Skincare Overhaul
Hey Guys!
I’d like to take you on this skincare overhaul/ journey with me.
My skin has always been problematic, starting when I was 11 years old. It has changed many times over the years. I’d think I found a holy grail skincare item, and then my skin would do a 180 on me. It has not always been due to seasonal changes either as it doesn’t always return to ‘normal’ when the seasons changed back.
Before re-vamping my skincare routine, my skin was/had:
- combination/oily
- dehydrated
- sensitive
- cystic acne
- dark scarring
- ‘dented’ scarring
- beginning signs of ageing around eyes and forehead
In my mind, the first steps were to get a handle on my cystic acne, and rehydrate my skin. I am 21 years old, and feel that I need to rehydrate my skin and slow down the ageing process! Also, you should target the acne problem before trying to tackle the scarring problem, or you may end up in a vicious cycle.
These are the 5 products I’ve introduced into my skincare routine to start myself on this journey.
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads – This is used as an acid tone/exfoliant in my routine. Previously I was using Clearasil Daily Clear with 2% salicylic acid which I found too harsh for everyday, it would literally burn the top layer of my cystic acne off and I’d end up bleeding – it was bad! These FAB ones are much gentler, yet still do the job.
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum – I saw this on Caroline Hirons blog (here) and thought this would be a good start on the re-hydration front also, it pairs well with the Clinique product below. I’ve noticed such a difference in my fine lines, my skin looks much plumper and healthier – as it should in your 20s.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash – I found the cleansing gel formula in this line much too drying to use all the time, but still felt the tea tree was making a difference in my acne so I am trying this one. My skin feels clean and not stripped after using this product.
The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter – This cleansing butter is lovely. I use this when 1) I’m wearing a ton of makeup and want to make sure I remove it all, yes even eye makeup and 2) when I want a super gentle yet deep cleaning facial wash. You only need to smallest amount so this will last for ages.
Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief – This is an oil-free gel moisturizer formulated for re-hydration – just what I needed. It sinks into the skin quickly and looks cute on the bathroom counter 😉
Since integrating these products into my routine my skin is now:
- more oily
- less dehydrated
- sensitive
- mild milia
- reduced dark scarring
- ‘dented’ scarring
- reduced the appearance of fine lines
My skincare journey is far from over but I will continue to share the new products I’m trying out here on the blog.
Please leave your recommendations in the comments. Also, if you’d like a more comprehensive review on any of these products, I’d be more than happy to do that for you.
♥
4 Comments
alice
I've had such trouble with breakouts recently so definitely going to have to give some of these a go. I love The Body Shop's Tea Tree range!
The Velvet Black | UK Style & Beauty Blog
Unknown
You got some fantastic picks! So great to see double cleansing will be part of your routine 🙂
Erin | Erin and Katherine Talk Beauty
emilynmax
Let me know how you get on with any of the products you try!
emilynmax
I still have a long way to go before I'm completely happy with my skincare routine, but this is a good start to using better products more targeted to my issues!