I’ve had a lifelong battle with my skin, but feel like I’ve finally found a routine that works for me. I thought by the age of 30, things would be easy, but unfortunately I have combination skin, that is very sensitive, and prone to breakouts if I use any kind of moisturiser…and I mean any!! Over the years I have tried every type of moisturiser, whether it be labelled “non-comedogenic”, a cream, a gel, a lotion, whatever it is, it will still block my pores. I’ve tried every brand and every price range, but still have the same problem!!
Here are a few key things I’ve learned to help keep my skin clear:
- I use a very gentle cleanser….when I’ve switched to harsher cleansers, I then suffer from breakouts.
- At night time, I use an oil or serum, not a lotion or cream
- I avoid harsh sunscreens, and use an oil-free sunscreen specially for the face, or try and avoid the sun or always wear a hat instead.
- Twice a week, I exfoliate, using a very gentle exfoliant, and use a clay mask, to keep my pores from clogging up.
- I drink lots of water! (Luckily this is a habit I have always had).
This is what I use:
Nighttime: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, followed by Aesop Fabulous Face Oil. I also regularly use Cetaphil cleanser as it’s super gentle and also extremely cheap!! The only downside I’ve found with Cetaphil is that it won’t remove all makeup – the Fresh cleanser seems to leave my face feeling cleaner without over stripping it!! Aesop Fabulous Face Oil can also be a bit expensive, so as an alternative, I also find plain Rosehip oil works really well for me.
Morning: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, followed by Clinique Sheer City Block, Daily SPF Face Protector, Oil Free. If I’m going straight to work and unlikely to be in the sun, I will use no moisturiser, or a very light serum.
Twice a week: I exfoliate with Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant…which is a really gentle, powder based scrub. I then use this soothing chamomile mask from Aesop…it feels cool and soothing, and hardens to a clay like texture…I leave it on for 10, then remove.
For breakouts, I use this spot cream by Ella Bache, and have found it to be one of the best I’ve tried. It feels really soothing, and works quickly…even on those under the surface pimples.
So there it is!! A simple routine, but it works for me….when I’ve tried to add additional steps (ie, using a toner), I often find this results in more breakouts, so simple is best for me. What are your all time favourite skincare products?
