I Started a Skincare Routine for My HS + PCOS… But I Haven’t Been Consistent
- velvet98blog
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
On April 24th, I made a soft promise to myself.
I had just left the African market with fresh African black soap, raw shea butter, hibiscus, and soursop leaves arms full, skin bare, and hope in my heart. I filmed a video of my skin that same day because I genuinely believed that this routine I was starting would bring me closer emotionally and physically
to the woman I’m growing into.
And it still might. But let me be honest: I haven’t been consistent.
Why I Chose to Go Natural
I bought the African black soap and shea butter because I was tired of chemical-filled products with long names, high prices, and short
lifespans. I wanted something I could understand something intentional. My goal was simple: to help clear my hyperpigmentation and deeply moisturize my skin without all the unnecessary extras.
My decision to go a more natural route came from a real place. I already live with health conditions like HS, PCOS, and hypertension and that’s enough unknown for me. The thought of adding more unknowns to my skin or body started to scare me. So I’m making a conscious choice now to be mindful about what I put on and in my body.
I want healing that feels whole, not harmful.
Day One Energy:Hopeful,Honest, and Ready
On that first day, I felt hopeful. Like I was finally doing something that honored my body, my skin, and my future. I recorded a video of my skin no filters, just me and a mirror because I wanted to document the beginning. Not a perfect before-and-after story. Just the start.
I knew this routine wouldn’t fix everything overnight. But I felt proud for starting, for choosing myself, and for taking a small, intentional step forward.
😔 What Got in the Way
Even with the best intentions, life hit hard as it does.
What got in the way of my consistency? A mix of things:
Fatigue
HS flare-ups
Hypertension migraines
Working a 9–5
Trying to maintain a social life
And honestly? Just being tired. Sometimes lazy. Sometimes overwhelmed.
There were weeks where I stuck to it for 3–4 days straight, moving slow and soft through my skincare washing, patting, massaging in the shea butter with care. But then something would shift, and I’d miss a few days, and the cycle would reset.
🌿 My Routine (As It Stands)
Right now, I’m keeping it simple and natural:
Cleanser: African black soap
Toner: Rose water
Moisturizer: Raw shea butter
Exfoliation: Every 1–2 days based on how my skin feels
I’m learning to take it day by day. Some days I go all in. Some days, I just rinse my face and drink tea. And both are okay. I’m not chasing a perfect routine. I’m learning to listen to let my skin speak, and to respond with care instead of control.
🧠 What I’ve Learned So Far
Even without perfect consistency, this process is teaching me:
Moisture and gentleness matter more than a 12-step routine.
I don’t have to earn rest especially when my body is already doing so much.
My skin deserves attention, not punishment.
Intentionality > intensity.
Healing doesn’t always look like glowing. Sometimes it looks like showing up anyway.
To Anyone Still Figuring It Out
If you’ve ever started something with hope in your heart and then slipped into old patterns or missed a few days… this is your reminder: you didn’t fail. You’re human. You can restart. You can re-approach. You can forgive yourself and begin again with softness this time. I’m not here to preach perfection. I’m here to show you what it looks like to try, to pause, and to try again. One layer at a time.
More updates coming soon including a new video of where my skin is now. Until then, I’m taking this journey as it comes, skin first, softness always.
Comments