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

Review of Flower Men Energy Factor Moist Boosting Sheet Mask - Hyaluronic Acid

Important Info: 

Name:   Flower Men Energy Factor Moist Boosting Sheet Mask - Hyaluronic Acid
Size:      25g 
Price:    $4.00 USD (per Memebox #8 informational card)

What is it?

This is a single use hyaluronic sheet mask applied to the face and left on for 15-20 minutes.

Packaging

The mask was enclosed in a large foil packet with Psy's face printed on it (apparently the packet is the actual size of Psy's head).  If you were really keen, you could delicately cut around the edge of the mask, pop out the perforated eye and ear holes and make yourself a Psy mask to run around the house in.

I hacked into it with scissors though, so there's no Psy mask for my 2 year old to run off with.

All directions on the back of the packet were written in Korean.  The Memebox informational card contained English instructions. However all sheet masks I've used in past are pretty much the same process - take it out of the packet, unfold, whack it on your face, and leave it on for 20 minutes or so.

First Impressions

The face mask was folded up to a quarter of its size (in half, and then in half again).  This is the first sheet mask I've used that didn't come with some sort of backing that needed to be peeled away.  This turned out to be pretty awkward.  The backings give a kind of stability, so when the sheet mask is being opened, it's reasonably resilient.  However without this backing, I had to be really careful when I unfolded it, because the delicate nature of these sorts of masks mean they tear pretty easily.

The mask was very saturated with the jelly-like product; not so much that it was all gloopy and made a mess, but enough that it stayed on the face without any problems.  I walked about the house doing a bit of housework when I first put it on, and it didn't slide at all.  The sheet mask was a good size, and covered my face to my ears, and underneath my chin and jaw.

Was It Any Good?

I've loved all the Korean sheet masks I've tried, and this was no exception.

When first applied, the mask had a lovely cooling effect which remained the entire time it was on my face.

At the 20 minute mark of the mask being on my face, it was starting to dry, but still had plenty of product on it.

When I removed the mask, there was a thin layer of hyaluronic acid on my face which my skin absorbed over the rest of the night.

When I got up this morning, my skin felt lovely, soft and plump and there was absolutely no dryness under my eyes, which I normally have in the mornings.

Rating

4/5