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For most of my life, I've had 'good skin,' and I should; my mom and late grandma both have incredible skin. But, a few years ago, my clear and somewhat oily skin worsened. It started with an allergic reaction to something(?). Two trips to an allergist provided no results, and that turned into months of constant breakouts around my chin and on the sides of my face. It was painful to touch, and it took everything in my soul not to pop every pimple! It's an obsession I've learned to control... Thank God!  

I'll spare you the photos because they are embarrassing... 

And before you ask… I did see a dermatologist - two of them! However, after spending several hundred dollars and getting prescribed medications that did nothing, I decided to cut out everything and see an esthetician instead. 

ENTER my long-lasting relationship with Christine at TuSuva Body & Skincare and the birth of my 7-step skincare routine. 

You should know I get professional services done twice a year — a deep cleaning facial in the summer and a Glycolic Acid chemical peel in the winter. The schedule works because it's easier to stay out of the sun (a must after a chemical peel) in the winter months. Of course, if I'm feeling really fancy, I'll add a microdermabrasion facial too. 

These services run $150 - $250, but it's worth it! The best, most consistent at-home routines will be aided by letting a pro work magic on your skin. If you're in the DC area, see Christine at TuSuva Body & Skincare and tell them Imani sent you.

My 7 Step Routine

Tatcha The Camellia Oil 2-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser — $50

I have a deep fear of 'things' in my eyes - I can't even open my eyes underwater, but this oil never burns my eyes or gives that creepy redness some products can cause. I work in the oil dry for a minute, add water, and massage for another minute. Then I use a clean white towel to clean off the oil to get ready for the second cleanse... 

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water Rose Cleansing Water - $11

My love of black eyeliner and waterproof mascara means I need to pay special attention to my eyes. So, I always use a cotton pad and micellar water to ensure everything is gone. I press soaked pads into my eyes for a few seconds and do my best not to rub - the skin around the eyes is soo delicate, and I don't want to rip out the few eyelashes I have... 

CeraVe Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser  — $15

Finally, it's time to cleanse! At night, this is step three, but in the morning, I start my routine with my favorite drugstore cleanser working it in for at least 60 seconds. I usually do this in the shower and get my neck and decolletage. 

Clinique Clarifying Lotion - $32

As an oily skin girlie, I need something to control excess oil and make my skin more receptive to the hydration and treatment products that come later in the routine. I use this with a cotton pad on the face and neck, swiping upwards to avoid wrinkles. Unlike some exfoliating toners, this one is formulated to be used 2x a day. 

Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5% - $21

The latest addition to my routine is a serum created by beauty influencer Susan Yara. I include hyaluronic acid to help clear the scarring from years of acne picking, and at $21, the price is excellent. 

CeraVe Salicylic Acid Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin — $20

I'll be honest; I phoned it in with the moisturizer. I bought it because of my deep love for the cleanser, and it works fine. It's not a life-changing product, but I don't believe every part of your routine can (or should) be at the holy grail level. If everyone is a rockstar, no one is a rockstar.  

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 - $41

As a Black girl, finding a sunscreen that won't leave a white cast is a challenge - but I've hit gold twice... This one from EltaMD is light, oil-free, and doesn't make me look like Casper the ghost. My other favorite is the Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte Sunscreen, $34, which I keep around for the summer months since the matte formulation helps keeps the shine at bay. 

The Extra’s

Rosewater & Glycerin, Hydrating Mist for Skin & Hair - $11

Even though I have oily skin, I still experience dryness, especially in winter. So between each step of my routine, I like to spritz my face with a hint of rosewater & glycerin toner for extra hydration.

Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick - $10

Due to a mild allergy to Vitamin C, I avoid the popular eye creams and stick to my beloved Aquaphor balm stick for non-greasy hydration. Now, this does nothing to brighten to reduce my dark circles, but I can't have everything, right?

I'm impressed with how far my skin has come over the last few years. But, of course, I'll be 30 in two years, and everyone knows it's easier to preserve than repair. My next step is investing in retinoids, lasers, and a dash of filler - strategically placed with great care, of course I'm not trying to look like everyone else.

xoxo.

Imani