Things that made the most difference to my skin

Hiya Everyone

Today I thought I might share the things in my skincare routine that have made the most difference.

I am in my mid 30's, and have never had ache prone skin (luckily).  I have normal/combo skin (oily t-zone).  I've also got quite sensitive skin, and am prone to eczema.  I've got a little bit of pigmentation, but nothing too bad.  Unfortunately there a few wrinkles too  - mostly expression related.

Glycolic Acid

I have seen a significant improvement in the clarity of my skin since I started using chemical exfoliants including Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) - particularly glycolic acid.  A lot of people freak out at the thought of using a "acids" of their skin - thinking they must be very irritating and synthetic.

Glycolic acid is actually a natural substance which is derived from sugar cane.  The great thing about ingredients such as glycolic acids, is that they unbind the dead skin cells that get stuck on the skin, and allow them to be removed, revealing fresh skin.  It also helps other products (such as serums) get better absorbed into your skin because the product isn't blocked by the dead skin cells.

The only caveat is because fresh skin is being revealed, the chance of sunburn (and therefore skin damage) is increased when using AHA's.  I only use AHAs at night.

My favourite glycolic acid product is Alpha-H Liquid Gold.

Clarisonic Mia

Keeping with the exfoliating theme, next is my favourite manual exfoliant.

Between using glycolic acid's and the Clarisonic, I have pretty much completely gotten rid of all the little bumps I used to have on my forehead - they weren't active red bumps, just bumps under the skin.

I probably use my Clarisonic 3-4 times per week - with the sensitive brush head.  I don't use it more, mainly because I use glycolic's, and I don't want to over stimulate my skin.  

There was recently a sale of Ozsale where I purchased a sensitive, normal, delicate and deep pore brush heads for $35 including postage - that's a bargain considering I recently purchased a new brush head from David Jones for $32!!

Toners

I used to think toning was such a pointless thing to do - little did I know!  

Toners can help to remove any residual cleanser, re-balance the skins PH, and just freshen  up the skin in general.  I love the tingly feeling on my face just after I apply toner.  

There are lots of different types of toners with lots of different functions, but I try to avoid toners that have stripping ingredients, such as alcohol.  Stripped skin is only going to lead to oilier skin.

Since using toners I've noticed my skin is less oily, and makeup adheres better to my skin.

I have been using the Michael Todd Cranberry Anti-oxidant toner - that thing was enormous and took over 12 months to get through!

Hyaluronic Acid

I know, more acid.  Hyaluronic acid is something that naturally occurs in the skin.  It is a humectant, meaning it attracts and stores moisture up to 1000x's its weight - more moisture for the skin!

I can get dry under eyes from time to time, and I have found since using Hyaluronic acids on my entire face (including the under eye area), that the dryness has declined.  I definitely notice a significant difference in my skin if I don't put hyaluronic acid on my face each day.

My favourite hyaluronic acid product is Hydraluron - but I have recently purchased the Mizon hyaluronic acid - keen to see how that goes!

Masking 

I am trying to make an effort to use face masks at least a couple times a week - be they sheet masks, clay masks, or glycolic based masks.  I've never been a fan of peeling masks, so they are probably the only type I stay away from.

Sheet masks are definitely my favourite at the moment.  I think because although I can continue to do things whilst wearing them (read: housework), I am more inclined to just relax while they are on.  I find sheet masks to be particularly hydrating.

I have seen an improvement to the brightness of my skin since using masks a couple of times a week.  I have also noticed an improvement in the general level of moisture in my skin.

Well, that's about it.  I'm on a huge Korean skincare kick at the moment, but I don't see the above changing - the brands might, but the components won't - though they might grow!  From what I have read, the average Korean woman's skincare consists of at least 10 products - I'm not sure I have that much time in the morning! oh well.

Thanks for dropping by