Lactic acid, THEN azelaic acid.
I was in Nigeria, very briefly, back in November. There is nothing better for my skin than Nigerian air. Yes, even the smoggy, thick air of Lagos. A few years back I was teaching a short course in Lagos with some other diaspora folks and four days in, we looked at each other's glowing, smooth skin, and said pointedly, gosh, it's almost like our ancestors were born and thrived here, eh.
In the months since that trip, I have been in London and New York, and even in the bleak winter of both places my skin has showed out, reminding me of its sturdy resilience. I use a creamy hot cloth cleanser, and I enjoy a serum as well as a cocktail of acids from The Ordinary (skincare is for the most part a fun ritual that brings many women pleasure, and that's OK, contrary to certain condescending articles tell you). But I'll be honest: My genes are splendid, folks. That's the short answer. I am 35 years old, and I look great. What a small, unimportant but quite pleasing thing!
Anyway. I love Asterwood Naturals' hyaluronic acid for serum purposes, day and night (my golden girl will always be the Boots No 7 Protect and Perfect serum, though). In the mornings, I make sure I wear SPF 30 moisturiser. At night, I use a few drops of lactic acid on a washed and toned face most nights, and alternate between azelaic acid or a vitamin c suspension thereafter. When that's absorbed, I use Superdrug's Naturally Radiant night cream. There is a pleasure in swiping and patting. My brain quiets and empties out momentarily, and I become one with the cotton pad, or my fingertips. I look in the mirror afterwards and smack my lips to move the Blistex medicated lip ointment around. I adjust my bonnet over my hair and make eyes at my reflection. Sometimes, I wink.
Gosh, I'm so pretty, I think.