We've seen those people who look BEAT with their makeup but you don't want to see them in the morning; or those who can't go to the beach or pool without foundation. A girl should never be afraid to be makeup-free.
Hence this post: pay attention to your skin.
1. Exfoliate 3-5 Times Weekly
This 'sands' or removes the top layer of dead skin and dirt making room for new growth and incredibly smooth skin. You don't have to shell out for the most expensive ones out here. Like with everything else, all exfoliators are not created equal. Some are formulated for acne, for sensitive skin, for dry skin etc. Good old faithful St. Ives Apricot Scrub has never failed me and I've been using it since I was 13. I use it because there are enough grains in there and it's inexpensive and straightforward for my skin. Other versions have very few grains and nothing gets done. You can make your own depending on your skin type with oatmeal or sugar (there are others) and some moisturizer, honey or oil. Baking soda is also a miracle worker for sensitive skin or just for a gentler scrub.You can also exfoliate with an exfoliating cloth or microdermabrasion product.
2. Moisturize Religiously
Whether you have dry or oily skin, moisturization is pretty important. The products and routine will determine the results. I moisturize after my morning shower and before bed. Although I have oily skin, I never skip it. Skin which ages and heals well is always moisturized.
3.Choose Appropriate Products
Determine your skin's need and type and use products appropriate to your needs. Do you need acne medication, moisture or oil-free? Search for products created just for you. I used Ambi moisturizer for a long time to deal with blemishes and hyper-pigmentation. When my skin no longer needed that, I switched to Simple products because the wash is gentle and the moisturizer is oil-free and free of harmful chemicals. When I used Ambi, it was a little bit oily for my already oily skin so after a few minutes, I would blot off the excess oil before I applied makeup or left the house. Natural or organic products are always a winner. Sometimes you don't need magic potions created in labs. A little coconut oil, almond oil or vitamin e oil can do the trick for nighttime repair. Chocolate people really have to be careful with what we use on our skin. We don't need any melanin-upheavals or lightening ingredients. Read labels.
4. Fix Issues
Chocolate people have it hard sometimes. In fixing one issue, we can create others. For example, getting rid of one or two pimples can result in dark spots and in treating that, we can get bleached spots. To fix common skin issues, we need to learn how our skin works especially as it relates to melanin-production. Even if fixing issues means five different products on five different parts of the face, do what it takes to make your skin happy.
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5. Sunscreen
Black people need sunscreen. Besides the sun darkening already dark spots, we can get skin-cancer too. I spent a day on the beach in the shade of an umbrella one day and although I was not directly in the sun, I discovered UVB rays the hard way. My face was darker except for the two round outlines of sunglasses...yeah. We need sunscreen. An easy way is to check for products with SPF protection included. Follow the instructions for sunblock including the time it takes to wear out and the level of protection offered.
6. Eyebrows?
A large part of what makes some people afraid to be bare-faced is the eyebrows. Sparse eyebrows like mine always need filling in and through no fault of my own - I just have thin eyebrows. But when pool day comes around, I can still be bare-faced because when I do my brows, I just trim and shape. Removing too much hair from your brows is a really bad idea. Brows should be shaped complimentary to its natural look. Only remove what is necessary for a clean natural shape.
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7. Regular Facials
Saved this one for last but its such a big deal. If you get facials once weekly for a month, you will see such a huge difference, you will thank me (You're welcome). Facials are like overhaul/maintenance; you need this. Fortunately, you don't need to rain loads of cash on anyone so they can rub unknown products on your face. You can do it yourself.
Here's what I do:
-Wet face, exfoliate.
-Steam face by leaning over a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head to keep the heat in. Do this for about 5-10 minutes.
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-Rinse off with warm water.
-Moisturize. Since you have most likely done this when you have some time and are at home, it's a good time to slather on some all-natural oil or honey for a few hours.
If you do this weekly, I guarantee you amazing results.
Sometimes, you could get a few pimples after this but that's only your skin getting rid of waste.
When the makeup is washed off, you must look yourself in the mirror and some point and it's worthless if you don't like what you see.
On top of that, makeup on naturally-glowing skin is show-stopping.
Spend as much time on your skin as you spend on your makeup.
