It’s so important to take care of your beautiful skin every day but I have committed myself to 30 straight days of masks, facial steaming, face scrubs and more.  Of course I never advise over doing it with skin products that can end up doing more harm than good. I want to go through this process (because I’ve been dying to do it anyway) so that I can share my findings.  Is it really better for your skin?  I purchase lots of masks but I am admittedly inconsistent with using them regularly. Most of them advise that you use them a couple of times a week. Of course lots of things come into play with skincare as we have to remember that our skin is an organ and if we don’t treat it well, our skin will show us the error of our ways.  We have to get enough sleep, eat well and drinks lots of water and find the best products for our own skin (you know all of this). What works for one person is not guaranteed to work for someone else (you know this too).  It’s important to understand your skin and what works well for you.  For me, I have to use products with sunscreen because I love a good retinol, and I cannot use makeup that is not non-comedogenic – period. No exceptions.

I think having a routine is imperative for whatever products you use in order to be effective. Having a skincare regimen is also a form of self-love – who doesn’t want or deserve to be pampered?!? And I do love going to spas for massages, but I prefer to do my facials at home. I’m often leery of the products they use … although I advise that extractions be left to the professionals (you already know that).  All of that said, I’d like to share some of my favorite brands with you:

• Epicuren Discovery – I LOVE THESE PRODUCTS! Volcanic Clay Purifying Mask, Bulcaricum Probiotic Mask Powder, CXC Vitamin C Complex, Enzyme Concentrate Vitamin Protein Complex
• REN Clean Skincare – Daily AHA Tonic and Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream
• La Roche-Posay – So many great products! They are gentle and they work.
• Differin Gel – a really good retinoid
• Fresh – I love this brand – natural ingredients 
• Vanity Planet – Ionic Facial Steamer

UPDATES: Last month I also discovered Bolden USA products. They are a Black-owned company that gets rave reviews on Amazon. I’m trying them out! And use Clean Skin Club biodegradable XL face towels to wash your face … you will love these. I promise.

I have also started skin cycling – which means that you take your skincare routine day by day – Exfoliation on Day 1, Retinol on Day 2 and then the next two days allow your skin to recover. Then start the process all over again. And one more thing – check out Thirteen Lune. They sell Black and Brown-owned beauty products. OMG. Love.

Lastly, don’t forget to pay attention to your neck. Apply masks and other products to your neck.  Also, any products you find that don’t work well for you, don’t throw them away or give them away.  Use them on other parts of your body. Face creams can be great for your decolletage or your neck!