…Ashes to Ashes, Death to Dry Skin…
So, a few weeks ago, as I was completing my nightly skincare routine and applying body butter to my elbows and feet, it dawned on me that it took me almost ten years to come to the realization that I have dry skin.
I was by no means ever ashy, that’s for sure, I always had a myriad of lotions , butters and skin oils around but I didn’t register how often I had to apply and re-apply them, how my skin would strip when the seasons changed or feel tight if I didn’t apply anything to it.
It wasn't until last year, when I finally recovered from the worst eczema flareup my face has ever seen coupled with my first real acne breakout (big up to my dermatologist because I was in shambles!), that I started taking stock of how dry my skin was or had become.
It could have been a side effect of all the ointments I was prescribed but ya girl skin’s was parched and I wasn’t doing nearly enough to hydrate it.
About that time, I had gone down the rabbit hole of Korean Skincare and started following a lot of black women skincare bloggers so I was really trying to get my skincare game up!
A few things that have worked for me (in no particular order) :-
Seeking Professional Help - Growing up and well into my twenties, I would hear about dermatologists but I never had the need to visit one. All my skin concerns were easily resolved until eczema attacked! I’ll admit that it took me longer than it should have to get around to visiting a professional because I was trying to fix it with the help of Internet University but eventually I came to a point where I had to admit that I needed help. Yes, there is a lot of information available free of cost but dermatologists and estheticians went to school for this, they know (most of them) what they are talking about.
Layering Products - Koreans have this one down to a science, the 10 step ain’t no joke! You start with lightest product, usually a toner, work your way through essences, serums, and end with the thickest product, a moisturizer or sleeping mask. I usually finish with an oil to seal in all the hydration. I am hella shiny when I head to bed but it’s worth it when I wake up. Bonus points if you do a sheet mask, your skin will thank you! Creating these routines also take a fair bit of patience, most things don’t work overnight, takes at least 4-6 weeks in most cases to see improvement but its worth it. Trust! When I look at where my skin was a year ago? My my my. Every drop of Snail Mucin Essence that I applied to my skin was worth it.
Exfoliating - Thanks to the skincare goddesses, I have learnt about the different benefits of chemical and physical exfoliation and I practice both. Exfoliation helps to get rid of the dead skin cells to help brighten skin and also helps with product penetration. I use mostly chemical exfoliators on my face. I’ve had to scale back because I’m still on prescription meds so I don’t go too crazy but I do like exfoliating pads. I’ve tried First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads and Neogen’s Real Cica Pad and I’m not mad at either of them, they are both gentle and don’t irritate my somewhat sensitive skin. For my body, I love me some sugar scrubs, Tree Hut makes amazing ones and the Glowing Face Scrub from Earth Elements is also the bomb.com.
Being Open-Minded - In my younger years, I was very big on “natural” skincare, if it was natural it had to be better, right? Wrong! As I learned more about skincare, I realized that a lot of what I thought was natural and better could also be damaging. (cough cough witch hazel). I also learned that some chemicals are naturally occurring in our skin and therefore not as scary as I once believed.
One such game changer? Hyaluronic Acid! The black skincare wimmenz said I should try this, so I did and it changed my life, truly. I had no clue about it back in the day but Hyaluronic Acid is an amazing skincare ingredient, it occurs naturally in the body and its main function is to retain water to keep your tissues well lubricated and moist! Yay for moisture! I apply it right after my toner and it adds much needed hydration to my skin. I have seen a definite improvement since using it. I currently use The Ordinary’s but there are a few others I am hoping to try, namely The Inkey List’s.
Figuring out what works for you! - Skincare as with many things, is trial and error and taking the time to observe changes. I am now more conscious of things I apply to my skin, my hair and I am learning to take note of subtle changes so I can know what my skin likes and doesn’t like. Over the years, I’ve found some ride or die products, most of which would be considered “natural”. Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Rose Water and Aloe Vera- that’s it, that’s the line. Do I need to say more? I’ve been using shea butter for years but lately I have been playing around with my own scent blends and it’s been a game changer. Lemon & Lavender is divine. Cocoa Butter has always been an ingredient in the products i’ve used to manage the dryness but I have started using the pure cocoa butter and its been so good at keeping my skin smooth and moist. Rose Water has been the most affordable toner for my sensitive skin, it’s light, gentle and does what it needs to do. As for aloe vera gel, I use this as a light moisturizer before a heavier cream or alone if my skin is acting up. It’s soothing and really helps calm my skin down.
In addition, to everything else, in an effort for overall well being I’ve been drinking more water, taking my vitamins and supplements, eating more fruits and vegetables, staying in my lane and minding my own business. This skin journey and the road to clear (and moist) skin continues.
Love and Light,
UltraRush