Through the glass windows of beauty shops, rows of neatly arranged toners, moisturizers, and sunscreens gleam under bright lights.
Posters of flawless models promise smooth, glowing skin — a dream many women are willing to chase at any cost. But beneath the sparkle and slogans lies a growing question: is skincare truly necessary, or just another expensive trend?
Today, skincare has become more than just a routine — it’s a lifestyle. Many women follow complex regimens inspired by beauty influencers, celebrities, and global trends such as the Korean “glass skin” look.
“I wash my face every morning and evening,” says Noya Marco, a 28-year-old accountant. “In the morning, I use serum, vitamin C, collagen, and sunscreen. At night, I cleanse and moisturize. My dermatologist also told me to watch my diet.”
For some, skincare is about beauty and self-expression. For others, it’s self-care — a quiet ritual that boosts confidence and helps them feel in control. But for many, it’s also an expensive habit.
Noya admits she spends over Ksh. 8,000 on just four skincare products.
The global skincare industry is worth billions of dollars, and Kenya has not been left behind. Beauty stores and online shops are flooded with serums, toners, and creams that promise instant transformation. Yet dermatologists warn that more products do not always mean better results.
“There are only three essential steps for healthy skin — cleanse, moisturize, and apply sunscreen,” says Dr. Aura Melvin, a dermatologist.
She explains:
A cleanser removes dirt and oil buildup.
A moisturizer hydrates the skin and strengthens its barrier.
Sunscreen protects against harmful UV rays and light from electronic gadgets, preventing premature aging and skin cancer.
Dr. Aura stresses that simple routines often work best: “Skincare does not have to be expensive. If a product is affordable, safe, and suits your skin type, that’s what matters most.”
Not everyone believes in spending heavily on skincare.
Viv, a 21-year-old medical student, swears by natural remedies like coconut oil, aloe vera, and turmeric. “A lot of it is mental,” she says. “You have to love your own skin, drink water, and eat well. Skin care should be about self-love, not just perfection.”
Margaret, another skincare minimalist, prefers keeping it simple: “I just cleanse, dry, and apply arimis. I exfoliate on weekends. My skin stays fresh and clean. You don’t need dozens of products.”
Meanwhile, Mendoza, a field assistant from Turkana County, says the pressure to maintain flawless skin can be unrealistic. “It’s too expensive and time-consuming. Breakouts are normal. Girls need to accept that skin changes with time.”
Some young women worry about the long-term effects of skincare products. Mirriam, a university student, says she hesitates to start a routine: “People say that once you start and stop, your skin becomes worse. That’s scary.”
Experts say this fear often comes from using unsuitable or harsh products. Dr. Aura advises users to consult a dermatologist before starting any routine.
One of the most ignored but vital parts of skincare is sunscreen. “It protects the skin from UV damage and blue light from phones and computers,” says Dr. Aura. “Without sunscreen, all the effort you put into your skincare routine goes to waste.”
She adds that regular use of sunscreen can prevent dark spots, early wrinkles, and even skin cancer — yet many people skip it.
While the desire for glowing skin remains strong, dermatologists emphasize that healthy skin is more important than perfect skin. What works for one person might not work for another — and real beauty goes beyond external appearance.
As Viv puts it, “Glowing skin starts from within — through confidence, love, and peace of mind.”
