Baby Step 6: Bye-Bye Vaseline

I’ve been using Vaseline Sheer Infusion for over a year now. Before that, I was a Dove Lotion faithful. Neither of them has impressed me, so I’m looking to try something different. E-45 dermatological cream is at the top of my list right now. Cheryl Cole swears by it, and my good friend Obiajulu (who is even naturally lighter than I am) uses it too. I’m also considering Shea Butter by Vanity Oils.

I would have gone for Fair and White, but it lightens the skin and I’m staying far away from hydroquinone and kojic acid. I’m hoping that my natural complexion will be restored without any lightening agent. What do you think?

Advertisement

Baby Step 2: Cleanse Thoroughly

The second thing I’m making a habit is the step I mentioned in my previous post- thorough cleansing. I haven’t bought any cleanser yet; I’m still using my beloved, mild Dove Bar. However when I do get a “real” cleanser though, it will be the liquid, rub-in-and-rinse-off type.

The point for now is to wash my face using circular motions for 2 full minutes. How will I time it? I’ll find a song that lasts about that long, and play it every morning in the bathroom. 😀

Baby Steps to Better Skin

Right now I’m darker than I’ve ever been in my life. While fishing for culprits with my BFF, it occurred to me that women really do invest in skincare more than I ever have. As my best friend pointed out, I have no beauty regimen; neither do I have any trusty products to keep my skin healthy and bright. For a very long time- about 7 years- I used no moisturizer or cleanser on my face; nothing at all. Just shower, apply my usual “barely there” makeup, and go.

I believed I didn’t need moisturizer because I have an oily face. And as for cleanser, well…I just couldn’t be bothered. I use Dove Cream Bar and I consider it to be a cleanser. Soap is a cleanser, but the problem is that it is too harsh. But Dove Cream Bar is not soap; it is a cleansing bar, one-quarter moisturizer. So I felt I was getting good cleansing and moisturizing in one.

Anyway, I had an experience which would later change my point of view. 6 years ago someone gave me a gift- Mary Kay Timewise 2-in-1 cleanser set. It contained a cleanser and a moisturizer. The instructions were to apply the cleanser to a wet face, rub in a circular motion for 2 minutes, then rinse, pat dry and apply the moisturizer.

By the time I was half way through the set, my skin was visibly clearer.

Unfortunately, I was convinced at the time that I could not afford to continue with the product, so when it ran out, I stopped. However, I recently realized a couple of things about that experience.

1. Mary Kay products may be great, but my skin most likely improved because I was taking time to cleanse it thoroughly. 2 full minutes!

2. Again, I doubt that particular moisturizer had special powers. My skin improved because I was moisturizing it, period.

I’ve also learned a few things from other experiences. I’ll be sharing these eureka moments with you as I begin a journey to responsible skincare. Welcome to Baby Steps to Better Skin!