Monday 21 May 2018

My breakout woes... and the products that saved me!

A couple of months ago, I got started on a new contraceptive pill (Loestrin, in addition to the coil which I am already on!) to try and regulate my periods. So far, so good on that front. However - it has played havoc with my skin, and a week or so after starting on the pill I broke out worse than I ever have in my life. I was getting deep red painful acne spots mainly around my chin, but also above my lip, around my nose, and even in odd places that I never get spots, such as my neck, jaw and cheek.

It seemed that my usual skincare routine was just not cutting it for these breakouts. As soon as one seemed to be going away, another would spring up somewhere else. It was infuriating, and anyone who suffers from spots and breakouts will know how much it can affect you and your self confidence.

Here are a list of products that I have used since my skin woes began. Some of these I have already mentioned in my previous posts but this is a pretty comprehensive list of the products that I have been using recently and that have helped beyond belief.

Ren Clarimatte T-Zone Control Cleansing Gel - RRP £19.00


As blemishes had taken over, I wanted to find a cleanser that directly tackled that problem. This cleanser is a purifying, antimicrobial and antibacterial cleansing gel that claims that it 'removes dirt and dissolves excess sebum while unclogging and reducing the appearance of pores'. In terms of my spots I can say that this cleanser definitely helped reduce them quickly and helped my skin to maintain a matte appearance throughout the day.

Pixi Glow Tonic - RRP £18.00 (250ml)


I have been using the Pixi Glow Tonic for a while now and I have yet to find a toner that makes as much of a difference to my skin. It is suitable for all skin types, young and old, and has developed its own cult following after having write-ups in numerous publications including Vogue. Not only does it tone, brighten and prep the skin for lotions and creams after cleansing, but it contains glycolic acid which gently exfoliates to reveal soft, healthy skin (so it is very important to use SPF daily with this product, no matter where you are in the world, as glycolic acid, as with any exfoliant, makes you more susceptible to sun damage).

It is known to diminish the signs of sun damage, fine lines and scarring, and in terms of my spots it was great as it contains witch hazel which is one of the most effective natural acne and spot treatments. I find when using this that my skin looks fresh, bright and more radiant, my pores appear smaller and my spots are diminished. After using this you will be expecting a lot more from your toner.

Kiehls Blue Herbal Moisturiser - RRP £29.50


I have talked about this moisturiser before, and it is still a staple in my skincare collection, particularly when I am suffering with excessive oiliness and breakouts. It is oil free and leaves my skin feeling matte but still hydrated, reduces the appearance of my pores and directly tackles and prevents blemishes with salicylic acid, which works to dissolve the debris that clogs pores.

Origins Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask to Rescue Problem Skin - RRP £26.50


This mask has been an absolute lifesaver and has become a necessity in my skin routine when my skin isn't playing ball. Origins are renowned for their masks, and for good reason. This one  When skin is too-slic or when more pressing problems start to pop up, Origins is here to keep skin Out Of Trouble. Super-absorbent Zinc Oxide and Sulfur plus calming Camphor rapidly soak up oily-shine, slough off dead cells and sweep away debris. Together they steer skin clear of slippery situations, refine rough texture and pull the plug on troublemakers to help prevent potential outbursts.

Alpha H Liquid Gold - RRP £33.50


Multi-award-winning 'revolutionary resurfacing treatment'. Cult product, Overnight facial that tackles a multitude of issues - acne scarring, wrinkles, texture, sun damage, pigmentation - when I wake up my spots have significantly reduced, my skin tone is improved, skin feels brightened, revitalized, moisturized and hydrated. Option of using alone or under moisturiser - but I always like to use it alone to get the most effective results.

As I have noted above, it is important when you are using products with Glycolic Acid in them to make sure you don't layer products - when I use Liquid Gold I don't use Pixi Glow Tonic as well. SPF is always important, but even more so after using these exfoliant products, and don't use too often or with other exfoliants - I tend to use mine 2-3 times a week as I was finding that any more than that could be too much and sometimes caused redness. Don't be put off - miracle product.don't use with another Glycolic Acid product (such as Liquid Gold) as you will be over-exfoliating!

Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate - RRP £38.00


A little goes a very long way with this one - trust me, I took this bottle travelling with me and have been using it frequently since I got back, and I am nowhere near the bottom yet. It is award-winning, with good reason - with 99.8% natural-derived ingredients including Lavender Essential Oil, Primrose Oil and Squalane, which is a highly effective emollient and natural antioxidant, this has become a staple of my skincare regime. I take a few drops in the palm of my hands, rub together and press into my face just before bedtime and when I wake up my skin looks radiant, refreshed and moisturized, and my spots are drastically reduced.

Origins Ginzing Eye Cream - RRP £21.00


Although this product is obviously not directly linked to my blemish issues, I thought that it was definitely worth a mention as I have been really enjoying using it over the past month or so. I had never really given much thought into using eye creams - I am luckily not one that suffers hugely with eye puffiness or dark circles, but I decided now would be a good time to get into the habit of using eye cream. This eye cream definitely makes me look more awake when I dab it around my eye area in the morning and so far, I am really enjoying using it - as with above, you only need a tiny amount so a little pot does last a long time.

Magnitone London Wipeout Cleansing Cloth - RRP £15.00


I was bought this as a Christmas gift and I must admit - I was a bit dubious as to how this could work. Only warm water needed? Surely not... But I have been proved wrong. No need to rub your face until it's sore - makeup comes straight off with this in one swipe, even longwear makeup and stubborn eyeliner and mascara. It is the perfect solution, and now I honestly couldn't be without it! For £15 pounds you get two cloths, which can each be washed and reused up to 1,000 times. They dry really quickly, so perfect for travelling (I so wish I had this for when I was backpacking!) and not only does it mean you don't have to go splashing out on expensive make-up remover cleansers, but you will be doing your bit for the environment by not using wipes.

Origins Super Spot Remover - RRP £15.50


I have tried so many spot creams, but this one really works. If you order this online, you will most likely be alarmed at how small the pot is, but like I have said for so many of the products on this list - a little goes a long way, and I think that goes to show how effective the ingredients in these products are! If I put this on individual spots at night at the end of my skincare routine, by the morning they are much less red and angry - it seems to just super-speed the healing process.

So, there you have it. My current skin saviours! Using these products I have seen a noticeable difference in my skin - of course, problem skin is down to a number of factors, not just hormones and what skincare you use, so it is important that as well as getting the right products for your skin type, you are drinking plenty of water, eating well and trying your hardest not to touch your face throughout the day or pick at blemishes (trust me, I know - and I have the scars to show for it!).

I would love to hear about what your experiences with these products have been, and which products have really turned your skin around!

L x

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