Finding the proper skincare routine is like creating the perfect musical lyric to complete a masterful song. Musician and model, April Kae, can attest to that. Thankfully, she has succeeded in finding/creating both. As you begin to book your travel plans and organize your summer playlist of anthems, don’t forget to settle on a proper skincare routine that’s just right for you.
Check out April Kae’s personal skincare routine tips below.
- Roze: What are some do’s/don’ts about proper skincare you’ve learned while traveling?
April Kae: I DO try to be aware of my body, and therefore my skin. I have a general routine I stick to, but I listen to my skin when it specific products and steps on any given day.
I DO apply sunscreen every two hours, no matter what. It seems like the myth that Black people don't need sunscreen is not widely accepted anymore, which is great. I still do see folks surprised when I tell them to wear sunscreen whenever sunlight is hitting your skin, including through a window.
I DO visit a dermatologist every time my skin is bothering me. I have chronic acne, and as a model, staying blemish free is helpful. So, I've seen a dermatologist regularly for years as part of my self-care.
I DON'T do my skin care ritual on the plane. Planes are dirty and dry, so instead of rubbing that ickyness into my skin, I am sure to moisturize with a heavy product before getting on the plane.
I DO regulate my stress levels like I do anything else that might bother my skin. Attending to my mental health not just hopes my soul glow, but my skin, too.
MR: What are your travel essentials?
AK: I like to travel light, so I bring samples with me. Of course, I never travel with products I haven’t used before, but I end up with so many samples and enjoying keeping them organized and playing with them. I’m also always sure to bring a few sheet masks with me.
Photo: April Kae
MR: Describe your morning skincare ritual.
AK: I wash my face — sometimes I cleanse with micellar water or a makeup wipe, and sometimes I double cleanse with an oil cleanser followed by a non-foaming gentle cleanser. Then, I apply my products, light to heavy: Ceramidin Liquid, hyaluronic acid serum, moisturizer, face oil, and lastly sunscreen.
MR: Describe your nighttime skincare ritual.
AK: In the shower, I double cleanse with an oil cleanser followed by a non-foaming gentle cleanser. A few times a week, I exfoliate by mixing dry exfoliating crystals with my cleanser, I find that these last a long time. (I’ll also exfoliate my whole body with a salt scrub.)
I let my face dry off before applying my retinoid and letting that sink in. Then, I apply my products, light to heavy: ceramidin liquid, hyaluronic acid serum, moisturizer, and face oil. I’m more generous with the products at night. I moisturize my lips heavily at night, too.
Photo: April Kae
MR: What are some miracle quick fixes after a long shoot?
AK: Rather than any miracle product that I stray from my normal routine to use after a shoot, I’m just sure to get a great night’s sleep. I used to have trouble sleeping but meeting my mental health needs makes it easy for me to get my rest and allow my mind and soul (and skin) to recover.
