So you finally decided to stop being ashy huh? You ready to level up huh? You want to bamba? You wanna chill with the big boys? (AKA Me)

Most men around me tend to do a lot of manual work or go to the gym and the hands tend to be rough. Why are your hands so dry? If you rub them too fast you could start a fire. Like..where do I start with you? There’s body care, skincare it’s a lot but let’s start with the standard stuff.

You need a hand cream.

Look at the crease between your fingers, that dryness? And now say to yourself ”What would Mulenga think of me right now?” Exactly. Fix that. I always try my best to move around with hand cream. You can find really small ones to travel with and they do an excellent job. Over time your hands will feel less dry and if you’re like me and enjoy the gym, invest in gym gloves.

The Routine

Most people like me in the beginning, don’t know their skin type. Do have dry skin? acne prone like mine? normal skin? combination? It can get a little overwhelming and the best way to start is focusing on hydration with five easy steps.

Face Wash

I have a rule. No outside clothes on the bed, so no outside face on and in the sheets. Think about all the pollution that you’ve been through, the congestion and bringing that into the intimacy of your home isn’t great for your skin. I recommend washing your face twice a day. Morning and night time. Go for face washes that say ”All skin types” on the front. I recommend: ‘‘COSRX – Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser” which can be used at night too in spite of the name.

Toner

Toners are best used to get rid of the extra gunk off your face because even after washing your face, your face is never truly clean and this is where toners come in. Additionally they contribute to extra hydration. My favourite toner would have to be:” I’M FROM Rice Toner” I would recommend this to everybody. It leaves your face feeling clean and dewy. You can use this toner in two ways. Pour 2-3 drops into your hands and pat on your face or my personal favourite way, grab a cotton pad drop a few drops on the cotton pads and glide the cotton pad across your face.

Serum (Hyaluronic acid)

It’s not as scary as it sounds. Having ashy skin is scarier.

Hyaluronic acid helps skin stretch and flex and reduces skin wrinkles and lines. Hyaluronic acid is also proven to help wounds heal faster and can reduce scarring.

Cleveland Clinic

I’ve been using hyaluronic acid for years, as it’s winter now, it’s even more vital. I would recommend ‘‘The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum.” It works best with hydration, use a toner or add a few drops of water to your face and add pat the serum into your skin. Hyaluronic acid can be used all year round in all seasons.

Moisturiser

Moisturising your skin is usually the standard part for your skin routine. I would say it’s like locking in your skin after all the steps. It allows your skin to feel smooth and simply moisturised. I would reccomend ”Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream”

SPF (Sun Protection Factor)

Sun screen is your bestest friend. You know the idiom ”Black don’t crack, Asian don’t raisin” ? Without sunscreen good luck bucko. You need it! Everyday! I live in England, it’s November and I am still wearing sunscreen. Sunscreen is for everybody and should be worn in the morning, washed off at night. Here are a few I recommend this TikTok:

Skincare is for everyone and it’s never too late to have healthy skin and remember, skincare is a journey and not a destination so have fun and once you get the hang of it, explore the skincare world and enjoy it. Here’s to healthy skin!

P.S. Please don’t be offended by the ashy jokes, we are all friends here. Unless…unless you want to be my husband, you’ll never have to worry about skincare. Are you successful and level headed? Fear God? Do you want my dad’s number?