When it comes to aesthetics, there’s nothing we desire more than flawless skin. No wonder makeup and cosmetic brands mushroom incessantly to ‘save the day’. However, having ravishing skin requires more than procuring a myriad of products. An extra mile is necessary to build a skincare routine.
According to aestheticians, building a skincare collection is a personal journey that requires understanding your skin’s type and unique needs and selecting products that address them.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recognizes five skin types: Oily skin, characterized by a greasy/ shiny appearance as a result of surplus sebum production from the sebaceous glands, and Dry skin, caused by the absence of enough sebum to lubricate the skin.
However, certain habits like smoking and alcohol consumption, not to mention medications, coupled with insufficient water intake, can also lead to dry skin.
On the other hand, Combination skin, as the name suggests, is a mixture of both oily and dry skin parts, the oily being the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) while the cheek area is dry.
Alternately, sensitive skin is prone to sensitivity, usually characterized by redness in appearance, itchiness and a burning-like sensation experienced when one uses certain products or changes the environment. According to dermatologists, sensitive skin can either be oily or dry, although in most cases, they’re dry.
Lately known as glass skin, balanced/ normal skin is what we all yearn for. This skin type is neither dry nor oily, as it has everything with equal proportions. Furthermore, its texture is smooth, and the tone is even.
It is important to note, however, that the face and body can have different skin types. Your face can be oily while the body is dry, and vice-versa. Hence, an excruciating need for separate skin care products for the body and face, as per their skin type.
Face care
Given its delicate nature and exposure to ‘harsh’ weather conditions, the face calls for exceptional scrutiny to achieve the desired results. Nonetheless, starting with the basics is highly recommended.
“Every skincare routine must include a cleanser – for cleansing/removing dirt, excess oils and make-up traces, preparing the skin for preceding steps, a toner – to minimize skin pores (having been opened after cleansing) to prevent dirt and other impurities from penetrating through the skin, in addition to balancing the skin PH, moisturizer – to keep the skin hydrated, and sunscreen – for protecting the skin from UV(Ultraviolet) rays from the sun- responsible for premature ageing and in some cases skin cancer,” explained Mercy Wafula, an aesthetician with over ten years of experience.
When choosing the aforementioned products, however, Wafula recommends a gentle, non-stripping cleanser suitable for one’s skin type, a light gel moisturizer. If the skin is oily, a richer cream for dry skin and a balanced lotion for normal/combination skin. As for sunscreens, she says,” opt for a broad-spectrum SPF (Sun Protective Factor) 30 or higher and apply it daily.”
Targeted Treatments
“Once you have the basics, go ahead and address specific skin concerns with targeted treatments,” says Wafula. These include applying exfoliates (commonly referred to as face scrub).
According to her, incorporating face scrub in one’s skincare routine helps eliminate dead skin cells whilst promoting cell turnover enhancing skin texture. However, she cautions people to use them more than twice a week.
To reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation serums are the go-to. Wafula defines them as concentrated formulations with varying ingredients according to the targeted concern. For instance, those with Vitamin C are renowned for brightening and protecting against environmental damage, Hyaluronic acid for hydrating and plumping the skin, Retinoids target fine lines and wrinkles, and Niacinamide is best for balancing oil production and improving skin barrier function.
Furthermore, Eye Creams are equally essential in a skincare routine. According to anatomy, the area around the eyes is deprived of sebum due to the absence of sebaceous glands. This, in turn, renders the eye area delicate and prone to dark circles, puffiness and fine lines. To curb these, eye creams are the answer.
In the same way, include face masks in a skincare routine. These offer intensive treatment for specific concerns. For example, if your concern is oil control, look for clay masks. Need hydration? opt for sheet masks, as well as overnight masks, if extra moisture is the goal.
Note: In cases where you have to apply serum, sunscreen and moisturiser at the same time, always follow the thin-to-thick formula (start with the thin product before applying the thicker one). This allows easy penetration of all products into the skin.
Skin changes and adjustments It’s worth noting that skin needs can change with seasons. Hence, richer products are required in winter compared to lighter ones during summer.
Furthermore, age and hormonal changes affect skin radiance, so reassess your routine periodically.
How to use the above-mentioned products: Product, when to use, how to use.
Cleanser: Morning and Evening(daily) Should be applied on a damp face (if it’s a gel or foam), a cotton pad (if it’s a liquid) and then massaged into the skin using circular motions. To be wiped off with either clean water or a face towel.
Exfoliant: After cleansing (not more than twice a week) On a damp face, apply the product using your fingertips and massage gently.
Toner: After cleansing Apply in the palm of hands and pat onto the face.
Moisturizer: Applied after toning in cases where one is neither going to exfoliate nor mask, and last if the former are to be included. Apply a generous amount into your palms and massage using circular motions into the face.
Sunscreen: Applied after moisturizing, apply a fair amount onto the face and massage in circular motions for absorption.
Serum: Morning and Evening (daily) Applied after cleansing and toning
Eye cream: Applied on a cleansed face Using a fair amount, apply with outwards movement onto the eye area.
Face mask: After cleansing and scrubbing Depends on the type, follow instructions on the product
BODY CARE
Besides having a balanced diet to stay healthy and exercising to keep in shape, body care requires some self love portrayed through the body products one uses. For instance, instead of bathing soap, why not treat your body to a soothing bath using ‘Blossom Burst Body Wash’ from Her Majesty Cosmetics Rwanda. This floral revival body wash will not only nourish your skin but also give it a refreshing feel.
In addition, once a week, exfoliate your skin using the ‘Sakura Breeze Scrub’, also from Her Majesty Cosmetics Rwanda. At only 9,000Rwf, this sakura flower’s iconic gem will renew your skin, giving it a fleeting beauty.
We all know how summer births excessive sweating, making the season’s escapes uncomfortable. This, however, shouldn’t be a bother anymore, at least not with the reputable wide range of Her Majesty’s perspirant roll-ons, from the calming Breeze and Blossom to Rose whisper and the captivating floral aromas from Camelia, all at a giveaway price of 6,500Rwf.
Since dry lips tend to accompany the season, keep them at bay by investing in quality lip balm from Her Majesty. With either the Lip Luxe vanilla or Lip Luxe strawberry flavors, you can say no to cracked lips and moist supple lips all day long.
Furthermore, given that it’s the season of being outside and half-naked, consider visiting a spa to get those underarms and bikini lines waxed before you hit the water. If you’ve been shaving in the past, we all know how doing so yields dark patches in those areas. The remedy is exfoliating with the Sakura Breeze Scrub at least three times a week for quick results.
Ultimately, when it comes to skin and body care, consistency is key for results. “Follow your routine diligently and allow time for products to work. It usually takes 4-6 weeks,” says Wafula, adding that one should monitor their skin’s response and adjust as needed.
Notably, skin care is for both men and women, with special attention required from age 25 and above-that’s when the skin slows down on collagen production, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles!
