As a team, we have heard read and listened to a lot of skincare enthusiasts discuss varying principles and ways to go about skincare. Some adhere to strict routines while there are others who do it by the book; hints from different blogs or reviews, irrespective of what result they arrive at. However, Deborah is of the opinion that proper skincare should be approached with simplicity; with an understanding of one’s skin type and application of the available natural product. As a writer and lifestyle blogger, she shares her knowledge of skincare as a means to help people struggling with the reality of their skin ease into comfort. In this interview, she talks about her skincare routine, how she bares her beautiful face without makeup, and what it means to be African in its entirety.
In one word, how would you define your skin?
Sensitive. Any wrong products always make my skin react badly.
Share your morning skin routine with us?
I really do not do much. I just wash my face every morning while bathing with Body Organics Black Soap for Body and Face, cleanse with Glow Tonic, and then moisturize with a Sunscreen from the same brand. Sometimes, I wear makeup but more often than not, I go about my day without it.
Let’s talk about your hair. How often do you rock it naturally?
That beautiful mane of mine is one I love to wear proudly most times. I mostly rock it naturally but in protective styles like twists or cornrows.
What are the products you use consistently to make your skin phenomenal?
All Body Organics product like the face and body Black soap, glow tonic for cleansing, exfoliating scrub, Brightening Serum for acne control, Hydrating Gel, Sunscreen, and I moisturize my body with VSP Botanics Nourishing Body Cream.
What advice do you have for people who are finding it difficult to come to terms with their type of skin?
My dear, it takes patience. There was a time I even have zero ideas about what type of skin I have as much as what skin product works best for me. Hence, it is best to be patient and study your skin first before jumping into any conclusion about it.
Based on your experience, how can anyone get to know their skin and hair’s need?
First, understand the kind of skin and hair type you have. Then, know that not all products work for everyone. Once you’ve figured this out, take care of your skin and hair with your own pace, find out what works for you and stick to it.
How does someone stay conscious when it comes to skin, hair and beauty; and not get carried away?
I will keep saying not every product will work for you. Do not get carried away by other people ‘perfect’ skin or hair goals. Some have good genes and will never get to understand why nothing seems to be working for you. Having great skin and amazing hair is always a work in progress and it takes time because our body changes over time too.
Your Instagram page is absolute goals. Can you share any posting tips?
Thanks a lot for that. I really do not do much, I use Preview to plan my feed and I just ensure there is a flow in what I post. I also try to ensure all my edits are similar using Lightroom.
Your Instagram feed and highlights show off your travels all over for work. Do you have any tips or tricks on how to do skincare/haircare on the go?
The most interesting thing is that my skin just looks so wow without doing so much extra once I am out of Nigeria. I want to believe the weather in those countries works best for my skin and there’s less air pollution as my skin is quite sensitive.
For my hair, I travel in protective styles, mostly cornrows and just ensure I moisturize often.
What is your advice for people who want to start getting more into skincare but are so used to piling up makeup?
Let your skin breathe. I was so guilty of this that I will always use makeup to cover my acne so people will not always tell me to use this or use that often. But now, I go out 6 days a week without makeup. Let them get used to my acne face already, lols.
What inspired you to start a lifestyle {Instagram) blog?
My blog is a lifestyle blog and skincare are definitely one of the lifestyle issues we get to want to talk about. And as someone who has dealt with acne so often, it was easy to get to start such a series on my blog and get to talk about it often.
Is it just a daily expression of your lifestyle or is it a full-fledged business?
It is a daily expression of my lifestyle so people can easily relate, I have my 9-5 on the side.
What does promoting the African heritage through the Natural movement mean to you?
It means that we can get to embrace African in its most real, purest and raw form without feeling the need to be Westernized at all cost.
Ever gone makeup-free, for how long?
Like I said earlier, 6days in a week. I use makeup either on Saturdays which are dedicated to shoots or Sundays when I am off to church.
How does your skin feel when you’re not wearing any makeup?
So light and beautiful. And I can get to reapply my sunscreen as many times as I want.
What advice do you have for people who love makeup but want to tone it down?
Get to love your face without makeup, look at yourself often in the mirror, and affirm how beautiful you are. And understand that your face needs to breathe during the day.
What are your best tips for treating hyperpigmentation?
Wear sunscreen often, avoid the sun if you can especially between 11am-2pm. Avoid picking at your skin, and get topical creams that work well for your skin.
Do you use any mask products?
I used to use a charcoal mask but since it finished, I didn’t repurchase.
Have you checked our Instagram page, what do you think about us?
You guys are doing an amazing job with all the skin and hair care tips. It is enough for a beginner to learn the basic way of taking care of their skin and hair.
What’s your favourite skincare product?
Currently, I am obsessed with Body Organics Black Soap. It has a way of making me feel so extra fresh after a bath.
Deb blogs at Debwritesblog and you can also check her out on Instagram @debwritesblog
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