Let’s be honest—I’m not a skincare expert. I haven’t tried all the products, and sometimes I can’t even pronounce some of the ingredients. 😅 But I’ve decided to start small, stay consistent, and just learn as I go. If you’re also new to skincare, this post is for us—the beginners figuring it out one glow at a time.
Why I’m Starting Skincare Now
I want clear, healthy skin, not perfect skin, but skin that feels good and looks fresh. Plus, taking care of my skin is part of learning to love myself better. It’s a form of self-care, and we deserve that.
What I’m Learning So Far: A Simple Routine
I’ve done a bit of research (thanks to YouTube, IG reels, and skincare Twitter 😅), and I’ve found that you don’t need a complicated 10-step routine to begin. Here’s the basic structure I’m starting with:
1. Cleanser 🧼
- Used to wash your face in the morning and at night.
- Removes dirt, oil, and makeup.
- I’m looking out for gentle cleansers , something that won’t leave my skin feeling dry or tight.
- Examples people recommend: Simple Face Wash, Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, Garnier Micellar Gel (haven’t tried them yet, but will update once I do!).
2. Moisturizer 💧
- Keeps the skin soft, hydrated, and smooth.
- Even oily skin needs moisture!
- I’m still testing what works for my skin type (and trying to find affordable options around me).
- A few people mentioned: Nivea Soft, Cerave, or using natural oils like rosehip or jojoba (for dry skin).
3. Sunscreen ☀️
- This step shocked me but yes, Black skin still needs sunscreen!
- It helps protect from sun damage and helps with hyperpigmentation.
- Still looking for a Nigerian-friendly one that doesn’t leave a white cast.
- So far I’ve seen recommendations like: Skin Doctor SPF 50+, Neutrogena, or Zaron’s daily protection cream.
Optional (For Later):
- Exfoliating – helps remove dead skin, but I’m not adding it in yet. Maybe after my routine feels more stable.
- Toner/Serums – I’ll explore this as I learn more.
What’s Working for Me So Far:
✅ Keeping it simple
✅ Drinking more water
✅ Cleaning my face before bed
✅ Watching my skin, not just copying trends
My Encouragement (And Yours!)
Don’t feel pressured to buy everything or follow every routine you see online. Start small. Ask questions. Read ingredient lists. Track what feels good. We’re learning together.
📖 And yes, skincare is even in the Bible—kind of!
In Esther 2:12, the women had “beauty treatments” for 12 months before seeing the king. 😄 Self-care isn’t new, sis!
Conclusion:
You don’t need to have it all figured out before you start. If you’re beginning your skincare journey, start with what you have, and grow from there. This is just the beginning of my glow-up inside and out.
Have tips or favorite products I should try? Let me know in the comments or DM me on Instagram @GlowGistBlog!