Skincare Routine

I have a naturally good skin but in 2017, my skin became drastically bad as I started battling with hyperpigmentation which is something that is really common with the Black community. Sixteen year old me had a very basic routine using Simple's cleanser and moisturiser without SPF in it (the absolute shambles). Then I started researching the 10 step Korean skincare which I incorporated into my routine and since then my skin has been clear and I have little unevenness on my face.Now we shall delve into my routine.

Step one - Cleanse: I double cleanse using a Micellar Oil by B.Pure which can be found in Superdrug then I use a foam based cleanser. Currently, I use the Corsx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser which is really good for getting rid of spots and whiteheads.

Step two - Tone: I use a toner to restore the ph level of my face after cleansing. I use the Secret Key Milk Brightening Toner to brighten my skin. Stray away from toners that have alcohol in them as they can be really drying and lead to the development of wrinkles as we age.

Step three - Essence: I use an essence after toning on days I do not use a sheet mask. The brand I use Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Essence Lotion and I pat it into my skin when applying it. DO NOT RUB IT IN CAUSES IT CAUSES WRINKLES AND SAGGING. Using an essence prepares your skin for the next steps i.e serums so that the products are easily absorbed.

Step four - Serum: I use specific serums for my face regarding what skin issues I am currently battling with. So I use, The Ordinary Hyaluronic acid serum for hydration especially now during the winter then I use The Ordinary Niacinamide with Zinc solution to help with breakouts and shrinkage of pores. Remember to pat the serum into your skin.

Step five - Mask: I usually use a mask two to three times a week. The mask I use is the Skinfood Rice Mask and I use it after cleansing my face cause I need to rinse it away then I tone my face. However, if I am using a sheet mask, I usually use it after serum my face for its extra essence.

Step six - Eye cream: I use Boots Expert Sensitive Eye Cream with aloe vera to hydrate my eye area and it makes them less puffy and tired. Use your ring finger when applying your eye cream because it is the most gentle finger.

Step seven - Moisturiser: The moisturisers I use are either the Superdrug Vitamin E cream or Superdrug Vitamin C cream.

Step eight - SPF: It is important to use a sunscreen to protect your skin from radical UV rays from the sun. The sunscreen I use is Missha Essence SPF 45 to combat my hyperpigmentation.

I know there are eight steps but the first step is actually two steps- one with an oil based cleanser then a water based cleanser. The third step should be an exfoilator but I use chemical exfoilators with the salicylic acid in my cleanser.

Below are some honourable mentions:

- Cleanser: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Cerave Hydrating Cleanser or Paula's Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser

-Toner: Botanics Brightening Toner

-Essence: Pyukang Yul Essence Toner as good as either a toner or essence

-Serum: The Inkey List Hyaluronic serum

-Mask: Aztec Clay Mask

-Moisturiser: Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Oil Free Moisturiser

-SPF: Any Korean sunscreen