Skincare can be so selective. What works for one person won’t always work for someone else. That’s why it’s super important to know what skin type you have, as well as whether or not you have any skin conditions. I’ve always had a normal-ish skin type, but very dehydrated. You can read more about dehydrated skin here, and I also explain the difference between a skin type and a skin condition. I’m sharing a new skin care routine today that has really helped me.

Having relatively clear skin throughout my entire life, including my teenage years, I guess that Mother Nature decided I was due for some adult acne.

After doing a bit of reading up on adult acne, I realized that it can occur frequently in women my age. Fluctuating hormone levels is one of the main causes of onset adult acne. (Hellooooo pregnancy and giving birth!)  Stress is also a factor when it comes to acne flare-ups, and I’ve got no shortage of that around here.

My skin had been horrendous for the last year or so, and finally a few months ago I went searching for something to help the problem. I had to change my skin care routine, because everything that I was doing wasn’t working.

Being a mom on a budget, I hit up Target like always and struck gold!

Shea Moisture! Where have you been all my life?

These products came in a set. I’m not entirely sure if it was just for the Holidays or if they’re always sold in a set, but I purchased all of these products for $19.99! Right? I know.
I will be the first person to admit that I am a complete skincare snob, and I totally blame all of my years spent at Sephora. So, while I was skeptical, I was desperate. This mama definitely doesn’t have the money to be spending $80 for one moisturizer and $50 for one cleanser anymore.

Inside this kit you receive:

AFRICAN BLACK SOAP FACIAL WASH & SCRUB

African Black Soap Problem Skin Facial Wash & Scrub gently exfoliates and cleanses while helping to control breakouts. Helps absorb excess oil and detoxify skin. Leaves skin refreshed and clearer looking.

I use this scrub once a week, when I remember, as a deep exfoliating and cleansing wash. I prefer the bar soap to this because it doesn’t create as much of a lather as the bar. This is a great product though to get deep down into your pores to clear them out and prevent any breakouts.

African Black Soap Acne Prone Face & Body Bar

“The African Black Soap Bar is designed to cleanse, hydrate and calm problem skin. Helps to balance oily skin for a clearer complexion. Use daily. Made with natural and certified organic ingredients.”

This is by far one of the best facial soaps that I have tried. I love that it has little grains in it (perfect for exfoliating). It took me quite a while to pinpoint what it smells like, but I finally got it. Have y’all ever tried Lush Cosmetics? They have a special line of products that only comes out for the Holidays. There’s a body wash called Snow Fairy, and to me, it smells just like that. I did not expect such a sweet and bubblegum scent to come from a black bar of soap. It definitely took me by surprise.
I use this bar twice a day–once in the morning and once at night. It’s gentle enough to be used daily, and my skin has improved so much in the almost three months that I’ve been using it. Not only did my acne improve, the texture of my skin feels a lot smoother. It’s also great at removing makeup! If you remove your makeup with it though, make sure to do a second cleanse to actually clean your skin. (I imagine it would also be amazing for those who have body acne, since it is a facial and body bar).

AFRICAN BLACK SOAP PROBLEM SKIN MOISTURIZER

“African Black Soap Problem Skin Moisturizer helps keep problem skin hydrated, while balancing oily and blemished complexions. Leaves a smooth, shine-free finish. Excellent under make-up.”

As I said earlier, hydration is one of my biggest issues! When your skin is dehydrated, it can look dull and lifeless. I use this twice a day as well, right after I cleanse with the facial bar. There isn’t a smell to this that I’ve noticed, so it’s either very light or there isn’t one. It leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized without feeling cakey. One of my pet peeves when it comes to facial moisturizers is when you apply it and your skin feels like it can’t breathe. I work too damn hard to unclog my pores to have some thick cream just clog them right back up.

AFRICAN BLACK SOAP CLARIFYING MUD MASK

“This clarifying mask draws out dirt and congestion while helping absorb excess oil and improve the appearance of troubled skin. A proprietary blend of African Black Soap and Raw Shea Butter helps to clarify, balance and soothe blemish-prone skin. Skin feels purified and refreshed.”

This stuff was weird! I mean that in the best way possible. Initially, I saw it expecting some kind of a drying charcoal mask. Because, since it looks like all of the other charcoal masks, why would I expect anything different right? WRONG. This is a soft, smooth mask that doesn’t dry to a flaky finish. It actually feels like applying moisturizer. Surprising, in a good way. I use this mask once a week, typically towards the end of the week, to really pull out all of the junk from my pores. My skin feels so smooth and refreshed afterwards.

All in all, I love my new skin care routine. It has targeted every single issue that I’ve been having with my skin over the last year and a half. Shea Moisture has a few different lines of skin care based on concerns you may have. They cover everything including dark spots, anti-aging, dry skin, and of course the problem/acne prone skin. Every time I was at Target, I would peruse their products but I never purchased anything until now, and I’m totally glad that I finally did. I’m excited to try their Super Fruit products, among other things.
It feels good to know that I don’t have to break the bank or sacrifice my family’s budget to do a little bit of self-care. Finally there’s something affordable out there for everyone to try!

What are your skin care concerns and what products do you use to treat them?
Have you tried Shea Moisture before? What were your thoughts!

Let me know in the comments!

*I purchased all of these products with my own money, and I was not compensated in any way to provide my feedback on them. Shea Moisture has absolutely no idea who I am. Promise.*