My Current Skin Care Routine for Acne Prone Skin (and Changing Weather)

This post is not sponsored, however it may contain affiliate links. I may gain a commission if you shop through these links. These views and opinions are my own and I will always give an honest review. 

Hey Love!

Are we ready for the holidays? I'm not! My sweet tooth and love of salty snacks are currently in a fierce battle, and have been even prior to thanksgiving (aka the "Inflate" setting has been on since November); I have done absolutely NO shopping as yet, which doesn't matter anyway because I have no clue what I'm getting these folk, and I just mourn every year how much of the joy I used to feel at Christmas time has evaporated.

But nothing a little Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers, Boyz II Men, and Songs of Blackness can't fix amirite??? Comment below with your favorite holiday song! Maybe we have some in common!

Any who! Today's post *and* video is actually about my skin care routine. I get compliments on my skin ever so often, and I still struggle to accept these compliments because, believe it or not, I've been fighting acne for the majority of my life. I have finally reached a place where I feel my skin is manageble. Finally! And it hasn't been easy, and I've had to make plenty tweaks, adjustments and complete 180's along the way in terms of methods and products.

I make changes and adjustments for weather and skin concerns, however what I share in this post and video today is the routine that I've stuck to for the past few months with what I think are good results. This is basically the routine I've been using since April. However I'd say this routine has been in effect since September since that's when I returned to the US from Barbados. The climate there is quite different, in addition to which there are natural things there that I included in my regimen that are not readily available to me here e.g. sea baths/sea water (although I could make my own with store bought sea salt😕), humidity, fresh aloe, hot ass sun, and my grandfather's bush tea and bitters.

I highly recommend watching the video as I talk about WHEN and HOW I use these products. The blog post, however, will cover the benefits I've experienced from using the products more in depth, and what they are supposed to address (the WHY). At first glance my routine may seem intense and complicated but it has become second nature to me. When you've struggled to get into a skin care groove, a basic/foundational routine that you can build upon is truly a gift. So read along here as you watch the video!

•  CLEAN YOUR HANDS.... WITH SOAP! This is my typical morning skin care routine so no matter what comes before, I make sure my hands are clean in preparation for placing them on my face. If you inadvertently scratch your booty in your sleep this is even more important for you. No judgement... I'm just sayin'! Inadvertently touching your face with dirty hands can lead to break outs and acne. I tend to fixate on pimples when I'm stressed, so I make an effort to never touch my face unless my hands have been immediately cleaned. This has been an underrated but very successful practice.
• My custom oil cleansing face oil has been a part of my regimen since 2013/14. Initially I used it solely for oil cleansing when nothing else worked to treat a terrible bout of birth control related acne. However, I continue to use it in my routine to prep my skin before cleansing, a part of my make up removal process, and sometimes as a night time moisturizer. The ingredients in this oil have helped to accelerate healing of my acne blemishes, and has also improved the texture and tone of my skin. Not to mention it has aided in the regrowth of my edges over months of sustained use. I tweak the recipe depending on season and skin needs.

Must-Have Items You Need to Cop This Black Friday/ Cyber Monday Weekend!!

This is a short list of must-have items you probably don't know you need. They are gifts that keep on giving! I've fielded numerous questions relating to all the products I mention below, so this post is long overdue.


Q: What do you use to retwist and style your locs?
Fruit Of The Earth Aloe Vera 100% Gel for Sunburn


Ok clearly it's not July for us here in North America, so I can imagine you'd like to know why the hell I'm recommending a remedy for sunburn. I promise it's not a cruel joke. This alcohol-free gel *is* good for relieving sunburn, and calming the sting of mild burns and irritations. It's also exceptionally great for retwisting and styling #locs #naturalhair. I usually mix it with a few drops of hair oil before retwisting my locs, and I find that with normal maintenance and care my style can hold for 3-4 weeks at a time. . . Not that you should go that long with a style, do what works for you.

If you're looking for a rock solid hold that sounds like you're knocking on someone's car window when ever you touch your head, which usually means dry hair due to the presence of alcohol, this is not for you. I've never had an issue with this product flaking either. So if you're looking for a good restyling product, try this.

Q: What other healthy stuff do you use a magic bullet for besides drinking your vegetables?
Magic Bullet 12-Piece High-Speed Blender Mixer System


You've probably seen at least one Nutribullet commercial by now. I'm all about the convenience and efficiency of a liquified serving of veggies and fruit. Even if you aren't into exercise, incorporating Nutribullet recipes into your diet by replacing one or two meals a day can get you on the right track to healthier living. You can even try out the Hamilton Beach Personal Blender,
 a more affordable, less powerful option. But what I really love about the Nutribullet are the endless possibilities. Feel free to browse through my Instagram for smoothie recipes. Here is another idea for your Nutribullet:

A wet seasoning mix that you can store in the fridge for about 6 months. Try blending these fresh ingredients: garlic, onion, basil, thyme, mint, scallion, a fresh spicy pepper like scotch bonnet (optional, ground black pepper or cayenne powder may be used instead), basil, parsley or cilantro, oregano, a couple Tbsps of water to keep mixture moist, finely ground sea salt (to taste - you can always mix in more at the end, a pinch of clove (optional). This is easy to whip up when we run out of our Bajan Seasoning at home and need something to tie us over. Feel free to add other favorite herbs like rosemary, fennel, turmeric, dried chilies to experiment. Try to use as many fresh herbs as possible. The benefit of making your own seasoning is that you know and control what goes in it. This seasoning is great on meats, fish, in soups and sauces.

Q: How do you get your makeup to look on point but still look natural?

Like this?

Maybelline The Nudes New York Eyeshadow Palette


A significant part of my au naturale makeup is due to this palette. If you follow me on Instagram you already know how I feel about this palette. It really is EVERYTHING! I've been using The Nudes for over 6 months now and I have absolutely zero criticisms of this palette.


- This palette is suitable for all skin tones. ALL. And is great on dark skin from cocoa to coffee bean and beyond.
- Mattes and shimmer for day to night, or subtle to glam.
- Great for travel. Literally the only palette you need when travelling.
- If you're creative, resourceful, and really into packing light, you can highlight and/or  contour with select shadows in this palette. I really can't rave enough about it.

Q: What are you using on your face?

Dermatouch Natural Skin Care Skin Perfecting System:

This is my #1 Black Friday recommendation. Why? Because it's effective, it actually rotates, it does the same thing as the hundred dollar spin brush systems, DOESN'T COST $100, and it works! I use this spin brush religiously to exfoliate my face, and alternate between the soft and firm brush heads depending on what my skin needs.

Frankly, every skin type can benefit from exfoliation. As a matter of fact, the brush pictured is the men's brush, which is basically the brush ... in black. Fellas, exfoliation is essential to diminishing ingrown hairs, keeping your skin smooth and your facial hair situation looking and feeling good. #beardgang membership stays intact.

If you've been looking for a spin brush to test before you splurge on an expensive brand, simply can't afford to splurge (no shame there), or if you are doubtful whether an exfoliating brush will work for you, this is a good place to start.

My Bonus Recommendation? My oil cleansing recipe to improve skin found here. This oil cleanse recipe works well in conjunction with regular exfoliation with the Dermatouch, to help fade blemishes.

Have you tried any of these products? Leave a comment and share your experience.