My Skin

On this post, I'd like to explain a little about my skin type, its history and my current favourite facial products. I'm hoping some of you will be able to share my experiences, and should that be the case, my reviews of products should help you in discovering new products to try for yourself. Apologies if your skin type is completely different to mine, but I'll also be reviewing lots of hair & fitness products as well as general lifestyle blogging, so I do hope you enjoy reading my posts!

When I was 11 I started getting acne, loads of tiny bumps on my forehead. At the time I remember being distraught and trying loads of commercially available acne treatments as well as those prescribed by my doctor. My skin continued to get worse until I started taking the pill when I turned 16, from that moment on my skin has remained:

• Combination
• Acne around jaw line
• Hormonal breakouts elsewhere
• Sensitive to certain treatments, causing dry skin and itching
• Dark circles under eyes
• Scarring from previous acne breakouts

I can't remember a time in my adult life that I've had a completely clear complexion. I did think that by 30 my skin would have settled. I remained on the pill for 8 years, before taking a break for a year (during which time my breakouts worsened) and finally having the implant in, when my skin returned to the same state as my pill days.

I drink enough water. I eat healthy including loads of fruit, veggies, nuts and fish. I exercise a lot (I teach fitness classes). I try to get a lot of sleep. I don't smoke and don't often drink alcohol. I rarely use make-up, unless I'm heading into town for a meal or drinks (I don't even wear make-up doing the food shopping)!

A year ago a thought I'd try something new, the Clinique 3 Step, Anti Blemish Solutions. I tried this for 4 months, however during this time using all three steps zapped my skin of its natural oils and I had a horrendous break out. I understand sometimes it gets worse before it gets better but I persevered using the products for 4 months, twice daily before cutting back to once a day. One day I ran out of the moisturiser, so I began using the foam wash and clarifying lotion with another brand moisturiser (Neutrogena Oil Free), and my skin started improving. Then I ran out of the foam wash, and began using the Neutrogena pink grapefruit facial wash, once again my skin improved. I have however, found that the "step 2", clarifying lotion is by far the best for keeping my skin clear. I just found that using all three products together was too much.

That takes me up to where I am today. I'm writing this as I've just starting blogging, and am really looking forward to trying out some new products, as well as bring a little scared. One of the reasons for starting my blog is so that I can learn from other beauty bloggers, as well as easily pass on my experiences. 

If your skin sounds similar to mine, fingers crossed the skin review products I write will help you in deciding what or not to try out for yourself. I'd love to hear if anything I recommend has been a life saver for you!

My top products (in no order) for my skin are:

• Clinique Anti Blemish Clarifying Lotion - Does dry out skin but seems to treat spots well
• Clinique Anti Blemish Gel - Great to target stubborn breakouts 
• Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Wash
• Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Scrub - Gently exfoliates, perfect after a long day
• Neutrogena Oil free moisturiser
• Lush Mask of Magnaminty - Amazing smell, really sucks out impurities so best to use a few days before you need clear skin
• Witch Stick - Portable, great antibacterial remedy (and cheap)
• Clinique tinted moisturiser - I hate the feel of foundation but this does a great job of balancing out skin tone and masking my scarring.