Growing up, my skin was so dry I acquired a few less than favorable nicknames. My own mother used to call me Casper (the friendly ghost) and Ashley (my name is not Ashley and it sounds really close to ashy). She was not the only one. As we all know, children can be unintentionally cruel with their teasing. All they need is a little ammunition. My dry skin undoubtedly served as a few bullets leaving me in the crossfire on many occasions.

However, that was the past, I don’t have that problem anymore. In fact, these days when people comment on my skin, they want to know what kind of foundation I use and what my skin care regimen is. The truth is, I don't have any kind of set regimen and I don’t even own foundation. I haven’t bought lotion in years. My secret? All natural products, all the time. I think it’s the best decision I could have made for my skin. Although I wouldn’t say I have a set beauty regimen because, quite frankly, that sounds like it requires more effort than I’m willing to commit to, there are a few essential products I can’t live without.

1. African Black Soap

I wash my face with African Black Soap everyday. The ingredients include honey, Shea butter, Osun (camwood), Palmkernel oil, Cocoa pod ash, Palm bunch ash, Aloe Vera, lime juice, water and fragrance. All of which are pure and natural. I guarantee your skin will never feel cleaner than after a hot shower with some good African Black soap. It helps to fade skin discolorations and brown spots, which is a common reason women tend to use expensive concealers and foundations. It also firms and tones skin improving texture and revealing a natural glow.

2. Witch Hazel

After a hot shower with Black Soap, I show my face a little more attention with some Witch Hazel. Witch Hazel is a 100% natural astringent, which basically means there are a thousand good reasons to use it on your face. Personally, I like the smell of it and how my skin feels after each use. It gently cleanses and conditions skin without removing essential moisture. It's good for people like me with dry skin because of its moisturizing properties, but it is also very helpful for those with oily skin because it reduces inflammation and removes excess oil from the skin. It’s even good for those struggling with acne and acne scars as well.

3. Shea Butter

After showing my face some attention it’s time to moisturize the rest of the body. Instead of using perfume ridden, watered down lotion, I have a rotation of natural butters and oils I prefer to use. One of my favorites is Raw African Shea Butter. It is hands down one of the best things you will ever do for your skin. This amazing product is constructed from the nut of the African Shea Tree, making it 100% natural. There is a rich amount of non-removable fatty acids, which are crucial to rejuvenating and moisturizing the skin. It provides all the essential vitamins needed to make skin look and feel smoother, softer and as a result, healthier.

4. Mango Butter

Raw mango butter is another product in my rotation that is just as natural and just as amazing as the rest. Mango butter is obtained from the kernels of the mango tree. It has a high content of stearic acid, which makes it very similar to cocoa butter. I especially like to use it in the summer time more because it lends protection from the sun. However, it is just as useful in the winter because it heals the skin from frostbite as well. It fights off fine lines and wrinkles as well as treats small skin wounds and heals skin peeling. As a person with tattoos, I opt to use mango butter instead of the suggested ointment when taking care of my freshly inked, skin.

5. Coconut Oil

At this point, if you haven’t incorporated coconut oil into your daily routine you must be living under a rock. Coconut oil has been gaining a lot of popularity on social media lately, and rightfully so. You can use it for everything. One of the more unknown uses that I try to spread as much as possible is as a shaving cream. Instead of using regular soap or a shaving cream that most likely has harmful chemicals, use coconut oil. Your skin will be silky smooth and you can use it in place of lotion after the shower for even more moisture.

6. Olive Oil

Another essential part of my natural product rotation is olive oil. It takes longer for the skin to absorb due to the consistency of it. However, I don’t mind it because I just use less of it at a time, which makes it more cost effective. I wouldn’t suggest olive oil for people who already have oily skin or an acne problem. For us with dry skin, one of the best benefits is its ability to be super moisturizing without clogging pores. It is a great combatant for the dry itchy skin most people deal with in the winter months. I rub it directly on my skin about 2 to 3 times a week after showering and it keeps my skin smooth and soft.

The most important thing to remember when deciding which products to use on your skin is that your skin is not its own separate entity. Everything is connected. Therefore, you should choose products that are good for the entire body, inside and out. Olive oil, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and Mango Butter are all products that I not only use on my skin/face but my hair as well. I know they're not harmful in any way like many expensive beauty products often are because they're all edible. That is my rule of thumb. With very few exceptions, I do not put anything on my skin or hair that isn't okay to eat. I encourage any one else teased or insecure about their skin to do the same thing. I went from being called Casper because of my dry, ashy skin to being complimented and asked what kind of make-up I use (which is none!) I don't have any secrets, I just discovered what works for me and never looked back. You should do the same.