Skincare: What Actually Works

 The Real Talk on Skincare: What Actually Works (and What’s Just Hype?)

Hey there, beautiful human!

So, let’s get real for a sec. Skincare can feel like decoding ancient scrolls, right? There's a 10-step Korean routine on one side, someone rubbing snail goo on their face on the other, and then there’s us standing in the middle of the skincare aisle like, "Do I really need a serum, an essence, and a mist? Or should I just drink more water and hope for the best?"

Trust me, I’ve been there. I’ve had my “let’s-buy-everything-that-says-glow” phase and my “ugh-I’ll-just-use-this-body-lotion-on-my-face” moments too. And after years of trial, error, and one very unfortunate DIY coffee scrub incident (don’t ask), I’ve figured out a few things that actually work and won’t leave you broke, confused, or with a rash.

1. Keep It Simple, Silly.

Let’s start here. You don’t need a 25-product routine unless you genuinely enjoy it. If skincare feels like a chore, you’re less likely to do it consistently. And consistency is the real magic.

Here’s what I tell my friends: if you’ve got these three, you’re golden

• A gentle cleanser
• A solid moisturizer
• Sunscreen (yes, even on cloudy days, yes, even if you’re just “staying inside”)

That’s your bare-bones starter pack. You can always add extras like serums or toners later once you know what your skin actually needs. Not what TikTok says is “trending.”

2. Sunscreen is the Beyoncé of Skincare

If I could shout this from rooftops, I would. SUNSCREEN IS NON-NEGOTIABLE.

It’s the best anti-aging product out there. It protects you from sun damage, dark spots, premature wrinkles, and a lifetime of "Oh no, why is my nose peeling again?" moments.

Look for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapply if you're outdoors. Yes, even if your foundation “has SPF” it’s not enough, darling.

3. Moisturizing = Giving Your Skin a Hug

You know that cozy, warm fuzzy feeling when someone hugs you and you instantly feel better? That’s what a good moisturizer does for your face.

Even oily skin needs moisture. Especially oily skin. If you skip it, your skin goes into overdrive, producing even more oil. It's like your face panics and thinks it has to survive a desert storm.

Pick something that suits your skin type. Gel-based for oily, creamy for dry, and fragrance-free if your skin’s a diva like mine.

4. Stop Believing Every Skincare Myth

Okay, quick game: tell me if you’ve heard this one “Toothpaste clears pimples.”

No. It doesn’t. It just burns your face and leaves you smelling like minty regret.

Same goes for lemon juice (too acidic), baking soda (too alkaline), and coconut oil for everyone (hello, clogged pores).

If it’s not meant for your face, maybe keep it in the kitchen where it belongs?

5. Listen to Your Skin (It’s Pretty Chatty)

One day your skin’s glowing. The next, it’s throwing a tantrum. Hormones, sleep, stress, diet it all plays a part.

Instead of blaming the products every time something goes wrong, take a minute. Did you sleep well? Drink enough water? Stress-eat a whole pizza at 11pm? (No judgment, I’ve been there.)

Sometimes your skin just needs a break and a good night’s rest. Don’t underestimate the power of doing less.

6. Be Patient, My Friend

We’re so used to instant everything one-day shipping, 30-second TikTok hacks that we expect our skin to transform overnight too.

But here’s the deal: real skin progress takes time. Like, weeks. Sometimes even months. And that’s okay.

You’re not doing anything wrong. You’re just human. Let your skin do its thing and stop comparing it to FaceTuned influencers who probably have a lighting setup worth more than your rent.

Final Thoughts (AKA Me Getting a Bit Mushy)

Skincare isn’t about perfection. It’s about care. It’s that 5-10 minutes of your day where you tell your skin, “Hey, I’ve got you.”

So have fun with it. Try that silly-looking face mask. Sniff all the testers (ok maybe not during flu season). And if your skin’s being dramatic breathe. It’ll pass.

Remember, you’re not trying to look like someone else. You’re just becoming the glowiest, happiest version of you. And honestly? That’s the most beautiful thing there is.

Now go wash your face. I can see the stress on your pores from here.

My Favorite Easy Home Remedy: Honey + Turmeric Glow Mask

This one’s a classic. It’s cheap, natural, and surprisingly effective plus, you get to pretend you're in a fancy spa while standing in your bathroom in an old t-shirt.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon raw honey (Manuka if you’re feeling fancy, regular if you’re realistic)
• A pinch (like, literally a pinch!) of turmeric powder

Optional: A few drops of lemon juice (only if your skin isn’t sensitive)

Why it works: 

Honey is a humectant fancy word for “pulls moisture into your skin.” It’s also antibacterial, which helps calm acne.

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and gives your skin that subtle "I drink 2 liters of water a day" glow.

Lemon juice can help with dark spots, but be careful it can also irritate. Always patch test!

How to use:

1. Mix it all into a smooth paste.

2. Apply a thin layer to clean skin (avoid your eyes unless you like tears).

3. Chill for 10-15 minutes. Maybe take selfies. You’ll look like a slightly radioactive sunshine goddess.

4. Rinse off with warm water and gently pat dry.

5. Follow up with your usual moisturizer.

Pro tip:

Don’t overdo it. Use it once or twice a week, max. Also, turmeric can stain clothes and your face if you use too much. If you walk out looking like a minion, you used too much.