I’m going to say something controversial but here goes. I actually think reading beauty blogs and following YouTube gurus skincare advice is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. There we go I said it. My skin went through a really awful phase when I first started blogging and reading other beauty blogs and it is only still recovering.
Most people whom I’ve spoken to also agree. When you get excited about a new skincare product it’s so easy to believe a gurus claims or claims on a jar that it will turn your dull/mature/acne ridden skin into a glowing Victoria’s Secret model worthy complexion. However, when you chop and change products and use fancy serums, cleansers and masks it usually only leads to one path – spotsville. Don’t get me wrong, if you have normal to good skin then you can switch things up as much as you can – my mum has fantastic skin and using new products only tend to induce her glow even more so. But if you have even the teensiest of irritable skin then using fancy pants guru prescribed lotions and potions it probably wont end well.
My own skincare regime is ridiculously boring at the moment, but it’s effective, simple and is keeping my skin in good nick.
Here’s my fuss free, boring but effective routine:
Cleanse AM & PM with either Cetaphil or La Roche Posay Toleriane, both are super gentle and nourishing and cleanse the skin without irritating it. They also both gently hydrate and soften.
Serum: I only use a serum in the evening and my absolute HG is Sunday Riley’s Good Genes. I’ve been using this on and off for two years and it is the only thing that has ever even remotely worked in lightening old scars and pigmentation as well as swiftly helping with new breakouts redness. This product is worth the price tag and then some.
Moisturiser: I alternate between two at the moment. One is the La Roche Posay Toleriane Ulta which is my absolute must have – it hydrates like nothing else but also keeps grease at bay. The other is the slightly more luxe Anne Semonin Emulsifying Moisturiser – this does a similar job but also gently mattifies – this makes it fantastic as a primer pre makeup.
Treatment: Now I’ve only been using this for a handful of days but oh sweet lord this stuff is good. A friend recommended it to me and I’m so glad I picked this up at the pharmacy. Acnecide is a 5% benzoyl peroxide cream which I dab onto my effected areas and wakeup to see them significantly reduced with every day. It dries them out and reduces the bacteria in the area. So far I’m obsessed and can’t believe I’ve only just found it!
That’s it folks, I occasionally add a mask in the Guinot Purifying Clay is my current fave for unclogging and the Skinceuticals b5 hydrating one is also pretty amazing at plumping and drenching it in hydration. But no cleansing oils, fancy balms or anything else. All they do is irritate my skin, even if I do miss the gorgeous scent and feel of those products it’s easy to stay away as I know my skin is better off without them in the long run.
What are your skincare staples?
SHOP THE POST
Yep I would agree with you! For me the greater the variety of products I use on my skin, the worse it becomes, be that makeup or skincare. I get breakouts, increased redness etc. I don’t mind though, even if it’s boring, it means more money to spend on other things like clothes!
Yes exactly! Less money on skin irritating products and more on clothes, or if you really save up – handbags *inserts heart eyed emoji*
Totally agree with you! When I first discovered beauty blogs and skincare gurus, I jumped on the bandwagon without hesitation and bought so many skincare. Safe to say that I wasted money and my skin wasn’t happy with me. I’ve pared it down to simple products like yours but i’m looking for a serum. Really interested in good genes as I want something that can lighten pigmentation
It’s really fantastic – go and ask for a sample in Space NK. They’re usually v generous. That’s how I discovered my love for it!
Totally agree with you on overdoing new skincare when your skin can’t handle it.
Acnecide is fantastic for breakouts – I recommend it all the time as a pharmacist. Same with Cetaphil.
http://www.thepharmersjournal.com/beauty-guru-grail-%F0%9F%91%91/
xo
Next time you’re in the US get the large bottle of benzoyl peroxide from acne.org it’s the best!
I’m skeptical of most skincare products. I go by my dermatologist’s recommendations and follow her guidelines when I try out new products. I suppose if I enjoyed the pampering side of skincare I’d experiment more but I like my straightforward utilitarian prescription or drugstore products.
I cleanse with Cetaphil or Physiogel (the latter is a little creamier); apply SPF religiously; and use prescription Retin-A which has retinol to lighten dark spots & marks and prevent wrinkles (I think it comes out a little cheaper than Sunday Riley Luna oil, but with more retinol). I also use what I think is Acnecide when I have spots it’s but marketed under a different regional name Benzac. I also use a Clarisonic since the sunscreen I use can get gunky after a long hot day. As a tip to anyone who might be reading this, in the US, even a general practitioner is knowledgeable about basic dermatology and can write out prescriptions for common skin concerns so you won’t have to waste time, money and effort searching for solutions to eczema, acne, etc.