21 Skincare Red Flags | Part Two
You loved the first part of our skincare red flags, so we are back with another 11 skincare red flags
Not using BSD to guide your choices
This is the ultimate red flag if you have Black skin. The directory has everything you need for your skin, beauty, hair and wellness needs, all written and presented with you in mind.
Buying skincare you can’t afford to upkeep
This is self explanatory really but for the sake of clarity consistency is the name of the game and skincare is something you have to use everyday and replace when it finishes, so make sure that the products and brands you choose are easily affordable for you.
Thinking that only expensive skincare works
Far from the truth, there’s great skincare options at all price points. High street or drug store brands shouldn’t be sniffed at - they are usually backed by amazing science and they deliver results. The reason they can keep the prices accessible and affordable is because they are able to produce in staggeringly large volumes.
Not patch testing for laser
Not on our watch. Most laser is safe for Black skin, but you must be vigilant about using an experienced professional. This is why we wrote a whole guide for you!
Categorising skincare as toxic or a chemical
Water is a chemical. The salt we put in our food is a chemical. Everything is a chemical. Use too much of anything and it will become toxic. The western skincare industry is heavily regulated so if products had the capacity to kill, they wouldn’t be allowed on our shelves.
Multiple step routines
If you’re using well formulated and efficacious skin type specific products, you can complete an entire routine in three to four steps. But if you like layering product after product and your skin is fine with it, crack on, just know that you don’t HAVE to.
Copying other peoples routines hoping for the same results.
Well, you’re perfectly, individually and wonderfully made, so the idea of you copying Nkechi’s skincare routine, fills us with dread. Black Skin Directory has tons of information to help you develop your own personalised skincare routine. Start here.
Going weeks between washing your make up tools.
You’re literally only one face beat away from acne and breakouts (and hyperpigmentation!) if this is you, this is your sign to wash your brushes and tools.
We love this solid brush soap from By Joy Adenuga. It makes cleaning make up brushes an effortless and fuss-free task. It’s vegan with three great scents options. £20
Using manual hair removal methods
We frequently see dark spots, hyperpigmentation and discoloured patchy skin from people plucking and threading hair from their face. These practices cause trauma and damage, which causes melanin to flood the area making it look darker. It becomes a vicious cycle, even if you are using pigmentations serums. Our best advice - a course of laser hair removal.
Having unrealistic expectations
Skin changes as we get older, knocks and bumps from life can take their toll, we develop fine lines, crepey skin and discolouration. This is perfectly normal. Our advice - it’s never too late to start looking after your skin and doing your best by it. There is nothing to beat yourself up about. Start here.