Before I begin, I thought I should point out that our skin not only differs from person to person, but also goes through plenty of phases throughout our lives. Just like how our mood changes during different times of the day, our skin and its needs also differ. After talking to many skin specialists, this was the one bit of advice i always keep in mind. Over time, I have learnt how to deal with my skin better because I realised I needed to approach skincare in a more a holistic manner. It’s really all about a balance of treatments, the right products, and general well being. Throughout the years of having acne, as I've changed, my skin has altered too which is why i change my skin routines and the products that i use so frequently.
Recently on a girls weekend away, a friend of mine was astounded at my skincare collection and array of foundations. i explained that my skin had changed so much in the past year that I've had to alternate what i use on a daily basis. for example; one day it might be very dry equally the next it could be so sensitive that i cant apply anything! This is a rather difficult topic for me to approach because I mix my products around so often. Each year, I go from having horrendous skin (in my opinion) to pretty clear skin, this can alternate every other week and i continue using different products at different stages throughout. Keeping this in mind...I've put together a list of my top products that i cant live without on a weekly basis and at the same time go through a basic routine.
Firstly:
FACE WASH OR MAKEUP REMOVER
I tend to use a gentle face wash instead of makeup remover as i find wipes too harsh on my skin and usually too painful to use. So instead i opt for 'Dermol' antimicrobial emollient (a cream usually used for eczema or dermatitis), which i was prescribed by my doctor a very long time ago and is still to date the only wash that doesn't cause my skin any extra problems.
CLEANSING WASHES
usually after washing my skin i then wash it again with a gentle cleanser. The three products that i would recommend and alternate regularly depending on my skin condition would be;
1) Clinique soothing cleanser
Over the years I've made my way through pretty much every one of clinique anti-blemish solution products and this has to be one of my favourites. when i have a breakout my skin gets very red and itchy and this is my savour! Its not excessively expensive to buy and really cools down my skin, making me look a little more human!
2) Clinique cleansing foam
This is very similar to the first product but i tend to use this if my skin is having a 'normal' day, in my case, isn't too dry, too oily or too sensitive. It makes your skin feel lovely after and i always feel radiant. You can also buy this in soap form, which lasts so much longer but over the years I've realised i prefer to buy the bottle version as when dealing with acne-prone skin, you want to be as hygienic as possible so using a pump saves you contaminating the product for your next use.
Lastly
3) Dior Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Its not very often i can use products or would even recommend them with fragrances in but this is one beauty must have! Dior have excelled in making something very unique for sensitive skin. it may be a lot pricier then the other two but if your looking for something a bit more luxurious then definitley give this a go! I use this if my skin is having a sensitive day and i cant apply makeup. it smells incredible and leaves your skin feeling soft, clean and wakes me up for the day!
CLEANSERS
My top three cleansers;
1) Lancome Cleansing Fluid
This is a very lightweight cleanser, which is great if your skin is very dry or sensitive, I've used this for a long time now and am still able to use and reuse even when my skin changes.
2) Clarins Extra Comfort Anti-pollution Cleansing Cream
My mum actually introduced me to this one! she came across this after receiving a Clarins gift pack and made me try it, it contains Shea butter which is very moisturising and calming to red and angry skin. They also make mini's which are perfect when your travelling (especially when you already have so many products).
3) Dior Gentle cleansing Milk
This can be used along side the foaming cleanser above.
TONING
Top Three toners;
1) Lancome Softening Hydrating Toner
This toner smells lovely and feels very fresh once applied onto your skin. It does an amazing job of hydrating your complexion.
2) Dior Purifying Toning Lotion
This is a great toner for combination or oily acne prone skin, although I'd like to see this in a spray bottle most cotton pads tends to absorbs the product. It is incredibly gentle and soothing to angry skin. its quite pricey but worth it, if your going to go down the Dior route and buy the whole collection together.
3)Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Toner
I came across this product whilst scanning the Internet for a new toner one day. I'd heard about Dr. Hauschka before, from a friend and decided to give the small tester sets a go. I found it really relieved my skin without being too heavy, and so when i need that extra moisture this is what i use. its often very hard to find the right balance when using oils and this is one I'd definitely recommend!
Its known best to be a specially formulated toner for very oily and acne conditioned skin. with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps soothe, calm and harmonise the skin. It also helps regulate oil production in the skin so great for acne prone skin.
MOISTURISE
For me this is the focus of all my routines. People often think moisturising is a no-no for acne but for me its the most important thing. you need to keep your skin hydrated at all times, especially if you've been prescribed medication as usually it can be extremely drying! Ive tried and tested so many different moisturisers and use a different one from day to day. For my morning routine i usually end with;
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel
I've loved this for a long time as its not too heavy for the day, to wear under makeup, its not greasy and keeps your skin hydrated all day.
And at night i usually rely on;
Lancome Hydra Zen Neurocalm
Some people find this far too heavy but for me its what i need over night. Lancome also do this in a lotion for which is great for the day, but for me this is my savour!
One last thing I'd like to add to my products i couldn't live with out would be;
Clarins Gentle Peeling Smooth Away Cream
This is one of my all time favourite products...maybe its because i searched high and low for something on this level! last year i'd been longing for a gentle exfoliator, but having such sensitive skin its so hard to find one that's gentle enough but does a good job at peeling away all the dead skin cells and giving you new fresh skin. Its a must have if you in desperate need of exfoliating but don't want anything too heavy.
I realise this is a really long blog but i have so many favourite products that i swap and change and hopefully this might encourage you to try something new or find something you've been looking for!
Thank you for reading and i hope this helps.
Alys
x
