Hey, it’s Lulu here and happy National Skincare Day! Today I’m stepping away from the locs talk for a sec to talk about something a little more personal—my skincare journey.
We’re talking scars, spots, moles, dryness and all the things I used to deal with on a daily. My skin wasn’t always smooth, even, or glowing. Not that long ago, I didn’t even feel confident walking around bare-faced.
But now, at 42, I can confidently say my skin is the best it’s ever been. This has been a journey and while I'm not all the way there yet, the improvement from where my skin was to where it is now has been significant. And today, I’m breaking down exactly what I did to get here—so you can do it too!
Let’s get into it.
My Skin Was Crying for Help
To keep it real with you, I didn’t take care of my skin for years. I didn’t know what it needed, and I honestly didn’t make it a priority. Between running a business, raising a family and living life, skincare was low on the list.
But eventually, the signs caught up with me. I was dealing with:
Uneven skin tone
Hyperpigmentation
Acne scarring
Constant dryness
A weak skin barrier
I finally got tired of not recognizing the face in the mirror and decided to do something about it. It wasn’t an overnight fix but it was worth every step.
Here are the four things that truly changed my skin—and my confidence.
1. Skin Peels (The Reset My Skin Needed)
The first major shift happened when I tried a professional skin peel. I went for the Cosmelan Peel—a medical-grade depigmentation treatment that targets dark spots, scarring, and melasma.
It’s not for the faint of heart. The process includes visible peeling, redness and downtime. But after just one treatment, I could already see the difference. My skin tone was more even, my scars were lighter, and everything just looked healthier.
It removed the damaged top layers and gave me a clean, fresh base to work with. The best part? The results kept improving over the next several weeks.
If you’re dealing with pigmentation or scarring, look into professional chemical peels. Just make sure you’re working with a licensed skincare provider who knows what they’re doing.
2. Hydration and Skin Barrier Repair
After the peel, I realized something: my skin was bone dry. I had been ignoring hydration and doing nothing to protect my skin barrier.
That’s when I started slugging. It’s a technique where you apply a thick layer of moisturizer and seal it in with something occlusive like Vaseline. It helps your skin retain moisture and gives your barrier a chance to recover.
At night, I’d layer on my moisturizer—SkinFix Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream—and top it off with a little Vaseline. I woke up with soft, bouncy skin instead of tight, flaky patches.
If your skin feels irritated, dull, or rough, start with hydration. Forget the fancy serums and exfoliants until you’ve built a solid moisture barrier.
3. Face Yoga (Yes, It Works)
Let’s talk about something a little unexpected: face yoga. I started doing it just to try something new but I wasn’t prepared for how effective it would be.
Face yoga is basically an exercise for the muscles in your face. Just like lifting weights tones your body, these gentle movements can lift, sculpt and firm your face naturally.
No needles. No fillers. Just you and a mirror.
I do about 10 minutes a day, a few times a week. It helps reduce puffiness, increases circulation, and gives my face a lifted, more youthful appearance. Plus, it’s a relaxing way to start or end your day.
There are tons of free tutorials online. Try it out. You might be surprised at what a little movement can do.
4. Actives Like Tretinoin (But Take It Slow)
If you really want results, active ingredients are your best friend. The one that changed everything for me? Tretinoin.
Tretinoin is a prescription-strength vitamin A that boosts cell turnover. It helps fade dark spots, reduce fine lines, and smooth out rough skin. I use the 0.025% strength a few times a week and always follow up with a rich moisturizer.
It’s not something you want to jump into too fast. Tretinoin can be irritating at first, so start slow—maybe once or twice a week—and work your way up as your skin adjusts.
If you’re not ready for a prescription, try over-the-counter retinol products. They’re gentler but still super effective.
The Takeaway: Be Consistent, Be Kind to Your Skin
I didn’t get these results overnight. It took time, consistency, and a whole lot of patience. But more importantly, it took me learning to listen to what my skin actually needed instead of trying to fix everything at once.
My skin is healthier now than it was in my twenties. And that’s not magic—it’s just care, knowledge and a solid routine.
Here’s my personal formula:
Start with a reset (peels or exfoliation)
Repair your barrier and stay hydrated
Build in movement with face yoga
Use actives smartly and slowly
That’s it. Four steps. No crazy ten-step routines. No trendy miracle products. Just a consistent, thoughtful approach.
Bonus: The Perfect Finishing Touch
Once my skin was looking good, I knew my locs had to match.
These are my current Boho Locs faves—bold, chic and effortless. Just like you should feel every time you step out the door:
Boho Goddess Locs in Bronde – Sun-kissed and effortlessly cool, these bronde locs blend warm browns and golden blonde for a look that’s soft, rich, and oh-so-versatile.
Boho Goddess Locs in Bey-Blonde – Turn heads with this bold, bright blonde shade. Bey-Blonde brings major main character energy—confident, radiant and ready to slay.
Boho Goddess Locs in Midnight – Deep, dark, and elegant. Midnight is your go-to for a sleek, classic vibe that’s always in style and perfect for every occasion.
You deserve to look and feel your best.
And if you’ve been thinking about finally committing to your skincare or switching up your look, let this be your sign.
Stay tuned this month—we’re bringing more tips to help you glow from scalp to soul.
