When it comes to skincare, we’ve all tried a number of things that didn’t deliver and left us disappointed.
If you just like us, have been on the same boat, this list is for you.
From videos on various board certified dermatologists’ pages, estheticians and the multiverse of skin care experts to everyday people who have achieved amazing results, we scoured the internet for these 30 skincare game-changers that have made a world of difference.
Whether you’re looking for quick fixes or long-term solutions, here’s what’s worth adding to your routine:
1) Visiting a Board-Certified Dermatologist
A dermatologist can offer tailored advice based on your skin’s unique needs. Their holistic approach to skincare will also ensure all your concerns and needs are addressed HEAD TO TOE.
2) Using Urea Emollients
Urea emollients deeply hydrate and exfoliate the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. Dr Nyorita, a Nairobi based board certified clinical dermatologist, emphasises the use of urea emollients for treating hyperpigmentation on skin of color that’s caused by sun damage and lack of proper hydration and moisture through the years.
3) Getting Facials
Professional facials offer deep cleaning and hydration to rejuvenate your skin. Splurge on a good facial every now and then.
4) Using Tretinoin
This powerful retinoid helps combat acne and signs of aging. Start with a 0.025% tretinoin and slowly work your way up to high strength 0.1% ones ONLY/STRICTLY under your dermatologist’s guidance.
5) Using Physical Exfoliants Bi-Weekly
While most dermatologists are anti physical exfoliants, some recommend occasional use of gentle scrubs in your shower routine. Gentle scrubs remove dead skin cells, enhancing brightness and smoothness.
Avoid scrubs and physical exfoliants in general that have harsh ingredients such as large or irregular shaped particles to prevent irritation and microtears.
6) Applying Sunscreen Everyday, All Year Round!
Contrary to popular belief, sunscreen shouldn’t only be worn when you’re leaving the house or going out into the sun. Daily use of broad spectrum sunscreens protects you from UV damage, even during colder months.
Mineral sunscreens especially come highly recommended by most dermatologists.
7) Taking Time When Washing Your Face
Taking a few extra minutes to thoroughly cleanse your skin prevents clogged pores and breakouts. Don’t rush it!
8) Adjusting Your Skincare to Your Skin Type
While people love viral skincare hacks & products, it’s important to avoid jumping into using every new trendy product.
Tailoring your routine to your skin type ensures the best results for hydration, oil control, sensitivity as well as what your skin currently lacks or needs.
9) Removing Facial Hair
Removing unwanted facial hair allows skincare products to absorb better and makeup to apply more smoothly.
10) Washing Pillowcases, Sheets, Hair Scarves, & Bonnets Weekly
Regularly washing these items reduces bacteria buildup, helping prevent breakouts and irritation. If you have a good collection of bonnets, hair scarves and pillowcases, up your washing & changing frequency to every 3 days.
11) Chemical Exfoliants & Peels
Unlike physical exfoliants, chemical exfoliants and peels are dermatologist approved.
Chemical exfoliants and chemical peels are similar but differ in strength and usage.
- Chemical exfoliants: These are typically gentler, over-the-counter products like toners or serums containing ingredients such as AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), or enzymes. They help exfoliate the skin gradually by loosening dead skin cells.
- Chemical peels: These are stronger treatments, often done in a dermatologist’s office, using higher concentrations of acids like glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid. Peels deeply exfoliate, targeting skin texture, pigmentation, and acne scars.
Peels usually provide more dramatic results but with downtime, while chemical exfoliants are for regular, gradual use.
12) Using Niacinamide
Niacinamide helps balance oil production, minimizes pores, and soothes redness.
13) Hydrating Your Skin
Properly hydrating your skin involves not only using water-based serums and moisturizers to keep your skin plump and hydrated but also drinking enough water everyday.
Your hydration on the inside should be as good as it is on the outside.
14) Microdermabrasion & Microneedling
Microneedling and microdermabrasion are treatments that are used to rejuvenate the skin.
Here’s how they work:
- Microneedling uses fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin, stimulating collagen production and improving the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and texture.
- Microdermabrasion uses a device to exfoliate the outer layer of skin, removing dead cells and revealing a brighter, smoother complexion.
Both of these treatments promote skin renewal, targeting fine lines, acne scars, and uneven texture for an overall refreshed look.
Opt for either under your dermatologist’s or ethetician’s guidance.
15) Cutting Out Processed Foods
If completely cutting out processed food from your diet seems like a tall order, start by limiting your intake.
Limiting processed foods can help reduce breakouts and skin inflammation.
16) Collagen Supplements & Foods
Boosting your collagen intake through food or supplements helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness.
Things like bone broth, chicken, fish, leafy greens, berries etc are rich in collagen boosting nutrients.
17) Keeping Your Skincare Routine Simple
A streamlined routine reduces irritation and ensures you’re using effective, targeted products.
18) Using Azelaic Acid 20%
A 20% azelaic acid helps with treating acne, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea, leaving your skin clearer and brighter.
Just like tretinoin or ANY skincare product that has active ingredients, azelaic 20% should only be used under your dermatologist’s guidance.
19) Using Medical-Grade Products
Investing in medical-grade skincare gives you access to potent, highly effective ingredients.
20) African Net Sponge
African net sponges are a fan favorite.
These sponges are great for:
- Washing hard to reach areas like your back.
- Removing dead skin by gently exfoliating the skin leaving it visibly smooth and refreshed.
Give African net sponges a try for a game changing shower experience.
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21) Retinoids
Retinoids increase cell turnover, reducing the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation.
Skin cell turnover is the process by which dead skin cells are shed and replaced by new ones. This process occurs at different rates depending on age:
- In your teens and 20s: Skin cells renew every 30 days, which keeps skin looking youthful and smooth.
- In your 30s and 40s: The turnover rate slows to every 50 days, which can lead to dullness or fine lines.
- 50s and beyond: Turnover may slow to 90 days, resulting in increased dryness and a loss of elasticity.
Slower turnover as you age can affect your skin’s texture and appearance. This is why it’s important to start using retinoids as early as possible.
22) Using Gentle Cleansers
Using a mild, non-stripping cleanser helps maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance.
23) Using & Taking Vitamin C
A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C brightens the skin and helps protect against environmental damage.
24) Eating More Vegetables & Fruits
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins and antioxidants for healthy, glowing skin. This ties in well with number 16.
25) Sea Moss Gel
Packed with minerals, sea moss gel is known for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. Buy it ready made or diy it if you’re particular about the kind of taste and texture you like.
26) Liquid Chlorophyll
Liquid chlorophyll has been trending non stop. While many dermatologists’ have mixed feelings about liquid chlorophyll, some suggest it might help with detoxification and reducing inflammation, which could benefit skin health. There is however, limited scientific evidence supporting its direct effects on acne or other skin issues.
Other than its alleged skincare benefits, many people have reported other great pros such as improved digestion and reduction in body odor.
27) Using a Humidifier
Adding moisture to the air helps prevent your skin from drying out, especially in harsh climates. If you live in a place that’s sunny for the better part of the year, get a humidifier.
28) Exercising
When you gain weight a lot of weight, areas that have folds can get hyperpigmented.
Regularly exercising and intentionally moving your body alongside using products that effectively clear hyperpigmentation will be of great help.
29) Washing Your Face Post Workout/Using Hypochlorous Acid
Washing your face after working out is crucial for preventing acne caused by sweat.
When you exercise, sweat mixes with dirt, oil, and bacteria, which can clog your pores and lead to breakouts.
Sweat also increases oil production, making your skin more prone to acne. When sweat sits on your skin for too long, it can cause irritation and inflammation, especially when combined with the bacteria that thrive in sweaty environments.
Cleansing immediately post-workout helps clear away impurities, leaving your skin fresh and reducing the chances of clogged pores and acne.
If you hate showering at the gym and prefer to do it at the comfort of your home, using a hypochlorous acid spray can be equally as effective before you begin your commute.
30) Consistency & Patience
Last but not least, making consistency and patience your strong suits will be very beneficial in your journey to healthy, clear and evenly toned skin.
Remember what we said in number 21 regarding skin cell turnover? Give your products time to work before you jump ship.
We’d love to add to this list. Other than what we’ve covered above, what are some practices that you swear by? Let us know in the comments.