I have not been one to really suffer from acne, pimples or other skin-related issues. I would probably say I got good skin from my mum. Since I was born, I have never seen a single pimple on her face. Is it because she's aged? I checked her pictures when she was just a girl like me and she still didn't seem to have one.
The few times I have had pimples is because of the menstrual cycle I have to experience every month. But when I am done with my cycle, they are gone just as fast as they come. I am sort of a minimalist when it comes to skincare routine, especially for the face. I don't go overly beyond and above for skincare. First off, authentic skincare products are overly expensive in my country. And even if they were cheap, I probably still wouldn't purchase because I feel they don't even work. They just sort of come with their own side effects, that aren't even meant to be in the picture. I don't think I could juggle several skincare products either or have so many bottles. Due to short term memory, I might just forget the instructions on how to use one. So, I have a simple skincare routine.
My mum introduced me to the beauty and essence of Shea butter. In my country, Shea butter solves almost everything skin related. Is it scars or acne or rashes or bite marks?? Use Shea butter, at least, according to my mum. My mum mixes her Shea butter with what we call Ora Ekun translated into Leopard Fat. This leopard fat works together with Shea butter to cool and moisturize the face without adding to oiliness of the skin. So, whenever I have my bath in the morning, I use the mixed Shea butter with my own body cream together on my skin and they keep my skin fresh and neat all day. I also think it's essential to find a body cream or lotion that works suitably for your skin.
My dad also introduced me to the importance of water. I used to not like drinking water before. I always drank water at a bare minimum and it was a part of what used to cause my stomach issues. But over the year, after I dealt with some health issues, my dad literally forced me to start drinking water. It's not like I can drink up to 8 litres of water a day, but I am getting there. I think water works wonders for the skin too. When you stay hydrated, your skin stays moisturized and hydrated too, which is good. So, now, I lug a bottle of water everywhere I go. I keep a bottle of water by my bedside too. I am now an advocate of staying hydrated.
My mum always says good skin comes from having peace of mind and I can't agree less. I don't fuss or stress over my skin. I don't spend hours looking in the mirror, trying to find issues with my skin. I don't worry that I might be getting darker or that my skin looks different. I just sort of let things be. And I have been learning to stress less, worry less, and just breathe calmly, which is good for me. I think when your mind is at peace, your skin and body would be at peace too.
It's what I would recommend to anyone who asked about skincare routines; Shea butter mixed with leopard fat, staying hydrated all day, and focusing on having peace of mind. I find that minimalism in all aspects of life can solve a lot of things, including skincare too.
Thanks for reading.
All images are mine