especially as a noob. It is no surprise I burnt my face using The Ordinary Peeling solution. I soon learnt that my skin could only tolerate this exfoliant once every 10 days for the recommended time.
When introducing exfoliating acids, it is important to always patch test. This is to ensure you’re not allergic or reacting negatively to the product.
It is equally essential to introduce exfoliating acids slowly into your routine. You may begin by incorporating it once a week. Then, you can work your way up gradually from there.
Exfoliating acids are safe to use two to three times in a week as long as your skin can tolerate it. Above all, listen to your skin.
5. THE ESSENCE OF SPF/SUNSCREEN
I could write a thousand words on the importance of sunscreen and we did. Right here. Sunscreen is essential, no doubt. Sunscreen helps to absorb or reflect the sun’s UV radiation, hence protecting us against harmful rays that could cause sunburn, premature aging, skin cancer and other skin damage.
The Missha Essence sunscreen has been a staple in my routine ever since.
Would you like to share some skincare practices in your routine? Or do you have any skincare mishap story?