We discussed tyrosinase inhibitors, mistakes to avoid when treating hyperpigmentation and so much more in the first part of this blog series. Stick to the end to find out some of the top picks on the market, including where to access these products in Nigeria. I have tried some products on this list personally and others I suggest based on…
Oftentimes, we jump from one serum to another trying to fade dark spots but it all ends up in little to no significant results. As inescapable as hyperpigmentation may seem, understanding the science behind melanin (skin pigment) formation and the treatment pathways will save us a lot of money and frustration. Let’s get a bit science-y, shall we? Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation…
Your skincare products will stop working after some time because you are applying them on “dead” skin cells, so you need to exfoliate. Throughout your time of consuming skincare content, you’ve probably come across the statement above. Well, it’s not exactly true; skincare products don’t just “stop” working. Here’s what happens; our skin is constantly shedding off mature skin cells…
It’s easy to grab a random face wash off the shelf because after all, it will only be on your skin for a few seconds, right? Well, I’m here to tell you that you need to be as picky with your choice of cleansers as you are with your exfoliants. When we cleanse our skin, regardless of the nature of the cleanser (soap or soap-free), we strip down moisture. Yes, that’s what surfactants are supposed to do; while removing excess oil and impurities, cleansers also strip down components of the skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMF).
In this post, we looked at the different criteria to guide you in selecting the right gentle cleanser for your skin; identifying the surfactants, pH, moisturizing agents, and other active ingredients present (for treatment cleansers).
Now, I’ll be sharing with you my top gentle cleansers that checked all those boxes without drying out/causing further damage to the skin. For reference, my skin type is a combination (a bit oily in the T-zone & normal to dry in the perimeters).
This is a water-based gel cleanser that uses mild surfactants such as Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate to give the skin a good, refreshing wash. Other key ingredients include Tea Tree Leaf Oil (anti-inflammatory) and Betaine Salicylate (mildly exfoliating)- both great for soothing acne. From my experience, the Cosrx Good Morning Low pH cleanser is best suited for combination to oily skin. My skin doesn’t feel stripped or squeaky clean after using this cleanser.
Pros: It’s gentle enough for daily use, the pH is on the acidic side 5.0 – 6.0 (similar to that of the skin), it is affordable ($14/150ml) and easily accessible. The only downside is that it contains essential oils which might be irritating to sensitized skin. My skin tolerates it well though.
Where to shop? Eve Beautique (Nigeria), YesStyle (Global).
Forget the acid in the product title; this cleanser is nowhere near harsh on the skin. Of all the cleansers I’ve tried, this one from Wishtrend is my favorite! It strikes the perfect balance of deep cleansing, exfoliating, keeping blemishes at bay while being gentle and skin pH-friendly. The key ingredients in this cleanser include Gluconolactone 1% (PHA) and Lipo Hydroxy acid 1% (LHA)- gentle exfoliating acids.
It contains mild surfactants such as Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, and a bunch of plant extracts (rich in antioxidants). Butylene glycol, Panthenol, and Beta-Glucan are also present for minimizing dehydration. As much as I want to say that this is a safe option for all skin types, I can’t because I don’t have extremely dry skin. However, even in the colder months where my skin was at its driest, it tolerated this cleanser well.
In this blog post, we’ll be picking the 2020 top favorites (aka the product that outperformed the others) in each product category; from first cleansers to treatments, sunscreens, and everything in between. As always, all skincare products can be purchased/preordered from Eve Beautique (Nigeria). Grab a snack and let’s dive in, this one is long and worth it! Pre-cleanse Before…
It’s summer 2016, I’m training in a community pharmacy (H-Medix), a dermatologist walks in and asks for ‘Differin’, I’m standing there wondering what the heck that is. So, I ask him questions to learn more about this drug, look it up on my Medscape app and soon realize that it’s a topical treatment for acne vulgaris (fancy term for acne).…
From the underestimated acid I love to cult-favorite sunscreen to the ultra-soothing product everyone with sensitive skin should own, keep reading to find out why May product empties have a place in my heart.
Today’s post will be featuring 4 products (a sunscreen, toner, exfoliator, and one other molecule *wink*). Just like we did in April empties, I’ll be sharing a mini-review, pros & cons, and whether or not I’ll be repurchasing.
A lightweight toner formulated at pH 5.5 with panthenol, green tea extract, madecassoside and other beneficial ingredients to hydrate, soothe & calm the skin. A little bit about the key ingredients. You’ve probably heard of the all-star ingredient, niacinamide (vitamin B3 derivative) but there’s another cool B-vitamin derivative you should meet, panthenol aka pro-vitamin B5. Panthenol is used as a humectant in skincare formulation and serves as an effective hydrator.
Another bad boy on the ingredient list is madecassoside. It is one of the principal bio-active components found in the medicinal plant extract, Centella Asiatica. It has been proven to soothe, heal and revitalize the skin (to mention a few). Got sensitive skin? Went overboard with exfoliation? Painful breakouts? Need an antioxidant? Madecassoside is the guy you should look out for in the ingredient list.
Other hydrating ingredients are glycerin, polyglycerin-3, and betaine. Yup! No hyaluronic acid today, the chick needs to rest. If you don’t fancy hyaluronic acid, this is another reason to choose this toner. Oh, and for those sensitive to niacinamide, she’s also not present today.
Texture & Application: It is super lightweight, literally feels (and looks) like water but upon application, it gives the lightest hydration to prep your skin for other products. You can feel the enhanced absorption of other products layered on this toner. This is not your go-to toner if you have dry skin or are looking for some extra nourishment. The oily girls and boys will love it more!
Content, Price & Packaging: 180 ml at N8600 ($22.05). Purchased from EVEbeautique. The most beautiful, transparent, ‘non-glass’ packaging ever (yup, you don’t have to worry about it breaking). It lasted for about 2 months upon a generous, twice daily application. March 10th – May 20th.
Pros: Lightweight; perfect for the summer or humid conditions. Soothing; on days where my skin was in an override from retinoid (Differin-adapalene 0.1%; review coming soon), this toner did help keep it in check. Free from fragrances (yeah not even essential oils). Free from sulfates & drying alcohols (we don’t like those in leave-on products). Serves as a great addition to the Korean 7/10-step routine (no exfoliating acids or any kind of treatment, just nourishing stuff).
Cons: NONE from this side.
Verdict: I love this toner, and YES I will repurchase it.
A cellulose-based peeling gel that serves as a manual (physical) exfoliator to gently remove dead, flaky skin while nourishing with moisture-locking ingredients such as hollyhock and trehalose. Wait! Don’t scroll past just yet. I know physical exfoliation methods (on the face) have been condemned lately but this one is different, trust me. It claims to be a gentle (that I can attest to) peeling gel that brightens your complexion while sweeping away dead skin cells.
Texture & Application: It comes out of the tube as a white, creamy texture. Weird for a physical exfoliator, right? I told you this was different. I apply it after I’ve thoroughly washed and dried my face, using a gentle rubbing method for about 2 – 3 minutes. The creamy texture soon balls up into white particles; often regarded as dead skin cells ‘peeling off’ but this is a myth. The cellulose base is what gives this effect.
Now that you know your skin type and the basic order to follow when building your skincare routine, it’s only right that we recommend some result-driven skincare products which you can incorporate into your routine. These skincare recommendations are based on the product claims, ingredient list, research, trials, and reviews. Some of them have been tested by me; some I…
Whether you’re new to skincare, have no clue about it, an enthusiast or a junkie, we can all agree that the skincare trend is here to stay. The skin is the largest organ of the body and taking proper care of it is important! Women (and men) are getting more involved in taking care of their skin and unleashing their inner beauty through that timeless skin glow.
With so much information online, numerous skincare brands, new products popping up every day, it can be overwhelming to know what your skincare essentials are, when to add the extra(s), and when to pass. This is why we felt the need to simplify the basic steps to guide you on your journey to healthy skin.
One thing to have in mind when approaching skincare is that ‘Skincare is not one-size-fits-all’. What works for the girl or boy next door might not work for you, and that’s normal. Rather, knowing the right steps, ingredients and products will help you build your own skincare routine according to your skin concerns. It is also important to identify your skin type so as to get products suited to your skin’s specific needs. Skin types are generally categorized into – normal (balanced), dry, oily, and combination. Note that your skin type doesn’t necessarily have to fit into these boxes, the skin is complex. Other factors such as seasonal changes and cosmetic products can also influence your skin type.
Cleanse
The first and most important step in skincare is to have a clean slate. Dirt, excess sebum (oil), makeup and impurities can lead to clogged pores, if not properly washed off the face. Washing your face regularly (at least every day) is recommended.
What to look for: A gentle, pH-balanced (this makes toner optional) cleanser that won’t strip away your skin’s natural moisture.
Try: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser , The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Ever wondered why facial cleansers include special ingredients when they’re going to be rinsed off after all? Well, that’s because they were supposed to stay longer than you left them on your face. LA Beautyologist, an esthetician, blessed us with a 60-second rule which has been a game changer for many ever since it went viral; still new to some, unknown…