CONFESSION TIME! I'm a skincare junkie and I am very self conscious of my skin, and I always have been. I will never go out without make up on and after spending years searching and trying various skin products, I see myself as a dermatologist (In my head anyway). It all started in year 5 (yes THAT early.) when I developed Acne on my forehead due to having very oily skin, and having a girl in my year come up to me on the play ground to ask me what that big red rash was on my forehead. I thought I would write this blog post in attempt to maybe help some of you who might be going through a similar issue, and tell you about how I have found a sequence of steps that help me to maintain spot free skin at an inexpensive price!
ALSO STICK AROUND TILL THE END TO CHECK OUT MY FAVOURITE TECHNIQUES AND SOME CHEEKY EXTRA PRODUCTS WHICH I ALSO LOVE TO USE!
The only thing I'm committed to is my skincare routine.— Mason Healy (@masehealy) March 29, 2016
CLEANSING
Cleansing is a way to remove dirt, make up, sweat and any other things that have been wallowing in your pores all day. (Gross I know.) Cleansing helps to remove these impurities so when you do wash your face, you're not clogging up your pores by rubbing the dirt and make up into your skin.
WHAT I USE?
THE BODY SHOP CAMOMILE SUMPTUOUS CLEANSING BUTTER £13.00
I use the Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter, I love using this as it makes your skin feel SUPER soft due to the camomile and it also makes your skin feel nice and clean too, and this is why this is my prefered product choice and I love it! Make sure you wash your hands before you use this due to it being in a tin which you have to dip your fingers into, which could be potentially unhygienic if not looked after properly. I love how gentle this is and its also suitable for ALL skin types!!
SIMPLE MICELLAR FACE WIPES £3.99
These are also really good if you prefer something cheaper! I used these for a while and they work very well! They remove make up very well and if it's late or you just can't be bothered, this is a perfect and quick alternative which takes well less than a minute!
FACE WASH.
Face wash is something that people skip out on and just go straight from cleansing to toning, however due to my pores being easily clogged due to oily skin, its an extra step with takes no time and is VERY effective.
WHAT I USE?
FREEDERM EXFOLIATING FACIAL WASH £6.59
This is my FAVOURITE face wash I have ever used, This face wash removes excess oil, unblocks pores to prevent against blackheads which is another huge problem I suffer with, and prevents dirt collecting in my pores, it also helps get rid of dead skin cell build up, which helps keep your pores and skin healthy and to stop dry patches appearing! It took a week or so for the product to fully work and once it did I have never had such clear skin!
TONING
Toning is another key step and is also one that I couldn't live without, it helps to hydrate, refresh and also removes any other bits of dirt and oil that may STILL be on your skin.
WHAT I USE?
Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Deep Pore Treatment Toner £5.29
I have used this toner for YEARS and it still does wonders to my skin every day. To use this, you just apply it to a cotton pad and wipe it around your face. It is a deep pore toner so it really cleans out those pores and makes your skin clear. I like this one the best as I feel that it is stronger than most toners on the high street and it does the job well, as it tingles when you first apply it due to the alcohol, which gives your skin a fresh feeling and also gives the feeling that it is working, this also contains Salicylic Acid which is a GREAT ingredient to combat spots and impurities.
MOISTURISING
Moisturising is SO important, even when you have oily skin, it is a common myth with people with oily skin that you don't need to moisturise due to your skin already having oils, but these are BAD OILS! You need added good moisture which is going to make your skin feel soft and hydrated.
WHAT I USE?
FREEDOM OIL FREE PERFECTING MOISTURISER £6.79
Freederm is an excellent brand If you suffer from acne and oily skin, this is very good especially due to it being 100% oil free, which means its going to add moisture and hydrate your skin, but not adding an excess oils which you don't need in the process. The packaging involves a pump which is hygienic and the consistency isn't too think or watery, this is such an effective product, and i would defiantly recommend.
SIMPLE KIND TO SKIN VITAL VITAMIN NIGHT CREAM 50ML £5.25
This moisturiser is designed to moisturise your skin at night, but you could also use this whilst you're home one day, however this is not a moisturiser you want under your make up due to the consistency being very thick and creamy. This is SUPER hydrating and it'll leave your skin feeling unbelievably soft and smooth, this is also good as it contains Pro Vitamin B5, which softens, Vitamin E which improves your skins condition which is good if you suffer from the occasional dry patch and Vitamin F which regenerates your skin throughout the night.
EXTRA ITEMS AND TECHNQIUES
As I stated at the beginning of the post, I have been a skincare junkie for a long while, and along the way I have also found tricks and extra products that also effect my skin and REALLY help to make a difference.
FACE STEAMER
Face steaming is a GREAT way to cleanse your skin and unclog those pores, its basically a sauna for your face.
WHAT I USE?
VISIQ FACIAL STEAMER £14.99 FROM ARGOS
I have used this for a few years now and it is one of my favourite techniques to help improve my skin, its also relaxing! You fill the jug with water and poor it into the white heater and screw the facial mask on top, the time which you spend steaming your face will depending on your skin type, for oily skin it usually takes 10-15 minutes, and it really does work!!
I am pretty sure this specific one is only available in the UK however you can look online for some alternatives!
PORE STRIPS
Pore strips are a godsend! they work so well and are pretty gross, but also so cool at the same time.
WHAT I USE?
BIORE ORIGINAL DEEP CLEANSING PORE STRIPS £7.99
These are strips which after wetting your nose, you apply and you keep on for 10-15 minutes and then you peel off after it hardens, it is very gross but also very satisfying. trust me you'll love it.
FACE BRUSH
Face brush?? yes, face brush. I have only had mine for a few months but I love it! It exfoliates your skin and makes it clear, smooth and also helps clean our your pores!
WHAT I KIND OF BUT DONT USE?
FACIAL BRUSH ORIGINS £5.00
So I don't use this specific brush, but I couldn't find mine online which is by a brand named 'Elebin' but they look the exact same! I love mine, it is so effective and really helps to exfoliate your skin and prevent dead skin cell build up and help to unblock your pores! These are basically just a non electronic version of a Clearasonic, or something very similar, but these are much cheaper and you can can replace it regularly. (After I use mine I just run it under some warm water with a bit of hand soap and rub it on my hand just to give it a clean.)
SPOT TREATMENTS
You're about to go to bed, and you see a giant spot (because you don't steps 1,2,3 or 4) and you have an important date tomorrow? spot treatments will always have your back.
WHAT I USE?
FREEDERM FAST TRACK £5.49
Freederm fast track and other similar spot treatments, will combat any spot you have! It doesn't make it disappear completely but it reduces the spot and makes it less red and angry! how great!
This isn't a product which you can use under your make up unfortunately as it would become patchy, but any other time it works perfectly!
EGJ X
*ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN AND ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY OF THE BRANDS MENTIONED*
