A Non-Scrupulous Guide To Skincare

I am a big believer in having a good skin care regimen.

As women, it is a natural inclination for us to be concerned about our appearance.

God instilled it in Eve to desire to be suitable for Adam. Women who reject this are self-hating revolting against their natural inclination towards femininity and beauty.

Some Christians take modesty to the extreme of scrupulosity, not realising that excessive modesty itself shows a lack of temperance and is a sign of immodesty. Read more HERE.

While excessive makeup and cosmetic procedures are immodest, having good skincare is necessary.

Makeup should enhance one’s natural features, NOT alter the appearance so drastically that the person is unrecognisable when out of makeup.

So, if you find that you are having to layer on makeup to hide blotchy skin, under-eye bags, and a sallow complexion, then you might want to fix your diet and focus on your skincare.

You will discover that with good skincare, you will need less makeup – and this is good for both your skin and your pocket.

Here is a very basic, but HIGHLY EFFECTIVE skincare regimen that will take of most age-related or skin issues.

You can begin this regimen from age 21 upwards.

Establishing a good skin care regimen will not just improve the texture, complexion, and health of your skin, but will enable you to look feminine at any age, and help you age in a graceful, feminine and elegant manner.

YOUR MORNING ROUTINE

Face Wash – use a good basic cleanser that is suitable for your skin type.

Toner – always follow up with a hydrating toner.
I would recommend a cleanser that includes Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) for normal/dry skin, or Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) ingredients. These ingredients work as gentle chemical exfoliants, sloughing dead skin cells, unclogging pores, clearing acne and combating blackheads.

Vitamin C serum – this helps to brighten your complexion and helps your skin produce collagen, which keeps the skin plump and youthful. The benefits include tightening, smoothing, corrects hyperpigmentation or blotchiness, resolves acne, and gives you that lit-from-within glow.

Moisturiser – as with the toner, use a moisturiser that is suitable for your skin type.

SPF – a good SPF of minimum factor 30 is necessary…..even during winter…..even if you are of black or African origin….even if you are going to be home all day. SPF slows down ageing by protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.

The steps above may seem much, but it’s really not when you work it into morning grooming routine.

So for example, I would wash my face and apply toner before jumping into the shower.

By the time, I’ve finished showering, I am ready to apply the Vitamin C serum as I brush my teeth.

And by the time, I finished brushing and putting on my undergarments, I am ready to apply my moisturiser.

YOUR NIGHT ROUTINE

Makeup Remover – if you wore makeup during the day, then you should take off your makeup before washing your face. Depending on your skin type, you can use Micellar Water, or Cleansing Lotion.

Face Wash – after removing your makeup, wash your face to remove leftover dirt, grime, bacteria, and makeup.

Toner – as above

Retinol Cream or Serum – the benefits of retinol include fighting off acne, reducing wrinkles, stimulating collagen production, promoting cellular turnover to give a youthful skin, plumps out the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. I even use mine as an eye cream, without buying additional eye cream, and it does the job just fine.
PS – skip retinol during the 1st and 2nd trimester of pregnancy

Moisturiser – you can use a slightly richer cream for the night-time or simply stick to your usual daytime moisturiser.

Face Oil – if you have very dry skin or it’s a particularly cold or dry evening, use a basic face oil.
Rosehip or Jojoba oils are excellent for this. They have anti-ageing properties and can also be used whatever your skin type.

Be sure to remember your decolletage, neck area, chest, and your hands when following the skincare routine.

Now, for recommendations.

Below are some tried, tested and true product recommendations in building your skin care regimen.

As you can see, they are not very expensive, but they are rich in all the right ingredients and very effective.

Thank you for reading and I hope you find this useful.

Our Lady, model of femininity, pray for us