Suggestions and a wee chit-chat for those who use retinoids.

I think retinoid products are fantastic, both as an actual medication for acne and for it's skin benefiting properties. However, retinoids can have some pretty gross and nasty side effects if used incorrectly or with the wrong skincare products, and sometimes it is a bit confusing what to use with them and what not to use with them!
After using retinoids for the best part of four years to help with my acne, I have had my disasters and have found out through trial and error what works with them, and what doesn't work with them. For your information, I am on Retin-A 0.0025% (I have a blogpost here all about the little gem).
I thought it would be a good idea for me to impart what knowledge I have on the area, so here are a few tips and suggestions for those who are just starting out or are already on retinoids and are a bit confused about what they should and shouldn't do.

1) Always wear an SPF in the day. The top layer of your skin is being peeled off, making your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Find a good SPF product which protects against both UVA and UVB rays, since both are harmful. There are plenty of good suncreams out there, you just need to find one which suits your skin type and your preference! Please, protect your skin from the sun.

2) Don't use exfoliating products/mitts/scrubs/Clarisonics whilst you're using retinoids. Especially with those who are using Retin-A, the peeling effect you get can be pretty gross and can mess up a makeup look completely. Do not be tempted to scrub this peeling skin away, because this peeling skin is attached to loose skin which will shed itself naturally. If you scrub at it, you will take all the skin off your face and will end up with a very sore and oozy face. Leave all exfoliating till at least three days after the last night/day of retinoid application.

3) Do not use any harsh astringent or products containing other chemical exfoliants. This will further irritate your skin, and, from my own experience, they will sting your skin like absolute hell. Not worth it! Treat your skin gently and with kindness and your skin will recover easier and you'll have less 'downtime'.

4) Moisturise, moisturise, and moisturise. You need to find an intensive moisturiser, which helps the skins healing process. Be warned, there are some cream which will sting, and there is no saying which ones will and which ones don't. It is trial and error, but stick to creams which are designed for those with extremely dry and sensitive skins, because these are less likely to contain products which are harsh to skin. Look for products designed for extremely senstive/allergic/dry or cracked skin, these products should contain less nasty harsh stuff and more of the gentle, good stuff.

5) Deal with it. Retinoids have side effects. It is important to know that from the very beginning. And in my experience, every application proves a different result skin-wise. One week you might use it and skin might peel with minimal redness and then heal quickly, leaving skin radiant and beautiful in no time, whilst other times your skin might peel leaving sore-looking red patches all over your face, and downtime feels like forever. Yes, it's a bummer, but think about the result of your skin after using retinoids, and all those days of walking around feeling dejected about the red patches on your skin will be worth it, especially from an acne-front. Focus on the long term.

6) Don't over-use them. I only need a couple of nights application of Retin-A to get my skin to peel, any more than that then my skin gets increasingly sore and dry and almost impossible to normalise. After these two nights, I moisturise my skin like hell to minimise any dryness and to help my skin to heal. Overusing the retinoid will not make it more effective, it will just worsen the side effects!

7) In terms of acne, it gets worse before it gets better. If your doctor has prescribed you retinoids for your acne and you've not been on them before, it is important to be aware that acne might get worse during the early stages. This does not mean the medication isn't working, it just means that the medication is purging the skin of all the nasties that lie beneath the surface of the skin. Be diligent, don't stop applying the retinoid and you'll soon see the benefits.

8) To cover, or not to cover. I don't tend to cover up my Retin-A side effects, because in the past I have tried to cover up peely skin with concealer/powder/foundation, and my skin balls up and it looks worse than going au naturel. Everyone has their preferences though, so if you can't bear to go bare-faced, then don't, but find something that works with you and your side-effects. Redness is slightly easier to cover up, but I think that if you treat the treated skin with the utmost care and gentleness, you're minimising irritation and so redness should fade quicker than if you're scrubbing and pouring paint-stripper-type-toner all over your face.

Tried-and-tested products (with reviews) that I always turn to when I'm actively using Retin-A:
Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser, Eucerin Aquaphor, Vichy Capital Sun SPF 50 Mattifying Face Fluid Dry Touch. Barefoot Botanicals Face and Body Rescue Cream.

This blogpost is made up from personal experiences with Retin-A and what I've been told by dermatological experts. Everyone's skin/reaction to retinoids is different, and always read the insert that comes included with medication and over-the-counter retinoids!
I am open to suggestions about products, so if you use retinoids and have a product that is great at treating the horrid side effects, let me know!

Elemis 'Papaya Enzyme Peel'.

I had heard so many good things about the 'Papaya Enzyme Peel', from magazines giving it countless accolades, dermatologist/expert recommendations and all-important beauty blogs, so it was only a matter of time before I would actually get my grubby mitts on it.

On the back of my tube, Elemis explains that 'this smooth cream peel contains an exotic cocktail of natural fruit enzymes from African Papaya and Far Eastern Pineapple that helps to gently exfoliate and purify tired or sensitive skin. Enriched with extracts of Bladderwrack, Sunflower, Porphyridium and Vitamin E to help remineralise and condition the skin, whilst providing Anti-Oxidant and free-radical protection'.
Basically, the 'Papaya Enzyme Peel' is a chemical exfoliator which uses fruit acids to do the exfoliating business!

It is alike the Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash in the fact that it took a while for me to actually notice a difference. I'm the sort of person who expects results immediately, and am not patient. But instead of getting grumpy with the lack of results, I kept on using it, and over the period of two months I have noticed that my skin looks more radiant, more smooth and much more refined.
I do think it helps that my skin-care routine is aimed at refining, preventing and correcting, so my skin is generally quite good anyway at the moment, but this is definitely a gem which I couldn't be without.

It comes out of the tube as a cream (which smells so good you almost want to eat it), which you apply onto cleansed skin. You leave it on the skin for approximately 10-15 minutes, and then you remove it with a lukewarm water. Normally, I use mine before bed, and just leave it on the skin until it completely sinks in, and then I'll remove it and get on with the rest of my night-time skincare routine. Or sometimes if I'm being completely lazy I'll leave it on for the whole night. But this leaves my skin looking so bright and amazingly radiant in the morning, so maybe it does pay to be a lazybones!
I love how simple to use this is: just apply a thin layer to cleansed skin, with no massaging, no complicated mixing or whatever, and relax! Plus, it leaves even overly-sensitive (due to Retin-A) skin soft, plumped and dewy without a hot, sore, red face that some face masks can leave me with, making it a great pre-event facial treatment!

The packaging is very simple and wonderfully practical, but I think simplicity can be beautiful, which is definitely the case here. It is in a silver plastic tube, with a silver plastic screw-on lid, with the brand logo on and the necessary information printed on.
The fact that the product is in a plastic tube makes it travel-friendly.

I actually paid £22.08 for my 50ml bottle, compared to a RRP of £28.60. There was some sort of Elemis discount on Feel Unique, so I thought I would take the bait and get this and the Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash for cheaper than normal!
I know it is quite expensive for an exfoliator, and being a poor student I should probably be a bit more sensible (hey, I can live off cheap tins of sardines for another month), but I still think that this product (and several others) has certainly given my skin a very youthful, radiant, more refined appearance, and for this reason (and the reasons above!) I would definitely repurchase, because it's a mask I enjoy using, and most importantly, it produces noticeable results!

Are there any other Elemis products I should consider using?

La Roche Posay 'Hydraphase UV Intense Light'.

Since summer has gone (did we even have one?), it was time to think about changing my my skincare routine to something a little more substantial.
When the weather was warmer, I was cleansing, applying a serum and suncream and I was done, and that was enough! However, with all the horrid cold weather that we've been getting, my skin has needed that little something extra just to keep it in tip-top condition.
I needed and was looking for a cream that could go over the top of my Vichy sun cream to hydrate and protect my skin, and that wasn't going to make me look shiny.
I hadn't done as much research into this as I normally do regarding skincare, and I picked the little tube up on a whim whilst in Boots a few of weeks ago. I trust La Roche Posay anyway, so I knew I would get on with it well!

La Roche Posay's 'Hydraphase UV Intense Light' is a day cream designed for dehydrated skin, normal to combination and prone to sensitivity. My skin is quite oily, however due to my Retin-A useage my skin does get very dehydrated and sensitive, especially now it's getting colder, so this fits the bill.

La Roche Posay say that dehydrated skin has a 'damaged cellular cohesion', which compromises water regulation within the skin. This means, the skin isn't able to keep the water in.
'Hydraphase UV Intesne Light' contains Hyaluronic Acid fragments, which, alongside a 'reinforced formula', provide 'intense rehydration by infusing the skin with water, a reinforced cellular cohesion in order to help retain water in the skin for longer'. It also contains UVA and UVB protection in the form of SPF 20, which is an added benefit since those sun rays are still peeking through those clouds at this time of year! Plus, UVA and UVB rays also play a part in dehydration of the skin!

It's a white lotion, which sinks in to the skin super fast, leaving it feeling moisturised and soft. It hydrates the skin wonderfully all throughout the day without leaving any tackiness or stickiness on the skin. It does leave a slight shine, but it looks very natural and not at all oily.
You don't need a lot of the product to cover the face; a little bit of lotion goes a long way!
I find that this 'Light' version is perfect for my normally oily skin, but there is a 'Rich' version for those of you with drier and more sensitive skins!

This product is paraben free, reducing the chances of irritation or sensitivity to the product. It also contains the famous La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water, which is apparently rich in selenium, which has anti-oxidant properties.
There is no scent to this product, which doesn't bother me in the slightest. I'd rather a product did the job and had no scent than smelt like a Malaysian forest at sunrise and be totally pants!

The packaging is superbly practical. It comes with a pump, which is handy because sometimes taking off lids can get a little irritating (especially if you drop them and they go under your dresser). I always think pumps are a little bit more hygienic than something you have to take the lid off and stick your fingers into.
The tube itself is plastic, which is great because when on the move, I can just shove it in my bag without fearing a breakage.

It cost me £16.50 for a 50ml tube in Boots, which is not a bad price. I know there are some cheaper face creams I could have got instead, but I really get on well with La Roche Posay products, they are a brand that I trust for good-quality, well-researched skincare which isn't going to cost me the earth.

I like this product a lot, and I would repurchase. It keeps my skin hydrated even when it's been battered by Retin-A, wind and rain, it keeps it protected from the sun and it applies on top of my suncream fantastically, and it doesn't irritate my skin.
I like it, and it's definitely a winner in my books!

Holland & Barrett 'Herbal Authority Tea Tree Oil Soap'

I remember using pure tea-tree oil on my spots when I was about 11. My dad swore by it, and whenever I got a spot or an insect bite, he would be there dabbing it onto the affected area, telling me about the antiseptic properties. The magical thing was that the spot would be dried out and nearly gone by the morning! But that was before I suffered with the acne that I still tend to struggle with to this day!

I have never used tea tree oil on my current acne, I never even thought of it to be honest, I just think about AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, fruit acids, glycolic acid etc. I wandered into Holland and Barrett a few weeks ago, and saw this soap. I remembered all those times that my insect bites/spots had disappeared overnight, and bought it immediately. It was another route to go down in my acne management!

Using it on my oily skin, it foams up beautifully and leaves skin really baby soft and not dried out at all. It cleans so well, it removes every single trace of makeup from my skin, leaving it so clean, but without feeling tight. In regards to my acne, I would say it has definitely helped. I am still on my medications, but whereas the medications help from the inside, the soap helps from the outside, removing all grime and grubbiness and also acting as a antiseptic. It's fantastic.
When I used the soap whilst using my Retin-A at night, I did find that the soap really stung my skin like hell and left it feeling so irritated and full of rashes. I learnt the hard way!
In light of this, I would say that if you do suffer from acne but have really sensitive skin due to medications or whatever, steer way clear of this because it's not worth all the soreness. Use something a little bit gentler.

I would say if you are using the soap, make sure you are using products which moisturise and hydrate your skin well, since tea-tree oil does have a tendency to dry out skin and we are getting into colder weather which will give your skin a bit of a beating too! Personally, I always use Aquaphor overnight, which is an extremely moisturising and hydrating face balm and sort of counter-acts the drying action of the soap but doesn't impede the anti-bacterial properties!

It does smell quite strongly of tea-tree oil, so if you don't like the smell of tea-tree or any strong fragrances, don't get this!
Personally, I quite like the smell, it really makes me feel so fresh and invigorated.

It only cost me £1.49 for 70g of soap, which I think is a fantastic little bargain.

I will definitely repurchase because when I'm not using my Retin-A, this soap is fantastic at cleaning skin without drying it out completely. It's cheap and easily accessible (if you have a Holland & Barrett near you!). And it seems to keep my acne at bay! Win!

Elemis 'Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash'

I had heard good things about the Elemis 'Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash', and I was attracted to it by the the idea that it gently resurfaced the skin. This was appealing, since I struggle with my skin, and acne and acne scars and marks are the bane of my life. I am forever looking for the product which will give me that 'perfect complexion', and am pretty much willing to spend a lot of money and time trying to achieve it.

'Galactoarabinan, a Polysaccharide, enhances the non-abrasive exfoliation process, whilst Brazilian Babussu Oil replenishes moisture. Moringa protects the skin against environmental damage, whilst White Truffle, Poria Cocos, soothes and supports the skin’s natural micro flora.' The product 'sloughs away dead skin cells, smoothes and refines the complexion' and 'skin looks radiant and youthful'.
Personally, I am not sure how effective these ingredients are. I know the normal exfoliating agents used in skincare are AHA, BHA and retinoids, so I'm not familiar with any of the ingredients or how effective they are at resurfacing the skin...but I bought it anyway.

During the first few weeks of use, I became rather quite annoyed with the lack of results. I didn't feel like it was delivering the results I wanted and had heard of (perfect skin, acne remission, scars diminishing). I regretted spending a lot of money on something I really wanted to work, but just didn't. I carried on getting spots and I wasn't noticing any effect in my complexion. I resigned it to the 'never buy again' section in my brain, and just carried on using it to use it up. It was one of those products I loved to hate.
Then a couple of weeks later, I suddenly noticed how clear my skin was. It looked so bright, radiant and healthy, and bar the odd spot, my acne was gone. I haven't had a breakout in about 2 weeks! Even my mother complimented my skin, and she never compliments me!
I am not sure if it is this wash alone, or something else in my skincare routine. But I feel slightly more love for it than I did when I first began using it. It just goes to show, sometimes results aren't immediate and obvious.

When using it, it leaves skin feeling so clean and incredibly soft, without that dreaded tight feeling you get. It foams up into a really luxurious lather. I sometimes use mine with my Clarisonic if I want to give my skin an uber-clean and exfoliation.
Despite having all those dead-skin-eroding bits and bobs inside the bottle, it is such a gentle cleanser. I imagined it to be a bit stingy and to cause irritation as soon as I used it, but no, I haven't experienced anything but lovely, soft skin. Even when I've been using my Retin-A and my skin is all sore and red, there has been no irritation.

It doesn't take off eye makeup very well, so I take off all my makeup with a facial wipe and then use my cleanser. It is actually meant to be a secondary cleanser, so the idea is that you take off all the makeup and grime with the first wash, then use this cleanser after.
I only need one pump which is an adequate amount for washing the whole of my face and neck area, so a little bit goes a long way. Just as well, considering the price tag!
The smell of the product is well and truly beautiful. It's like stepping out into a tropical garden first thing in the morning, and is so calming and relaxing. It really sets me up for the day ahead!

It comes in a 200ml bottle, which is quite a nice large size. It means it has lasted me absolutely ages, I bought mine about 6 weeks ago, and I'm only about a third of the way through. It also has a pump dispenser, which is quite handy because you can't get too much product like you sometimes can with squeezy bottles. Plus, you can't lose the lid. Yes, it happens.

The RRP is £27.60, which is a hefty price for a face wash. I did actually get it for cheaper, there was an offer on and I got it for only £22, which is definitely more palatable than the RRP!

To be honest, I'm in two minds whether I would repurchase or not. On the one hand it is such a great secondary cleanser, it leaves skin clean and soft, it smells lovely, packaging is practical, it's a gentle and non-irritating cleanser, it has lasted me absolutely ages, maybe it cleared up my acne, and has left my skin looking quite radiant, but on the other hand it is expensive for a cleanser. Actually, that is the only con. But still, price is a very important factor!

Are you a fan of any Elemis products?

Pamper sesh/Mini-facial.

Once a week I like to treat myself to a little facial, so to speak. No, I don't go out and get it done professionally, I do it by myself on myself, in the comfort of my own room. Perfectamundo.

It is one of the most pampering things you could do and your skin will love you for it, and you don't really need fancy expensive products or equipment. For example, stage 1 is cleansing. Any cleanser would do, depending on your skin type. Stage 2 is a repeat, so essentially a double cleanse, and you could use the same cleanser as before or go for a different one if you fancy. I find that my oily congested skin appreciates a double cleanse and I find this really effective at leaving skin prepped and primed. If you don't want to double-cleanse or don't feel your skin needs it - don't. I only do it because I definitely need to! Stage 3 is exfoliation. Any exfoliator will do, just make sure that the exfoliating matierial within the product isn't natural - peach kernels or nut shells aren't naturally round and therefore can scratch the skin, which isn't good. Man-made beads or crystals in exfoliating products are better because they can be refined down and rounded so they have a less harsh effect on the skin but are still effective. Step 4 can be carried out over a bowl of water. You don't have to own a steamer! Step 5 can be carried out again with a preferred cleanser. Stage 6 can be carried out with any mask you like - hydrating, chemically exfoliating, cleansing, whatever you want!. For stage 7, use your favourite moisturiser, and hey presto.
Everyone does their own facial differently, but mine is through trial and error, and this method and these products work for me!

I have written out what I normally do once a week facial-wise. Sometimes I skip out a stage if I'm feeling pushed for time, but normally I don't feel like I'm doing my skin justice unless I do the whole caboodle!

1) If I have a full face of makeup (which is rare), I take it all off with a baby wipe first and then I cleanse my face with the Neutrogena 'Visibly Clear 2 in 1' face wash to remove all the impurities and oil from my skin, leaving skin already feeling fresh and so clean.
2) I cleanse my face again with my Clarisonic and a foaming face wash (I am loving Neutrogena's 'Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash'), and then follow with Boots' Botanics 'All Bright Cleansing Toner', just to ensure I have cleaned every last trace of grime from my skin.
3) I follow the double-cleanse with micro-dermabraison courtesy of No7's 'Total Renewal Micro-dermabraision Exfoliator'. This is hands down the best exfoliator I have ever used. I haven't yet found one to beat it (yet). It removes all the dead skin cells, revealing new skin, ensuring all my products are ready to be absorbed well!
4) Then I steam my face with my own steamer - I've had it 6 years and it's still going strong! I add Boot's own 'Glycerin and Rosewater' or tea tree to the water. It really depends how my skin is feeling, if it's a wee bit sensitive I opt for the rose water, if I have a massively huge breakout I opt for the tea-tree essence just to clear out my congested pores.
5) Then I cleanse with a foaming cleanser, to make sure I have removed all the micro-dermabraison crystals from my skin.
6) I then apply a mask; this could either be the Neutrogena 'Visibly Clear 2 in 1' used as a mask (I love those multi-purpose products I do) or the Elemis 'Papaya Enzyme Peel'. I normally alternate but if skin is feeling congested, I will plump for the Neutrogena mask above the Elemis one, and if skin is looking dull and lifeless, I'll opt for the latter!
7) I then apply Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum, followed by a nice big sticky layer of Eucerin's 'Aquaphor' to ensure my skin is moisturised like hell - and I'm done!

I do think it is important not only for the skin, but also for the mind to completely de-stress and focus on yourself - I don't have much 'me-time' at the moment so this is the one selfish thing I revel in.

Estee Lauder 'Advanced Night Repair'.

I first got a bottle of this back when I was 17 from my boyfriend for my birthday (not that anybody thought I was old or anything, I have always been obsessed with skincare), and I have always had a bottle in my skincare box ever since.
This serum is probably one of my most re-purchased skincare products, I really love it. I love everything about it, the packaging, the way it works, the smell, the name...I JUST LOVE IT SO MUCH OKAY? And this is really a blogpost telling you why.




This serum has won so many awards and accolades it is like the celebrity of the skincare world; Cosmopolitan Beauty and Fragrance Awards 2012 - Best Age Defying Serum, Woman & Home: Best Beauty Icon - Turn Back the Clock 2011, InStyle Award Winner 2011, She Magazine 2011: Best Night Cream, Stylist Skincare Awards 2011 Winner.
This product is dermatologist-tested, ophthalmologist-tested, fragrance-free and non-acnegenic, the latter being the most important for me because of my well documented battle with acne.

Basically, the people at Estee Lauder understand that environmental assaults damage skin cells and their DNA, leading to fine lines, wrinkles (a sharp gasp) and age spots. Which is true, I mean think of the sun rays, emotional stresses and pollution our skin faces day to day.
These folks believe that 'Advanced Night Repair' can reduce the appearance of past damage and help prevent future damage.

Now here is the really sciency bit; to which I have copied from the Estee Lauder website because I can't put it into my own words;
Skin cells have clock genes that, when in sync with each other, help skin do what it does naturally—repair at night and protect by day.
Working extensively with a leading, independent research team, Estée Lauder scientists are among the first to understand how important these genes are for your skin.
This pivotal research showed that clock genes regulate a series of precisely timed repair responses within each skin cell to help maximize its DNA repair.
Furthermore, with age and repeated exposure to environmental stresses, skin's clock genes become de-synchronized, causing its repair and protective processes to slow down.
Advanced Night Repair; This silky serum with our exclusive Chronolux™ Technology helps support the natural synchronisation of skin's repair process.

If that went completely over your head, then I will tell you what I thought about it!

I find this serum to sink in beautifully into the skin without leaving any residue, leaving it feeling incredibly moisturised and more plump. This serum contains Hyaluronic Acid, which has long been claimed to be 'the moisture magnet'. It is so moisturising you could probably forgo the moisturiser afterwards, but I never have because I think layering up skincare and using different products is very effective. My skin also feels so much more radiant after application, it's so bright and healthy.

I find that using this product over how many years I've used it has improved my skin texture, has minimised the appearance of my enlarged pores (hurrah!), hydrates my skin extensively, and more importantly, it has reduced the redness and pigmentation that has been left behind on my skin after suffering with acne for 3 years. I do still have areas of slight redness, but I would definitely say that this product has helped reduce the level of scarring and pigmentation I have been left with. I don't particularly have a problem with wrinkles yet, so I can't particularly give an opinion on that side of things.
I can use it on my skin even when it's sensitive due to Retin-A use, since it doesn't sting or cause my skin any irritation, as well as using it on my skin is it's normal oily self.

I use this twice a day, in the morning after I've cleansed and toned and before I apply my sun protection (this Vichy suncream) since I feel I need that little moisture-boost underneath my sun cream, and in the evening after cleansing and toning and before my oils/face creams.
Whenever I use it I always use a drop for my forehead, a drop for each cheek and a drop for my chin. I also love to use it around my eyes, I know it's not for that purpose but it makes my eye area feel hydrated and healthy! I always allow ten minutes after applying the serum before applying other products to let it sink in thoroughly.

The packaging is wonderful too. It comes in a cute little brown bottle (rather like the colour of medicine bottles!), with gold lettering. This instantly makes this product look incredibly luxe, and perfect for placing on your dresser for all to see!
It also comes with a little glass dropper attached to the lid, which is perfect for getting the right amount onto the skin, because you can be so precise!

At £41/£54 for a 30ml/50ml bottle, it is a quite expensive product. However, a bottle of this can last me 4 months, which equates to only around £13/month, which really isn't all that bad. I am very happy to spend money on this serum, because I have tried serums in the past where I just thought the product was a complete waste of money. However, the way this works on my skin, I think this product is worth every single penny, and I don't think I could ever be without it.
I hope that when I'm 70 years old the years of using this product will definitely be for all to see.

I mean, at the end of the day, would rather spend money on expensive face products rather than things like clothes, I mean who cares about that nice top you're wearing when you've got a face which resembles a raisin?
It would be interesting to hear your experiences with Advanced Night Repair if you've used it! Do you rave as much about it as I do?

No7 'Total Renewal Micro-dermabraison Exfoliator'.

Let me warn you - this is going to be a rave. Why? Because I love this product. I have repurchased this so many times I have lost count. Seriously, I LOVE IT.

When I was around 16/17 I really got into exfoliating products because I suffered with dry patches on my cheeks and exfoliating was really the only way to get rid of them. I tried so many so-called exfoliators and was slightly disenchanted by trying one lame product after another. Sometimes there wouldn't be any exfoliating power to the product, it was like rubbing a cream containing tiny balls into your skin or they were like face washes with a few scratchy bits in. I wasn't enamoured. Then one day my dear mother came home with one of those No7 sample bags you get free if you spend over a certain amount. A little sample tube of an exfoliator was in there, so I used it one day, and my 17 year old self instantly fell in love; it was an exfoliator which actually exfoliated and seemed to work! No more dry cheek patches!



"Aluminium-oxide micro-crystals smooth, refine and renew sweeping away dull cells for incredable radiance from the first time you use it. Within 4 treatments stimulates skin cell renewal to work against fine lines, skin tone evens leaving skin softer, silky to touch and more refined. Helps to work against the appearance of dark areas, sun damaged or belmish prone skin too. Not to be used on sore sun-burnt skin."
In the beauty world there has been a move away from physical exfoliators towards chemical exfoliators. I am prescribed a chemical exfoliator (Retin-A) which is amazing for my acne, but you can't beat a good physical scrub every so often.

This is much stronger than your average facial scrub, and that is why I like it. My skin is very oily and prone to acne (but you already knew that right?) so I need a good effective exfoliating product to slough away all the dead skin and impurities to help prevent (more) blemishes and to help skin regenerate! After using this product I am always amazed how soft, renewed and glowing my skin is. You really notice the difference after a couple of weeks of use: my skin seemed more even in texture and appearance and skin seemed a lot softer and more refined. WIN!

I would not recommend this if you have sore/sensitive skin, because it can sting even on my skin, and I imagine it would be agony if you used it and had sore/sensitive skin. If you have normal/oily/combo skin, it is probably best to use this product every few days, since using it too often can make skin sore and overly-sensitive. Plus it's just not effective! I use mine a few days after I first applied my Retin-A for the week, but when I haven't been using the Retin-A for a couple of weeks I use it every 3 days. Sometimes my acne is so bad I can't use it, and I would say that if you do have acne which results in lots of whiteheads, wait until they've disappeared before use. You don't want to take the heads off the spots because scarring may occur!
When I do use this product, I always use it at night, so that my exfoliating all the potions and lotions I apply at night are more effective as the old dead gross skin has gone leaving the newness behind!

You don't need to use a lot of product to get results: I used a pea sized dot for each area: forehead, left cheek, chin, right cheek. A little bit does go a long way!

I don't find that this product reduces acne pimples occuring, but I do find that it helps at reducing the red pigmentation on the skin and uneven skintone the acne leaves behind, which is helpful for me because I do have some pigmentation issues as a result of my battle with acne.

I am an avid believer that man-made exfoliating material is the best, like the aluminium-oxide micro-crystals in this product, simply because the particles are more uniform, refined and rounder in shape than natural materials like peach kernel, nut shells or the like. They can be quite sharp and may damage the skin. The man-made exfoliating materials are obviously better for this reason, and yet are still effective at doing their job, revealing new fresh skin each time!

This product comes in as £11, which I think is astounding. It is such a high-quality product for a great price. Also, I have had my current tube for about 4 months so far, so that works out at just under £3 a month! If that isn't good value, then I don't know what is.

Packaging is simple. I bought mine before No7 had an image overhaul, so my tube is pearlescent white with a white cap. Simple and uncomplicated is how I like it. Thumbs up!

Overall I think this is an amazing product and there is nothing wrong with it at all in my book, it does exactly what it promises. It works at refining my skin and making it look all shiny and new, and the price is amazing. If you haven't got a tube...why the hell not?!

Me and my acne: Week 34 update.

I know this is late. But only a day late, and I didn't want to leave it for another week because that would definitely be bad and I don't want to become lazy with my blog.

So, I think my skin has improved on last week. I'm using my Retin-A religiously at the moment and it's doing wonders at sloughing away all my dead skin and drying out my spots. My forehead is clearing up, but my spots seem to have emigrated to my cheeks, which is weird. The area of spots under my neck is still proving to be a pain in the bottom, but after continuously putting on Retin-A for the past four nights (I have been peeling like hell), the spots have calmed down, leaving nasty redness behind.
Oral medication wise, I still have a month and three weeks to go. Even though I think there has been a small positive change in my skin, my mum has said she can't see a difference in my acne and she says I seem very 'down', which if I think about it, is right really. I do feel a bit pants about how slowly this new medication seems to be working, but have not really wanted to make a big deal about it and have just soldiered on. She has encouraged me to go back to the doctor, and in fact, she felt so strongly about the fact that she has gone and booked an appointment for me to see the doctor! I'm not sure how I feel about this, since I do feel my skin is improving slightly despite what she says!

I have made changes to my diet in the last month, the main one is to try and eat oily fish 5/6 days of the week. I never ate unhealthily in the first place: I'm a student dietitian so it would be hard for me to eat unhealthily, but I know I never used to eat as much oily fish as I should, so now I'm on the other end of the scale and completely OD'ing (I'm probably dying from mercury poisoning...).
I think this is really making a difference, although right now the thought of smoked salmon makes me want to heave, and I'm noticing my boyfriend doesn't want to be near me anymore...I jest. I definitely think eating more oily fish has made a difference not only in slightly reducing the amount of acne, but I can see in the other areas of my skin looks a lot more radiant, less red and angry, a lot more hydrated and more plump. I'm definitely keeping this fishy habit up, because when my active acne finally decides it's had enough, it should help with the redness and scarring left behind!
I definitely think diet has some sort of effect on my skin, because for the entire week I was eating smoked salmon every day and apart from the odd homemade brownie, I had nothing artificial/preservativ-y and my skin seemed to be getting better. Then, on Saturday my boyfriend took me over to the dark side and we had garlic doughballs and onion rings, and voila - today I have two pimples on my head! Although this might be coincidence, it's giving me total 100% motivation to really watch what I eat and consider it's effect on my acne.

So overall, I'm bummed out that my medication hasn't had a huge effect, smoked salmon helps but makes me feel sick, onion rings and garlic doughballs don't help, and I'm going back to the doctor in a week!

Anyone who suffers with acne - do you think diet has an effect on acne? Have you made any changes to your diet which have helped?

Boots' 'Traditional Glycerin and Rosewater'.

I bought this a few weeks ago, because as well as needing a toner that was going help my acne, I needed a toner for when I had over-used my Retin-A, which leaves my skin dehydrated, flaky and sore. I found just the thing in Boots' own 'Glycerin and Rosewater'. This product doesn't market itself as a toner product, but a 'beautifier', which can be used as a toner. Don't you think beautifier is such a lovely word? I do! I have heard lots of people putting it to different uses: the main use is using it as toner, but have heard some people use it as an eye make-up remover and some use it as a make-up setter.

It is lightly fragranced, but smells divinely of roses, which is lovely. I suppose some people could argue that it is a scent reserved for the older generation, but I think it smells absolutely wonderful and just smelling it improves my mood, let alone anything it does for my skin! It just reminds me of going outside during a Summer evening and smelling all the roses in our garden...but anyway, I digress!

The ingredients list all seems very tame: aqua, glycerin, isopropyl alchohol, methylparaben, sodium citrate, parfum, eugenaria caryophyllus leaf oil, rosa damascena flower oil. Obviously, from reading the ingredients list, it is quite clear that this product contains parabens and artificial fragrances, but that doesn't overly bother me. It works at moisturising my skin and that's all I care about!
This product doesn't contain anything that irritates my skin, and I find that even when my skin is dry, flaky and even cracked and when most products just sting like eff and irritate like hell, this toner when applied to the skin on a cotton pad soothes, cools, refreshes and moisturises. It really is a lovely feeling. This makes me think that this is a product that people with dry and/or sensitive skin may get on with due to the fact that even in my post-Retin-A state I suffered absolutely nothing, and it kept my skin hydrated.

One thing I would say is that it does tend to leave skin looking quite shiny and tacky, probably due to it's moisturising properties and due to the fact it has a slightly thicker texture than other toners I've tried. Because of this, this product is probably better during a night-time skincare routine, as using it in the morning before makeup/day skincare can make my already oily skin a little too oily for my liking, although not overly oily. Sometimes my skin is so dry after Retin-A use that I have to use it during the day just to help my skin out a little bit, but when it's recovered it's best just to use it at night!

This product cost me £2.32 for 200ml from Boots (well, duh!), which I think is a right little bargain - some would say 'dirt cheap'! Plus, the bottle is kind of quirky and quite vintage-y, and I quite like it sat on my dresser! Although it is an obvious plastic bottle which kinda cheapens it a little bit, but this is a skincare blog, not a design blog!

Overall, when I run out of this, I will probably re-purchase since it really helps soothe, calm and moisturise tired, stressed and damaged skin without any stinging or irritation! I love the smell and, even more, the price!

Vichy 'Purifying Astringent Toner'.

I never used to buy or use toners, since I thought that they were a waste of money and time, and if you cleansed your skin properly, they weren't necessary.
However, I went a bit crazy in a couple of pharmacies about two weeks back, and bought a few different toners, I suppose just to see what I was missing out on, if anything. Also, since my skin is going crazy right now with acne, I thought I might as well give a toner a try to see if it could clear it up.

So this toner is by Vichy, and I have already tried and absolutely LOVED one of their suncreams, and so had quite high expectations of this product, simply because of what I had experienced with this other product.

This product is from the 'Normaderm' range by Vichy, which is aimed to provide a complete skincare regime for imperfection prone skin, which is why it caught my eye!
Now, I tried to find a comprehensive product description on the Vichy website, but the UK part of the site seems to be down for the moment, so here is a product description I pulled from escentual.com;

"Clear your imperfection-prone skin with the Vichy Normaderm Purifying Astringent Toner, a 3-in-1 unclogging solution that unclogs and tightens the pores.
The intensive formula ensures clear skin with salicylic acid concentrated at 0.5%. Totarol, a new purifying ingredient , inhibits the proliferation of propionibacterium acnes, which are the bacteria responsible for acne. Eperuline, a new soothing ingredient of natural origin, regulates inflammation.
Impurities are eliminated, and the appearance of pores are reduced for a more even skin surface and a matte effect."



I normally double-cleanse my skin with Hibiscrub (not conventional, I know, but my sister's dermatologist recommended it to help with her acne) both morning and night, which leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean. When using this toner it really helps to remove any traces of dirt/grime/grossness from my skin, and leaves it feeling even cleaner than before.

It does help tighen and minimise pores to an extent, but my pores are like craters (they are huuuge), so I was quite impressed that this product actually managed to close them to ANY extent! It did seem to even out the texture on my skin as well, leaving it looking really clean and radiant. I do notice that if you use a lot of the product of your skin (guilty as charged), your skin can feel a little bit tacky, but using just one layer seemed to leave no trace of product behind!

If you have sensitive or dry skin, this product is a no-no. I used it when my skin was feeling particularly sensitive, and my, it hurt like nothing I've ever experienced in my life! I experienced really bad stinging and it left my skin feeling quite hot and irritated. However, when my skin was back to it's normal oily self, there was no irritation at all and we were best friends.

After applying, skin did feel slightly tight, but not uncomfortable. That feeling did subside after applying my moisturiser on top. I don't find this toner dries my skin out at all, however, I do have an oily skin.
One thing that some people might hate is the smell. It is quite a strong smell, quite alcohol-y. That doesn't really bother me, since the way beauty products smell has never been an important factor for me to consider, but those who don't like strong smelling products, steer clear.

What I like about this product is that it contains salicylic acid. Now, what follows is what i have just pulled from Wikipedia: "It works as a keratolytic, bacteriocide and comedolytic agent by causing the cells of the epidermis to shed more readily, opening clogged pores and neutralizing bacteria within, preventing pores from clogging up again by constricting pore diameter, and allowing room for new cell growth." Now, because it encourages our skin to shed itself (ew gross), it is probably a good idea to use this product with a broad spectrum suncream just to prevent the new and sensitised skin from getting damaged by those sun rays.

I did notice that it seemed to calm the red angry spots down. However, since coming off acne medication altogether (I promise I will post an update this week), it hasn't cured it, or prevented any new spots from forming (boo hoo). I am sceptical to blame this on the product, because literally nothing has cleared up my skin apart from oral medication. It might be that the product isn't effective, but I am hesitant to blame this product for the lack of amazing results acne-wise, I probably just wouldn't use it again with the mind-set that it would clear my skin up completely. Which is what my mind-set was at the beginning, naively.
I think if you suffer from the odd breakout and have general oily skin, this product would be great for you. But if you suffer from acne that is constant (I'm not talking about the once a month hormonal pimples, I mean all the time!), then I would approach this with caution. It might work, but as I can vouch, it didn't work for me at getting rid of my acne!

This product actually cost me £5 from my local pharmacy, as it was half-price. I think that this product has had a wee rebranding in terms of the packaging, because the new bottles are clear, whereas this one isn't (as you can see in the photo - it's an opaque plastic). I'm pretty sure it's only the packaging that's changed, and the formulation of the product is the same. The new product costs around the £10 mark (every online place I look it's different!), and you can buy Vichy in most larger pharmacies.

Overall, a really good product, and really great value considering I got it for £5! I am not sure whether I would repurchase this, only for the reason that I do believe that out there, somewhere, there will be a toner to help reduce my acne. It did help to minimise pores and did reduce irritation and redness in my skin, but since my acne is something that is my main concern at the moment, I wouldn't get it again whilst I have this acne, maybe when my skin has cleared up!

Cetaphil 'Gentle Skin Cleanser.'

I first heard about this brand when I was reading an interview with Scarlett Johansson, who had said that she loved this cleanser,. So of course, I went out and bought it. I'm so swayed by celebrity recommendations (apart from sheep's placenta. Just no)!



I, like Scarlett, also love this cleanser, especially when my skin is feeling sensitive, sore and just can't face a thorough Hibiscrub cleanse.
I wouldn't use it every day, purely for the fact that I don't feel like it really leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean. I do think if you struggle with the sensitiveness or dryness of your skin, you might need to use it every day (it does say 'daily cleansing' on the bottle), but I only suffer with sensitive skin once in a while, and since having oily skin and covered in spots right now (urgh), I need to make sure my skin is cleansed good and proper.
Although, like it says on the bottle, it leaves my skin feeling moisturised, 'soft, smooth and healthy'.

The product comes out of the bottle looking rather like a shampoo, and smells rather like E45, which always reminds me of the smell of PVA glue.
I use this by squeezing a blob of it into my hands, and then (without adding water), applying it to my skin and massaging it all over my face. This cleanser doesn't foam up, and it is more of a cream cleanser than anything else. I do this for a couple of minutes, and then I get a cotton wool pad and wipe the excess off my face. This means that this cleanser is great for when you don't have a sink with you, since you can put it straight on your face without water, massage it in and wipe off with a cotton pad without faffing around with water and drying your face.
However, you can use it with water, in the way that instead of wiping off the excess with a cotton pad, you would rinse your skin and pat dry. I prefer the non-water way - because I'm lazy and it seems so much easier!

This product is marketed as 'high tolerance' and has a soap-free formula, which means it would be suitable for most sensitive skin conditions. Indeed, when using it when my face is sore and dry, I experienced no unpleasant stinging or irritation, and left my skin feeling really calm and refreshed.

This product set me back £8.99 from Boots, which I think is a really good price for this type of product. I have had mine for about 2 months, and I've only used about a third! I don't use it a lot, as mentioned, but I still think that's pretty good going!

As I said, I wouldn't use this every day, since I prefer really thoroughly cleansing my skin with Hibiscrub, but for those who are having trouble finding a cleanser which is sensitive enough for your skin, I would thoroughly recommend giving this product a try.

I mean, if Scarlett Johansson uses it, surely it's good enough for us normal people?!

Ultrasun "Ultra Sensitive 50+".

The search of the perfect suncream has led me high and low. I dread to actually calculate the amount of money I have spent trying all sorts of sunprotection: from the expensive to the cheap, I feel I have tried most suncreams.

I can't remember where I first heard of the brand Ultrasun, but I remember seeing it on a website, and contemplating buying it for weeks and then finally caving in and buying it, and I'm truly glad I did!

If you want to know the full blab about why I need to wear a suncream: you can click here and read the essay, but in short: my medication makes my skin fall off, and the new skin underneath that gets exposed is really sensitive to light and gets easily damaged, hence why I need to wear suncream. Also, I think it's a little bit psychological, I have convinved myself the sun is 'bad', and Summer really freaks me out (yes I know I have issues). This may explain why most of the time I am 'glowing' or look more shiny than the other 99.9% of the population.

I have to say, "Ultra Sensitive 50+" has been one of the best suncreams I have ever used. And believe me, I have used A LOT.
Obviously, the first thing I like about it is that it offers me amaxing protection ("UVA 99% and UVB SPF50+" to be exact). It protects against UVA and UVB rays, which is nice, because so many skincare products either don't have SPF, or just protect from UVA or UVB rays, and not both. It's reassuring that both types of nasty sun rays won't be able to get through!

What I also like about it is that it's single use, which means one application in the morning and I'm done and protected for the day. It also saves me looking like a fool, and after 4 hours of whatever having to rush to the toilet to re-apply suncream. And plus, I don't really want to go into details of my peeling skin when people ask me why I'm applying suncream when it's not Summer.

Another thing I like is the pump. Just look at it. Such an ingenious bit of technology. It is such a neat, simple, non-messy way from bottle to hand. It is also hygienic, after that little plate closes, no germs/bugs/fluff can get into the bottle.

With some suncreams, all they do is create a barrier on top of the skin, without providing any moisturising benefit and sometimes leaving my skin quite dry. However, this suncream moisturises my skin as well as protects, and leaves my skin feeling quite soft afterwards!

I also like the fact that the Ultrasun make sure that their products "are free from oils, emulsifiers and perfume reducing the risk of allergy and making them especially suitable for children and sensitive skins".My skin can be sensitive at times when I'm using my medication, so it's nice to know that even when my skin is at it's worst, it won't sting. Having red skin that needs to be protected from the sun, but finding suncream stings like hell is the worst experience ever. Also, having acne, I like the fact that this product doesn't have any oils or emulsifiers in it, which may irritate or cause my skin to clog up.
This suncream contains Provitamin B5 and Vitamin E, which have been known for their moisturising properties. There is also a free radical scavenger in the mix (the company call it 'SOD'), which is great. If you haven't heard of free radicals, Google them because I could write an essay on the bloody things which won't be interesting at all. But all you need to know is that something that neutralises free radicals is something great to have in a cream.

100ml of the product costs me £19.95, which I think is great value. Of course, you can buy cheaper suncreams, but this product feels better quality than the suncreams you can buy from drugstores or pharmacies. Plus, 100ml is a practical size, and will keep you going for a long time without having to repurchase every month because you've run out!

This product is the best once-application suncream I would say I have ever used. I know I can look a little shiny/greasy, but no matter what suncream I use I think I will always find that. I mean, the flash in the photos above won't really help (I'm sure anyone would look shiny in front of a flash!), but it doesn't look as greasy as other ones I've tried.

In terms of how it fits into my routine and how I use it: in the morning, I apply a really thick layer onto clean skin, and then go and get dressed/have breakfast/bide my time, and then after fifteen-twenty minutes of letting it soak into my skin as much as it wants to, I take a tissue and just blot my skin to remove the excess.

Overall, I really like this suncream and it's really got on with my skin.
I will definitely repurchase because it works, it offers amazing protection, the price is fantastic, it lasts for ages, it moisturises as well as protects, it doesn't sting, it doesn't contain any nasties, and I know it doesn't make me as shiny as other suncreams. Well done Ultrasun, I'm sticking with you!

Boots' 'Smith's Cremolia'.

Lets start off by saying I have never heard of this product before. I only noticed it when I popped into Boots to buy some much-needed Aquaphor since my skin has been playing up a lot recently. There was only one tube, and it was in the wrong place (on top of some other products) and I tried to find some more on the shelves, and then my eye came across a little interesting tub of what looked like Vaseline.
As you can see from the front of the tub, it states that it "softens and conditions hands and skin", and with a claim like that I could not refuse to buy it. To be honest, I bought it because I was just so fascinated by a little tub of cream with the oddest name, and priced at £1.29 for 110ml, it would be stupid not to buy it and try it out!

So I bought it alongside some other bits and bobs, and as soon as I got home I cleansed my skin with my Clarisonic and my Korres soaps (I had felt icky all day and was dying to wash my face all day, just in case you're wondering).
The texture of the cream is the weirdest thing ever. It's not a creamy consistency at all. I am actually really sruggling to find words to describe it with. It's like a gel, but remember those little pots of PVA glue you used to get in little school, which was really runny? It's like that, but not as sticky. I guess what I'm trying to say it's quite runny as opposed to a creamy texture which is quite thick.
My skin was in a pretty horrid state (red raw areas of skin, rashes and big sore spots, yum yum!) and I was wondering if it would sting. It didn't, but it did tingle a little bit, but I did expect some sort of reaction because my skin was disgusting. If you have sensitive skin I think it would be fine to use. I don't think there's anything in the product that would irritate your skin.
It is incredibly soothing and cooling upon application, but I suppose that's because it seems to be more of a gel than a cream.
When I applied the product to my skin overnight, I woke up with hydrated skin, although it felt a bit sticky. It has defied the pillow-face activity too, which is an impressive accolade!
It doesn't leave skin looking at all greasy, and as mentioned before, although it feels a tiny bit sticky to the touch, you can't tell you have any sort of cream on your face.

Overall, it's something I will always have on my dresser. It seems like a good staple to add to my skincare routine, and at £1.29 you're not exactly going to go bust buying it (unless you buy a hell of a lot)!

Me and my acne; Week 12 update.

Well, my doctor has RUINED this little weekly feature.
I went to see him yesterday because my prescription had run out and I wanted to continue with the Retin-A, but wasn't so bothered about the antibiotics. I do have spots, and they do bother me, but I was of the mindset that I will deal with them.
I told him this, and then he basically said that there were no long term side effects from being on the medication, and because I was unhappy with my skin without being on the antibiotics, so he renewed both my antibiotics (Lymecycline) and Retin-A for another year. This really pleased me, because I don't like having bad skin. It makes me feel dirty, gross and so unattractive.

So, the plan for these little weekly posts changes a bit. It isn't going to be feature analysing my skin without the antibiotics anymore, from now on it will be a feature on how my skin improves with the antibiotics! I will carry on doing them along with the photo of my fat little face, so you can hopefully see an improvement in my skin as I continue taking the medication.

Here is my skin as it is at the minute, as you can see it's a bit spotty;

(Please excuse my panda eyes, photo fail)

Regarding a skincare routine as of right now, I'm just using my Clarisonic and my Korres soaps to cleanse the skin every morning and night, and if it's the morning, I follow it using Kiehl's' 'UV Protect' SPF 50 (review to come soon!), and in the evening I either use Retin-A alone, Aquaphor alone, or combine the Nuxe Oil I recieved in the February Feel Unique box followed by my Darphin cream.

But hopefully carrying on these posts whilst taking my medication for the next year should hopefully illustrate how clear my skin has been in the past and how much it improves with a little medical help!
It may encourage some people to seek help for acne. I know mine isn't horrific, but it really affects me. And if you're sitting there thinking 'mine is way worse, what is she moaning about' arrange an appointment to see your doctor! There are lots of things that can be done for acne these days, so it's worth just talking to your doctor about it!

Korres 'Milk Soap' and 'Calendula Soap'.

Actually, the products are called 'Milk Soap for Stressed Skin', and 'Calendula Softening Soap', but I thought that would make the blogpost title far too long.
I bought the soaps off Feel Unique here, and, after a little bit of a palava, they arrived. Basically, I bought two things, my Darphin cream (which I blogged about here), and the set of the two Korres soaps. I was made aware that they would be dispatched seperately, to which I wasn't bothered about at all. My Darphin cream arrived quickly, however after about three weeks I still hadn't recieved my soaps. At this point my boyfriend emailed them (it's his account) asking what the problem was. They replied saying they would send out another pack of the soaps, and I finally got my little mitts on yesterday! Hopefully the other pack of soaps is just lost in the post, and finds it's way into my hands as well into the future (wishful thinking, a tramp in Sweden is probably enjoying washing his bits with them).

(I used these products straight away, and I didn't really want to take a picture of used soap, it wouldn't be the most appealing thing in the world, so I stole this photo off the Feel Unique website)

I had never used Korres before, but I knew they were a well-respected brand. As per usual, I never did any extensive brand research before ordering, but only when writing up this blogpost. I didn't want to let any pre-judged opinions get in the way of making up my own mind about the product!
But I did read the packaging inside the soap container, and that gave me all the background knowledge I needed to know; they use natural ingredients (win), they are clinically tested (win, but what are the results?), they are reasonably priced (win) and they are pleasing to the senses (win).

I don't normally use a soap on my face (apart from in a definite emergency where Dove soap will suffice for the occasion), and normally use a foaming facial wash. However, I was intrigued when some innocent window-shopping led me to the Korres soaps, which can be used on the face and body.

Normally facial washes get used really quickly in my house (my little sister uses insane amounts of face wash on a flannel, it makes me wince), and the attraction of a soap was that they normally last longer than facial washes in a tube.
The 'Milk Soap for Stressed Skin' is described on the Korres website as

"Milk has been used as a cosmetic since antiquity for its moisturising, purifying and nourishing properties. It is still considered an invaluable skincare ingredient due to its rich composition and skin compatibility. Thanks to their excellent absorption and water-binding ability, milk proteins have excellent moisturising properties, offering more than 40% essential amino acids that cannot be synthesised by human cells. They play a vital role in the maintenance of normal cellular metabolic activity, participating in the synthesis of collagen, elastin and keratin. They have a high affinity with the skin’s natural components and are acknowledged to be true epidermomimetic substances, remarkably biocompatible, and therefore perfectly well tolerated. "

It didn't sting, and that's when I used it on my Retin-A ravaged skin (I overused it this week, definitely feeling the effects of that!). It left the skin soft, comfortable and without that 'tight' feeling soaps can often give. However, despite it being very gentle upon my skin it cleaned my skin effectively, removing all traces of mascara/cream/dirt and grime from my face.
Although it doesn't sting the skin, if you get it in your eyes then may the Lord be with you. It hurts like hell.
As far as any sort of routine goes, I wet my face with warm water, lather the soap up on my skin, and use my 'Mia' to whizz over my skin, giving it a nice deep clean.

Unfortunately I couldn't find a product description for the Calendula Softening Soap on that wesbite, but I found one on the Feel Unique website...

"A glycerine-based mild soap suitable for both the face and whole body. Calendula possesses emollient and mild antiseptic properties, while vitamin E protects and conditions the skin."

Out of the two I don't really have a favourite, I am in total love with them both! I haven't been this excited about anything skincare related since I got my Clarisonic 'Mia' in January!

I also really love the plastic container they arrived in. It is so handy, especially when you're going places and need to take your soap with you! I love it, practical things like that really make me happy! It's a lot more compact, smaller and thinner to put in your suitcase/handbag/holdall that a fat tube of facial wash.

I paid £4 for the pack of two 40g soaps, and I really feel it's worth it. That's about the price you'd pay for a standard-sized tube of facial wash, plus the soaps will last longer. And I can never forget the girl at Lush say to me many years ago 'think about all the chemicals that help keep soap liquid, cause soap is naturally solid'. Whether true or selling-spiel, those words are always at the back of my mind, and now that I have found a solid facial soap, I am never going back!
So YES YES YES, I am definitely going to re-purchase these, and I would possibly like to try the others, maybe the 'Wheat Face Soap' or the 'Echinacea Soap for Oily Skin'.

Any other products from Korres I should try?

Medik8 'Dermaroller'.

It's another =technologically-advanced gadgety thing in this month's wishlist!
January's wishlist (very luckily) came true (see here), but this time I don't think I'll want to wait for someone to buy me this, it is in my sights and I am getting it, whether that means I can't afford to eat for a month or not!

This menacing looking thing in the picture above is a dermaroller, and is used to 'microneedle' the face.
Basically it is a roller with tiny little needles on it. You roll it over an area of skin several times (click on this to see the application procedure in more detail), and the tiny little needles wound the skin, thus stimulating the production of collagen and elastin from the fibroblasts, thus gradually reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
The little 'tunnels' the needles create also allow for deeper penetration of topical skincare products and increase blood flow to the skin.
It doesn't just work on facial wrinkles...it also works on;
- Pigmentation
- Eye wrinkles
- Cellulite
- Scars
There is a Medik8 dermaroller on ilovebeautyproducts.com for £40, so it is definitely affordable and very much definitely in my sights. There are more expensive ones, but it is just a paint roller with tiny needles on, you don't need to pay the earth for one if you can get one for that good a price!

There are two versions of the Medik8 dermaroller. The first is one with a 0.2mm set of needles and the second is one with a 0.3mm set of needles.
Starting off with the 0.2mm dermaroller is recommended for the beginner to micro-needling or have sensitive, thin and delicate skin, so this is the one I would need to get in the first instance.
The 0.3mm dermaroller is recommeneded 'if your skin is comparatively thick and resistant to pain or if you are not new to microneedle rollers and would like to obtain more spectacular results than with Personal Medik8 Titanium Dermaroller 0.2mm'.
However, after a few months with the 0.2mm dermaroller I possibly would need to move up to the 0.3mm dermaroller in order to achieve more 'spectacular' results.
There are other larger needle sizes available, but you have to consult your dermatologist/doctor for those (sad face), and the 0.2mm and 0.3mm are the only ones available for home use.
I read a review in the Daily Express (Monday 30th January 2012), and the woman (Alice Smellie) who reviewed it said that it hurt, and that she had to do it with gritted teeth. It also left her skin quite raw and inflamed. However, Alice said that her skin looked 'instantly luminous' and that it produces 'great results'.
Veronique Bataille (a consultant dermatologist) says that this is one area of skincare where there is proof of it's efficacy. And scientific proof of anything to do with skincare makes me happy.

So, I don't know when I'm going to get it, but the more I think about it, the more I want it. So no doubt it won't be too long before it finds it's way into my eager hands...