Alicia Lartey aka Hydra Babe is currently working as an intern at a skincare start up brand while balancing her studies at University. She is passionate about skincare and shares her experience exploring different skincare brands on her Instagram account. She took time out to to tell us about her skincare regime.

My journey with skincare began during my preteens and has continued as I try to maintain my skin’s health. I initially began by purchasing all the basics, but at the time that was alcohol heavy toners and witch hazel infused wipes. 

When I really needed it most I don’t think skincare influencers were around, I would have to say my friends at the time had amazing skin and I just wanted to have that. I never really turned to a magazine because in my heart I always knew it was airbrushed. Since becoming involved in the skincare community I have found amazing professionals and enthusiasts such as @seangarrette @sknperfct @isedasgarden and @skinclasshero.

As a teen I was unfortunately introduced to Clean and Clear which burnt my skin off completely. The cult classic St Ives Apricot Scrub was definitely a favourite of mine, Clarins was a brand I stole from my mum and finally, Dermalogica who seemed to have the most innovative products for the most ridiculous prices.

The amount of things I have been through with my skin I definitely feel like a dermatologist! I would say my biggest take away was just how much acne impacted my life. Learning to love yourself as a black teenage girl was hard but to add acne on top of that almost ruined me. I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t given that perfect chocolate skin. My idea of perfection has truly changed too, I have learnt that my skin goals are definitely different to others.

My best piece of advice would also be to make sure you get multiple opinions from skincare professionals. I would however urge people to avoid taking advice from counter sales people. Get involved in the skincare community too! I wish I had this back then.

The most important thing with that would be to make sure you trust whoever you take advice from, but also do your own research; also make sure you are able to spot the difference between a product photography page and an actual skinfluencer.

My skincare routine is focused on ingredients now and not marketing. Now that I have grown up and I understand science more it is easier to spot the nonsense marketing claims.

For a skinfluencer my current routine is super boring because I am using a prescription active. For the daytime: I use CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, Good Molecules Brightening Toner, CeraVe Moisturising Lotion and Supergoop Daily Moisturiser SPF 40. During the night I use Deviant Skincare Cleansing Balm, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, Fresh Beauty Kombucha Essence, Dermatica Tretinoin + Hydroquinone, La Mer Gel Cream and Silk Pillowcase.