Otentika Skin Care Product Review





My quest for the perfect skincare routine has been quite the journey. Picture this: I'm on the hunt for products that'll give me that flawless complexion we all dream of. Sounds like a tall order, right? But hey, with the right products and a bit of know-how, it's not too far-fetched.

So, let's rewind a bit. After ditching the Skinlight Body Cream (thanks, sis, but no thanks) because of its not-so-friendly ingredient list (hello, hydroquinone), I embarked on a mission to find a body cream that could just even out my skin tone without all the drama. Easier said than done, let me tell you. I tried countless creams, including some from Fair and White, but nada—no improvement, just disappointment.

Then, like a beacon of hope, I stumbled upon Otentika skincare products. Something about them just felt right. With liquorice extract as the star player, these products seemed promising. Liquorice root extract contains Glycyrrhizin, a fancy acid that boosts those natural steroid hormones in your skin. Think of it as a little boost for your skin's defence system—no artificial steroids are needed.

After doing my homework on Otentika and dissecting every ingredient they use, I was sold. But here's the kicker: I wasn't about to risk buying knock-offs online. Nope, I played it safe and headed to a local shop where I could hold someone accountable if things went sideways.

First up on my Otentika journey? The Maxitone fade-out cream in the pink container. The beauty guru at the shop swore by it, claiming it worked wonders on her own dark complexion. With my relatively normal skin, I figured it was worth a shot.

I didn't jump into using it right away. Oh no, I gave it a week, starting just before Valentine's Day in 2015 (a date I won't forget anytime soon). The first few days were uneventful, except for the cream's unique texture—firm, but in a good way, and fragrance-free, just the way I like it.

But after that first week? Whoa. My skin felt firmer and smoother, and those dark spots? They seemed to be fading, ever so slightly. I was hooked. And that's when things really started to get interesting. Time to bring in the Otentika C15 Serum and kick this skincare journey up a notch. 


Let's talk about the serum saga that unfolded in February 2015. It all started with a spark of excitement on a Saturday, the 21st. I was eager to try out the Otentika C15 Serum, especially after witnessing what I thought was a positive change from using the cream.

The instructions were pretty straightforward: apply a small amount of serum on dark spots, let it sink in, and then follow up with the cream. Easy peasy, right? Well, on the second and third days, I stuck to the plan. But here's the kicker—after a few days, I went rogue. Instead of just dabbing the serum on dark spots, I slathered it all over my face. And let's not forget my back, where I was also battling dark spots from my second pregnancy. Unfortunately, no luck there.

Fast forward to Wednesday, the 24th. That's when things took a turn for the worse. I woke up to a face full of monster zits. Yep, I was breaking out big time. Cue the panic mode. I had a hunch it was because of my serum shenanigans. So, I decided to hit the reset button and deep cleanse my face with my trusty Mint Julep Facial Scrub. No creams, no oils—just a clean slate.

The next morning, I faced the mirror with a heavy heart. My face was worse than before I started the serum. Talk about a skincare nightmare. But I wasn't ready to throw in the towel just yet. I went back to following the instructions to a T, using tiny earbuds to apply the serum only on dark spots. And to hide those pesky zits, I dabbed on some Sleek cc cream.

Fast forward again to Friday, the 27th. The breakout was calming down, thank goodness. And just in time, my Dr. Lucas papaya ointment arrived. I had high hopes, but alas, it didn't do much for the acne. However, it did wonders for moisturizing my feet. Small victories, right?

Lesson learned: follow the instructions. It's like using the wrong dose of medicine—you might end up with unwanted side effects. And as for those pesky blackheads that popped up later? Well, let's just say I was in full-on freakout mode. But after a deep dive into the ingredients list, it seems the serum wasn't the culprit—at least not on paper. Looks like it's back to the drawing board for me.
SO WHY ON EARTH AM I BREAKING OUT?
The Serum Dilemma
As I lay here pondering, I'm faced with a dilemma—should I continue with the serum or call it quits? Maybe it's just a temporary effect, or perhaps it's doing its job by clearing out those pesky pores. So many questions, but for now, I'll give it another shot tomorrow. Tomorrow, I'll make a decision. But for tonight, it's time to bid adieu.

The Cleansing Switch-Up

Today marks a turning point in my skincare journey. I've been delving deep into the art of facial care, especially since the face tends to be the battleground for most skincare woes.

Up until now (literally, until this morning), my cleansing routine involved a double whammy—Mint Julep Facial Scrub in the morning and the dreaded F&W Exfoliating Bar Soap at night (spoiler alert: disaster!). But after noticing how dry and unhappy my skin felt post-bar soap, I knew it was time for a change. That soap was way too harsh, leaving my skin as parched as the Sahara.

So, here's the plan: I'm dialling back the cleansing to just once a day with the trusty Mint Julep. Overdoing it can actually lead to more breakouts (who knew?), and I'm determined to give Otentika a fair shot. My gut tells me it's the right fit for me. If this adjustment doesn't do the trick, then it might be time to bid farewell to the serum.

Enter: Skincare Overhaul

It's Monday, March 2nd, 2015, and I'm on a mission to achieve—or should I say, reclaim—flawless skin. My skincare routine is getting a serious upgrade. Gone are the days of a simple shower and moisturize routine (or as we say in Nigeria, "creaming").

Now, I'm scrutinizing every product that touches my skin, leaning towards those with natural ingredients whenever possible. But that's not all—I'm diving into the world of facial masking. I've whipped up a DIY concoction with lemon and honey for some all-natural goodness. The plan? Masking on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with Mint Julep Facial Scrub taking the spotlight on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. And as for Sundays? That's my facial breathing day—a simple rinse and moisturize to let my skin recharge.
Sunday, 22nd March 2015: Picture Update 

DIY Facial Masks: A Fresh Start
Today marked my first foray into the world of DIY facial masks. I whipped up a concoction with lemon and honey, slathering it on my face for a refreshing 30-minute treat. It left my skin feeling fresh, though a tad dry. But hey, with a shower on the agenda later, I let my bare face bask in the afterglow.

Beyond skincare, I've been making strides towards a healthier lifestyle. Regular walks, upping my water intake, and cutting back on processed food have become my new norms. After my last pregnancy, I shed almost 10kg, bringing me to a petite 50kg at 159cm tall, with a BMI of around 20.

Facial Hygiene: A New Perspective
Facial hygiene has also taken the spotlight. I've become hyper-aware of habits like sleeping face-down, which can wreak havoc on your complexion. Switching up my sleeping position hasn't been easy, but it's worth it. And to up the ante, I even invested in a beauty pillow. Scaling back on aggressive cleansing and opting for gentler pampering has left my skin feeling cleaner and smoother, with fewer zits to fret over.

What's driving me on this journey? It's a mix of newfound free time, a desire to be creative, and a commitment to prioritize self-care. With almost a year of maternity leave under my belt, I've had the chance to dive into reading, spending quality time with my family, and rediscovering the importance of healthy living. Ditching chemical relaxers for natural hair and embracing protective styles are just the beginning. It's not just about looking good—it's about feeling healthy and confident in my skin. And while I may be fashionably late to the self-care party, I'm giving it my all. After all, it's about me, and I'm worth the effort.

 I dabbed some of my Sleek cc cream on the dark spots just to see how much coverage it could give. This provides a possibility of getting to actually transition from bad skin to good skin without being in a hurry to see magic especially if you are using the less aggressive natural skin product.     

Skin Care Routine

Thursday, 26th March 2015
Revamping My Skincare Routine: A Natural Approach
I've embarked on a whole new skincare journey, diving into the realm of DIY facial masks and natural ingredients. Gone are the days of simply washing and moisturizing—now, my routine is a carefully curated blend of kitchen staples and gentle treatments.

Before hitting the hay, I kick off my routine with a quick cleanse using mint julep facial scrub to banish surface dirt. Then, I slather on my homemade turmeric, chickpea flour, milk, and honey mask. Equal parts turmeric and chickpea flour, with a dollop of honey for that perfect consistency. As it dries (about 45 minutes for me), I hop into the shower, rinsing off the mask with lukewarm water to reveal a fresh canvas. But wait, there's more—fresh lemon juice on a cotton pad acts as a natural toner, bidding farewell to any stubborn turmeric stains. A sting, a pat dry, and it's time for the pièce de résistance: whipped shea buttercream for a nourishing finish. A little massage to boost absorption, and voilà—firm, bright skin awaits.

As the sun rises, I kickstart my day with a pore-perfecting ritual. Warm water to open the pores, followed by a gentle scrub with baking soda—a natural alkaline toner. Two minutes of TLC, then a splash of cold water to seal the deal. A dab of moisturizer, and I'm ready to face the day.

Results Worth Raving About
Since embracing this all-natural regimen, my skin has undergone a remarkable transformation. No more pesky blackheads or surprise zits—just a smoother, clearer complexion. And those scars from past breakouts? Fading faster than I ever thought possible. It's incredible to think that the simple ingredients in my kitchen can outshine any store-bought potion.

Future Plans: Intensive Care and Beyond
As I continue on this journey, I'm adding raw organic apple cider vinegar to my arsenal for an extra boost. My skin is currently in intensive care mode, but once the breakout subsides and the scars vanish, I'll adjust my routine accordingly. My ultimate goal? Flawless (or close to it) skin, achieved through the power of nature's bounty.

A Lesson Learned
In the midst of my natural skincare euphoria, I forgot to mention a crucial detail: I've bid farewell to Otentika for good. Its bleaching effects and spot-inducing tendencies just didn't mesh with my skin's needs. Lesson learned: sometimes, simplicity reigns supreme.


  
 
 

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