A good skincare routine is essential for maintaining healthy and youthful-looking skin, but it can often feel overwhelming and time-consuming. Sometimes you’re just too busy to stick to a lengthy Korean-style skincare routine but the good news is, taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be a complex and time-consuming process. A Consistent skincare routine can be achieved in just three simple steps: Cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen. Keeping the steps simple will make the effort seem less intimidating and will eventually help in making it an easy routine – just like brushing your teeth. Let’s delve into each step and explore some recommended products to help you get started on your quick and easy skincare journey.
Step 1: Cleansing
This is the foundation of any skincare routine. Cleansing helps remove dirt, oil, and impurities, allowing your skin to breathe and absorb subsequent products more effectively. Here are three excellent cleanser recommendations.
Product Recommendations:
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
This dermatologist-recommended cleanser is gentle yet effective, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Its soap-free formula helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier while effectively removing impurities. Simply massage a small amount onto damp skin, then rinse off for clean, refreshed skin.
Price: KSH 2400 from BeautyClick
Garnier Even & Matte Vitamin C Cleansing Foam
An effective and affordable daily face wash, the Garnier Vitamin C cleansing foam is especially suitable for those with an oily skin type. It helps to clarify your skin, even out your complexion, and restore your skin’s radiance.
Price: KSH 855 from Goodlife
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
CeraVe is a TikTok viral favorite because of its cream-to-foam formula that allows people with combination skin to enjoy the benefits of a hydrating cream cleanser while maintaining the foaming formula that helps to deep cleanse the skin without leaving your face feeling tight and irritated.
Price: KSH 1990 from MyDawa
Step 2: Moisturizing
Moisturizing is crucial for keeping your skin hydrated, nourished, and protected from external stressors. It helps maintain a healthy moisture balance and can improve the overall appearance of your skin. Here are our favourite moisturizer recommendations that are quick to apply and provide excellent hydration.
Product Recommendations:
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture with Sunscreen
This is a non-irritating lightweight moisturizer suitable for oily skin types. It’s gentle, yet effective, for even sensitive skin and provides long-lasting moisture as well as sun protection all in one. Enjoy softer and smoother skin while keeping your skin protected from the sun’s damaging rays.
Price: KSH 2855 from Goodlife
Uncover Argan Hydrating Moisturizer
This lightweight and deeply hydrating moisturizer can be used on all skin types. Powered by active ingredients, brightening properties, and antioxidant benefits, Uncover Argan Hydrating moisturizer promises to protect your skin barrier and brighten dull skin. It is infused with 3% Squalane, 2% Niacinamide, 1% African Argan Oil, and Hyaluronic Acid- an extremely hydrating ingredient that helps to plump and increase skin elasticity and Moringa Extract, to nourish and revive your skin.
Price: KSH 1999 from Uncover
Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer
Formulated with a blend of skin-loving ingredients, this moisturizer is perfect for dry and sensitive skin. It provides long-lasting hydration, helping to soothe and nourish the skin. The non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling replenished and smooth.
Price: KSH 1000 from MyDawa
Step 3: Sunscreen
Even on busy days, incorporating sunscreen into your skincare routine is non-negotiable. Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is crucial for preventing premature aging, sun damage, and skin cancer. Even on cloudy or rainy days, you still need to apply sunscreen. Use a good broad-spectrum sunscreen that will effectively protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Remember to choose a sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher and apply it generously to all exposed areas of your skin. Reapply frequently when spending a significant amount of time outdoors to ensure optimal protection. Here are three sunscreen recommendations that are lightweight, non-greasy, and easily blend into the skin without leaving you with the dreaded white cast.
Product Recommendations:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Shaka Spray SPF 50
Designed for on-the-go protection, this spray sunscreen offers high UVA/UVB protection in an ultra-light, water-resistant formula. The convenient spray format allows for easy and even application, making it ideal for busy lifestyles. Spray an adequate amount onto your exposed skin, then spread it evenly with your hands for thorough coverage. We also recommend the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Spf50 which is a very high broad-spectrum sun protection fluid that offers a healthy glow effect.
Price: KSH 3740 and KSH 2622 respectively from MyDawa
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
Made by women of color for people of color, Black Girl Sunscreen is formulated specifically for people with melanin-rich skin. This sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection without leaving a white residue. The lightweight, non-sticky formula blends seamlessly into the skin, moisturizing and protecting without clogging pores. Apply a generous amount to your face and body, making sure to reapply every two hours, especially during prolonged sun exposure.
Price: KSH 3000 from Bandari Beauty
Bandari Beauty Sunscreen SPF 30
We are big on supporting Kenyan beauty brands so we had to include this one on our recommendation list. Launched in April this year by Maureen Bandari of Bandari Beauty. This sunscreen is described as a hydrating broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen suitable for all skin types especially normal to dry skin. It is a hybrid sunscreen with both chemical and mineral ingredients, is sweat & water-resistant, and can be used on the face and body.
Price: KSH 2250 from Bandari Beauty
Achieving healthy and radiant skin doesn’t have to be a daunting task, even for those leading a busy lifestyle. By following a simple skincare routine consisting of cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen, you can maintain the health and appearance of your skin effectively. Once you have this quick and easy 3-step skincare routine mastered, you can proceed to add more products to your routine as per your skin needs. With consistency and the right products, you can embrace a quick and easy skincare routine that enhances your natural beauty, regardless of how busy your life may be.
