Update on ‘less in more’

Hello ! My phone tells me it is 17 degrees outside! Is this even true ? Is summer on it’s way? I hope so!!

Today’s post is an update on my last week’s post about using less on my skin to prevent breakouts. I also talked about non-comedogenic ingredients and hormones and my battle with acne in general. So for a week I have been using chosen 4 products, however I did stop at dermalogica counter on Monday and got some samples and also added a toner and an exfoliator to the mix as my skin was kind of screaming for both.

The original 4: Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum; Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief; Neutrogena On The Spot Acne Treatment; Dermalgica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Wash

The additions: Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Scrub; Dermalogica Pre-Cleanse; Elemis Soothing Apricot Toner

 

Here’s how my week has gone so far:

I have been using all 4 original products and even easing myself back into benzoyl peroxide (Neutrogena On the Spot Acne Treatment). I have tried to ease myself into it about 5 times now since I had reaction to it the first time and failed every time because the itching and redness was too unbearable. This time I’ve been using On The Spot treatment on individual blemishes, then I used it all over my forehead which is the oiliest so doesn’t get as red or irritated. Last night despite slight redness in my face I used it all over my forehead again as well as my sides and nose. So far the dryness is definitely there so is the redness BUT using Caudalie serum and Clinique moisturiser twice a day generously and religiously has helped a lot! I am sticking to it this time because benzoyl peroxide is a holy grail for me when it comes to acne. I hate the dryness and it is VERY difficult to make foundation work when your skin is dry but benzoyl peroxide is the only acne treatment that works immediately (almost overnight) without purging (initial breakout) and that’s exactly what I need right now. I know that skin gets used to it eventually (like mine did years ago) and the dryness becomes very mild and there is no more itching or redness after 4-6 weeks. Good moisturiser definitely is the key all the way but if spots bother you more than dryness it is worth it because benzoyl peroxide is one of the most effective acne treatments. Benzoyl peroxide shouldn’t really be used with salicylic acid but Dermalogica Clear Start Face Wash is so gentle it seems to work combined with Neutrogena 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. My breakouts have gone right down in size and number this week thanks to benzoyl peroxide mostly but I think it also proves that less is more. Skin is a little irritated at this stage but hopefully next weekend I can post a photo of the improvements.

3 additions to my skin care are:

1. Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Scrub (£9.95 in boots) which is 3 in 1 micro exfoliant with glycolic and salicylic acids to refine, brighten and renew because exfoliating is extremely important. I’ve used it once this week and it only has a few mildly comedogenic ingredients.
2. Dermalogica Pre-Cleanse (full size £34.35 on lookfantastic.com) – this was added because I had a skin assessment by dermalogica on Monday and they prescribed this for dryness and also to ensure that my skin is properly cleansed not leaving any bacteria for acne to feed on. Fortified with olive and kukui oils, Dermalogica Precleanse thoroughly melts layers of excess sebum, sunscreen, waterproof make up, environmental pollutants and residual skin products that build up during the day. This product is pricey but it is the ultimate deep cleansing tool. After using this and Dermalogica Face Wash there is no trace of make up left on my skin and that’s without scrubbing! No comedogenic ingredients in this either.
3. Elemis Soothing Apricot Toner (£22.50 on lookfantastic.com) – how could I forget a toner from the start? I swear by toners. Toning is essential because the skin is naturally acidic with a pH balance around 5-6 and cleansing the skin will strip the natural oil that helps maintain this pH balance due to the alkaline nature of your soap/cleanser/face wash. This will cause your skin to produce an excessive amount of oil to replace what was lost. Toners help your skin maintain the proper pH by neutralising the pH levels after cleansing so your skin will remain healthy. Again, no comedogenic ingredients in Elemis Apricot toner.

My skincare product count may have gone up to 7 but this is much better than what I usually go through in a week. After all it is the full monty now: pre-cleanse; face wash; toner; serum; moisturiser; on the spot treatment and exfoliator.

I tried some dermalogica samples one of the days this week and truly loved the Charcoal Rescue Masque (available in the UK from 4th April I believe). I also really liked the Daily Microfolient, however at £41.75 I need to think about it. Hydrablur Primer was also amazing but again it is £38.00!

I made some changes to my chosen 5 make up products due to dryness and my skin clearing up but I will update you on that tomorrow.

Love,

Mari x