5 General skin care tips and the importance of skin care

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

In a study conducted by OnePoll 64% of Americans feel guilty for not taking their skincare seriously and 58% wished they could go back in time to take care of their skin when they were younger.

Why is skin care important?

Skin care is essential because it protects, preserves and keeps your skin healthy. Maintaining a routine has both physical and emotional benefits like the ones below.

Capital Femme: 5 reasons why skincare is important. List of skincare benefits.

No matter where you are in your journey, I’ve put together a few general skincare tips that will help you keep your skin looking its best.

1. Keep your hands off your face as much as possible

Only clean materials, items and hands should touch your face.

2. Try to reduce popping pimples or acne

This can help reduce acne scarring and dark spots (hyperpigmentation) instead try gently exfoliating, applying a clay mask, or some retinol. A study found that 43% of people regret picking at their acne.

3. Cleanse and moisturize daily:

Your skin will thank you for this over time, helps to reduce acne, early signs of aging and improve your skin’s texture by making it smoother. Take note that using only water will not cleanse your skin properly.

4. Use non-comedogenic products:

As you may know, these are products that will not clog your pores. Sun protection is also important.

5. Stay hydrated

This helps your skin be firmer and plump. It can also benefit you to have a healthier diet, reducing trans fat and processed food consumption, in exchange for whole foods like nuts, fruits & vegetables.

You can prevent things like premature aging, sun spots and even cancer.

I know sometimes life can get busy, start small, even if it’s for just 10 minutes. These tips apply no matter what your skin type is, your age, gender and whether you’re just starting out or have an advanced routine. You can implement these tips one at a time and you will see a difference.

Reference (click to view)

https://nypost.com/2020/08/04/more-than-90-percent-of-people-polled-say-their-skin-is-healthier-after-spending-significantly-more-time-at-home

Capital Femme: 0.1% Gentle Retinol for clogged pores and whiteheads

Unclog pores and exfoliate with Good Molecules’ Gentle Retinol Cream (review)

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated as of July 2025. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

You already juggle showings, client calls, and family time but did you know that chronic stress can cause premature signs of aging on your skin? In a study from April 2024, topical 0.1% retinol significantly improved crow’s feet, facial wrinkles, uneven skin tone amongst other skin issues. Dermatologists recommend retinol as a first-line anti-aging treatment (American Academy of Dermatology).

This is a reminder that even in our busiest seasons, our skin and our souls need intentional care.

In this review of Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream, we explore how its gentle, faith-aligned formula can help smooth fine lines, boost radiance, and support your self-care journey. Priced at just about $8 USD and earning praise from thousands of users. It’s a practical yet powerful choice for Christian skincare routines, because honoring your temple doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

Get yours here ✨.

This skincare product is Leaping Bunny certified (meaning not tested on animals), vegan, and fragrance-free.

This cream is good for when you have hormonal acne in the form of pimples, at that time of the month. It works for your whiteheads in areas that are most oily like your nose and chin. It also helps the appearance of fine lines and with water being one of its main ingredients, firms the skin. It’s not only suitable for oily skin but for dry and combination skin types.

It can be used up to 3 to 4 times a week depending on your skin type. Use it at night only, as it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Also, ensure you wear your sunscreen during the day. Try to avoid using this product along with any acidic products and physical exfoliants.

Good Molecules retinol review. Unclog and exfoliate at the same time for oily skincare by Capital Femme

🌿 Grab your own Gentle Retinol Cream here.

You can expect the tube of the product to be sealed when you buy it. Its ingredients include:

  • Water
  • C13-16 Isoparaffin
  • Glycerin
  • Diheptyl Succinate
  • Heptyl Undecylenate
  • 1,2 -Hexanediol
  • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolyler
  • Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
  • Propanediol
  • Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed oil
  • Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride
  • Bakuchiol
  • Tocopherol
  • Acmelia Oleracea Extract
  • Butylene glycol
  • Retinol
  • Allantoin
  • Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) seed oil
  • Capryloyl Glycerin/ Sebacic Acid Copolymer
  • Ethylhexylglycerin
  • Salix Alba (Willow) bark extract
  • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
  • Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract

Takeaway

This product can make a good addition to your night time routine. Retinol a form of vitamin A, helps to treat acne, clear pores, exfoliate the skin, reduce signs of aging and give your skin a smoother texture. It’s also important to take note of what other products will work best with retinol and how often you use it.

💛 Try it for yourself, ladies.


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References (click to view)

https://www.stoneoakdermatology.com/blog/does-stress-make-you-age-faster/#:~:text=The%20stress%20theory%20of%20aging,the%20skin%20to%20age%20faster.

https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/new-data-on-retinol-patricia-farris-md-shares-insights-on-anti-aging

The wonders of Aloe Vera for your skin and overall health

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

Picture of hummingbird on Aloe Vera Plant benefits for skincare and overall health. By Capital Femme

Aloe Vera, in Jamaica it is also known as Sinkle bible. It is usually grown in tropical, semi- tropical zones but can be found all over the world. It thrives in warm, dry climates. This plant has many purposes, especially for skincare. Let’s look at a few of them.

Skincare benefits

It has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that can be used to treat numerous skin conditions. This plant has healing powers and can help treat cuts, scrapes minor burns including sunburn and minor wounds.

Due to its anti-bacterial properties, it helps manage excessive acne. It is also anti-inflammatory and soothes redness, flare-ups, irritation and promotes healing of acne scars. 

The antioxidants found in Aloe help fight free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging. 

Some of its additional benefits are moisturizing oily and dry skin, soothing inflammation, frostbite, cold sores, eczema and psoriasis.

For oily skin, aloe vera works because it has high water content which hydrates the skin and is a non-greasy moisturizer. Aloe vera can also be used as a toner as it is gentle enough that it won’t dry out your skin while helping to control oil production.

This plant is also known to help with wrinkles by increasing collagen production and improving skin elasticity.

The most potent form of the plant is the gel, you can use Over-the-counter aloe gel or you can use it directly from the plant.

Digestive benefits

When consumed aloe vera can be used to reduce:

Dental plaque – It can be used as an alternative to chemical mouthwash and can provide relief from bleeding or swollen gums.

Constipation – laxatives within the plant may help relieve constipation.

Blood sugar levels – consuming aloe vera can help persons with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Aloe vera is a rich source of:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin C
  • Beta-carotene
  • Calcium
  • Folic Acid
  • Magnesium

Precautions

It may soothe sunburn but is not a replacement for sunscreen. So please use your sun protection. You can be sensitive to aloe vera and should try a small patch test on somewhere like your forearm. If you experience any adverse reaction stop using it. Try not to use this plant too frequently.

Finally

Aloe vera is a succulent plant packed with many benefits including skin care, digestion and nutrition. There are studies and data available that back these claims. However, you should be cautious of how much aloe you consume. This natural resource is truly extraordinary and with care can be great for your health.

 

Niacinamide. Get With it or Nah?

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

Seeing that this is the first post of 2024.  In proper fashion, I want to wish all of my readers a Blessed New Year.

Now back to today’s topic.

Niacinamide is a popular skincare ingredient these days. You may have come across it on your Instagram or Tiktok. If you’re unfamiliar with it, niacinamide is another name for vitamin B3. It works for all ages and skin types. In today’s post, we’ll focus on its topical use.

Topical niacinamide-containing products will have more direct benefits for the skin.

It can be used for many different skin concerns, some of which are addressed below.

Here are some of its benefits:

Helps with hydration

Niacinamide can improve skin hydration by preventing evaporation of moisture from the skin into the environment. It also may improve the skin’s barrier function by locking in moisture and keeping pollutants out.

Brightens skin

This ingredient is known to brighten skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation by treating dark spots and improve skin texture.

Control oil production

Niacinamide helps to regulate the amount of oil produced by the oil glands. This helps to prevent breakouts and treat acne. It can also reduce the appearance of the pores by keeping the skin smooth and clear. Now when it comes to oily skin, this ingredient is a game changer. This is what in my opinion set it apart from vitamin C.

Soothe inflammation

It’s also an anti-inflammatory ingredient, so it’s great for calming irritated skin. Niacinamide can calm redness caused by breakouts (acne), eczema and rosacea. This makes it an ingredient which can be a good fit for those with sensitive skin.

Reduce signs of aging

Using niacinamide topically can boost collagen production to smooth wrinkles and fine lines. Its antioxidant properties may also help to protect your skin from damage due to aging.

How much is safe?

It’s recommended to use products with 5% or less when choosing products with niacinamide. Anything over that may cause irritation so it’s important to read the label of a product you are considering.

You can also do a patch test. Apply a small amount of the product to a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours to see if your skin agrees with the product.

 

Choosing products

Niacinamide is commonly found in sunscreens, cleansers, serums or moisturizers. It’s gentle enough to be used twice a day and works best when used in products that are left on the skin (like serums and moisturizers). Also, remember to read the instructions on the product.

For maximum results, this ingredient can also be paired with others like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol and AHAs such as glycolic acid.

 

In conclusion, niacinamide can be a gentle yet effective ingredient in your skincare routine and could be the boost your skin needs.

Basic skincare routine for complete beginners

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

Capital Femme: Basic skincare routine for complete beginners

Now if you have never really had a set skincare routine, specifically for your face, that is and would like to learn where to start.

Then this post is for you.

Let me start by saying I get that online many sources are claiming that you need to have a 10-step skincare routine. All you need, especially as a beginner are three products: cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. This is a simple yet powerful trio.

Your skin type will determine what kind of product you’ll buy. If you’re not sure what your skin type is.

You can check out this post.

For my oily skin readers, you want to choose a cleanser that’ll get into your pores to get rid of excess oil, any dirt and bacteria to prevent acne.

So you could choose a cleanser with salicylic acid.

Next, no matter what your skin type is, you need to moisturize. This helps reduce your chances of developing skin problems like acne and premature signs of aging (such as wrinkles). Urban Hydration’s Aloe Vera Daily Gel Moisturizer is a good one. Here’s a moisturizer that, in my opinion, is pretty universal. Read the full review of this product here.

Keep in mind you can choose products with multiple purposes. For example, Urban Hydration’s Aloe Vera Daily Gel Moisturizer will hydrate and brighten your skin.

Lastly, a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, now this step is especially important if you use a cleanser containing acid because it can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

If you know you’ll be outdoors and exposed to the sun, you should apply sunscreen daily in the mornings. I like products that are good for my skin and the environment, so you can try Coppertone’s Everytone SPF 50 sunscreen. It’s non-comedogenic and water-resistant. Check out the full review here.

Now as you go along and have specific skin issues that you believe this trio aren’t solving then you can consider adding other products to your routine.

In conclusion, as a complete beginner, you only need three products in your skincare routine: cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. In this post, we included one of each of the three you can try. Hope this was helpful.

Comparing 2 affordable oily skin moisturizers by Capital Femme

Comparing affordable face moisturizers for Oily Skin

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

First up we have this moisturizer by Cera Ve

Cera Ve PM moisturizer

Rating: 4/5

This moisturizer doesn’t have any added fragrance but it does have a slight scent. It helps oily skin, is moisturizing and won’t clog your pores. It’s light on the skin; contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. However, this product is not considered clean, cruelty-free or sustainable.

VERSUS

Urban Hydration Aloe Vera Leaf Daily Gel Moisturizer

Rating: 5/5

This moisturizer makes your skin feel cool and hydrated as soon as it’s applied. A little takes you a far way. This gel moisturizer is non- comedogenic. It really does control shine and overtime brightens your complexion. It is also clean, all natural and cruelty-free. Check out the full review here.

It’s to note that both moisturizers can be used on other skin types.