Skin care

I am not a huge fan of my skin. Not only is it extremely sensitive and becomes red and blotchy at the slightest touch, but it is also combination with an oily T-zone, so I always have to use oil-free make-up products, and then I still tend to look like an oil-slick. On top of that I used to suffer from acne when I was teenager, but then had beautifully clear skin after a course of Roaccutane. However, thanks to that lovely thing called hormones, I once again am suffering from it (definitely not as bad as before, hardly bad actually, but still just enough that it’s upsetting). Aah, I just can’t win!

So I have to use products that are designed for sensitive skin because otherwise my skin gets irritated and becomes blotchy and is more likely to breakout. I have found the perfect products that seem to be working for me. So if you have the same problems as me, give these a try.

My routine is as follows:

Morning routine:

Morning (from left to right): Clarins Extra Comfort Toning Lotion, Clarins Extra Comfort Cleansing Cream, Innoxa  Gentle Moisturising Lotion, Clarins Multi Active Day Cream

I wash my face with Clarins Extra Comfort Cleansing Cream. This is a super gentle product as it is from their dry/sensitive range.  You put some on your hands and warm it up by rubbing your hands together, and then gently pat it onto a dry face and then rinse off.  I then follow this with my toner which is the Clarins Extra Comfort Toning Lotion (this is also from their dry/sensitive range). I have previously found toners to make my skin feel tight after use, as though they are drying out my skin, but this one doesn’t. I end off with either my Clarins Multi Active Day Cream or Innoxa Gentle Moisturising Lotion.  I use my Clarins moisturiser when my skin is feeling more thirsty/dry. It is a lovely product and makes my skin feel amazing. It also is a wrinkle prevention cream, which is not the worst thing to have. I use my Innoxa moisturiser when my skin is being its normal combination self, which is most days. I have been using the Clarins cream more because my sky has been drier lately. The reason for this is because my dermatologist has put me on a super low dose of Oratane, which is like Roaccutane, to sort out my minor problem of hormonal acne. I hate the word acne; it makes things sound worse than they are. Basically I have some blemishes that just won’t sort themselves out.

Clarins Multi Active Day Cream

Evening routine:

I wash off the day using Innoxa Gentle Triple-Action Gel Wash. All the Innoxa products I use are from their sensitive range, so they are all really gentle on my skin. This gel-wash is soap free and just so lovely. I follow with my Clarins toner. I then use Estee Lauder Idealist Illuminator, which you are meant to use under your moisturiser. I follow with my Clarins or Innoxa moisturiser.

Evening (from left to right): Innoxa Gentle Triple Action Gel Cleanser, Clarins Extra Comfort Toning Lotion, Estee Lauder Idealist Illuminator, Innoxa  Gentle Moisturising Lotion, Clarins Multi Active Day Cream 

I truly love all of these products. I know Clarins is quite expensive but I am willing to pay for their products because I think they are worth the money. I know that Innoxa is a South African brand, so I am not sure if you can get them in other countries

I have only recently started using the Estee Lauder Idealist Illuminator. It was recommended to me by my cousin (who has gorgeous skin I might add). Apparently it helps brighten the skin, dull redness, reduce the appearance of acne scars and discolouration. I don’t have any of that except for the redness and that is why I thought I would give it a try. My skin has been looking better but I don’t know if that is because of this product or because of the Oratane. I have noticed a slight reduction in the amount of redness in my skin and I do love the way this product feels on my face after I’ve just put it on (my skin feels really smooth). It is very expensive so I will finish what I have and then see what my skin looks like without using it. If I notice a difference, I will buy it again. But so far so good!

If you have any products (skincare or make-up) that you would recommend for sensitive skin, then please let me know. I would love to hear your comments.

Lv M xx

PS. I am not sponsored by any of these companies, I just happen to love their products :)