Skincare Routine: Post Roaccutane

Hello there beautiful people! Long time no see. Like a whole year today actually.
*awkward pause* My bad. Heh.

Aaaaanywho, now that I'm off of Roaccutane, I thought I'd share the skincare routine I've been using these past couple of months or so. 

1. L'oreal Skin Perfection Soothing Gel-cream Wash

I really like this, and not just for its packaging and lovely smell! My face always feels thoroughly cleansed after using this beauty.

Once I've taken my makeup off, I take a little of this and lather it up over my damp face; it even helps take off any residual mascara I've got left. Yes, it is so good that you can use it on your eye area too. Not once have I had any irritation around the eye area or on my actual eye with this stuff. Brilliant!

This is actually my second tube; I wouldn't however recommend it if you've literally just gotten off of Roaccutane, as it can be a bit drying right off the bat, despite it claiming to be for dry skin. I think what they meant was it's for normal dry skin, not the massively dehydrated skin Roaccutane users have!

2. Rio Rosa Mosqueta Skin Brightening Exfoliator*

A couple of weeks or so before I got put on Roaccutane again last year, I was very kindly sent this Godsend of an exfoliator by Rio Rosa Mosqueta. Unfortunately, my dermatologist told me to stay away from exfoliators while I was on Roaccutane, so this got put in my drawer for a while.

However one day, I was getting really quite sick of how flaky my skin was from the medication, and reached into my drawer to give it a go - and you have no idea how thankful I was that I did! This didn't irritate my skin one tiny bit; it's literally the best exfoliator for someone on Roaccutane no word of a lie. I've found that the St Ives ones are too harsh for Roaccutane skin, and any others I've tried that were less harsh, weren't doing anything at all.

I think what set this exfoliator apart from the St Ives one (that I usually reached for) was that its texture was a good, happy medium: it has large enough grainy bits in, but the cream base is just runny and moisturising enough to not be harsh on the skin. And I only need a light moisturiser after using this!

3. Olay Beauty Fluid: Day for Normal/Dry/Combo skin

When I was actually on Roaccutane, I used a thicker moisturiser, but now that my skin has been changed forever, I've moved onto a different version of an old favourite of mine - the Olay beauty fluid. I either use this one, or the sensitive version, but both are fine.

The great thing about this one is that if I find that if one layer isn't enough, I can put some more on without it feeling strange on this skin. Great for people who wash their face several times a day.

You're wondering why I wash my face several times a day aren't you? Well don't be alarmed, there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for that: it's because I'm a muslim, and we pray five times a day, but before we do that we splash our face (amongst other things^^) with water a few times a day to become ritually clean. :D

4. Eucerin Dry Skin Intensive Lip Balm

Something I found researching for skincare products for Roaccutane users before I started - and I've never looked back. Nothing.. and I mean NOTHING.. compares to this anymore.

If I ever get another lipbalm, I always end up comparing it to this, and I almost always go back to this. When my lips and the corners of my mouth literally cracked from dryness, it was this that saved it.

I've gone through countless of these, and every single time Boots have a 3 for 2 offer on skincare, I stock up on them. I'm actually running a little low on my stash of these.. I really ought to pick some more up next time I have a chance!

5. Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

This mask is the only facemask I've used on a regular basis. Although I didn't use it whilst I was on Roaccutane, pre- and post-Roaccutane, I've used it at least 4 out of the 5 times I wanted to use a facemask - the other time I want to use a mask, I use korean sheet masks.

Dry patches? Under the surface spot? Looking tired? Use this! The amount of times I've put this on and woke up to those problems halved.. honestly, this is 100% worth the splurge! 

I don't recommend it if you're actually on Roaccutane though, as your skin is too sensitive for anything with a scent as strong as this - I would know, I've tried! Get it after - you won't regret it. :D

Apologies if that was a tad long! I haven't blogged in so long, I've forgotten what it's like to be concise.. Bear with me, I'll get back my blogging mojo properly soon enough.

 If you have any questions or post requests for anything Roaccutane related, drop me a comment below and I'll get on it! 

Disclaimer: All products were bought with my own money unless stated otherwise. All opinions are my own. Pinky promise^^

Updated Skincare Routine for S/S 2013

If you remember a couple of months ago, I posted a Chitchat post on how bad my skin had gotten. Just to refresh your memory, or for those who don't know about it.. it was so painful I could not sleep because of it.

I got various comments on that blog post, but the general theme was to go to the dermatologist and to stick to natural things. I haven't really been to the dermatologist (mine is useless) but I did end up going for more natural things, less harsh things, and things intended for sensitive and blemish prone skins. 

And now that my skin has almost recovered from that awful breakout, Alhamdulillah, I thought I would share  my skincare routine again (^__^)

[Clockwise from left]

Cleanser:
The Body Shop's Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash
I've used this cleanser for years. It's really good for oily skin, and I decided to go back to it to eliminate all the excess sebum that was clogging up my pores. It works everytime, and I will always go back to it.

Scrub:
St Ives Naturally Clear Apricot Scrub (Blemish Fighting)
This. Is. Amazing. It's MILES better than the one I tried before, which was a bit meh. Its granules are much rougher which is exactly what I like in a facial scrub - I think this has got to be the best exfoliator I have ever tried, and yes! It is better than the original formula! It's texture reminds me of this superdrug mask I reviewed ^^
This helped to slough off all the dead skin cells and random dry patches that also clogged up my pores. It left my skin as smooth as a baby's bum. I use it every other day now. :D

Moisturisers:
Holland & Barrett's Aloe Vera Gel
This saved my whole face. This has got to be the single most important thing in my skincare routine. It healed all my spots, it calmed down my redness, it moisturised and softened my skin really well. I thoroughly recommend this if you had a bad breakout like I did, it will save your skin - I just cannot live without it now.

Simple Kind to Skin Light Hydrating Moisturiser
I don't love this as much anymore, but I have been using this so I thought I'd put it in. It's really good if you have oily skin but my skin just isnt that oily anymore. I'm thinking of trying the rich version of this when it finishes.

Skin Wisdom Youth Protect Eye Treatment
I've already put up a review of this eye cream, which you can read here. It's a pretty good eye cream for its price, better than the simple one anyway. Can you guess who made this? :P

Lipbalm:
Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream
Sigh. I jumped on a bandwagon. My Nivea Hydrocare was running low when I bought this that's why, I swear! *shifty eyes* Sigh. I just wanted to know why everyone was dying over it, okay?
I still don't see it though. I mean it's alright.. it does the job. The smell reminds me of caramel popcorn *drools* which is a bit of a pain in the bum because when I put it on before bed, the smell always makes me crave it!

So yeah. I decided to keep it simple and gentle. I haven't been using any masks either. Although that will soon change, I do miss using them. Also, apologies for the long hiatus (yet again) I needed a bit of a break :o) Glad to be back though! (^__^) Missed you guys ;D

Disclaimer: All products featured were bought with my own money. All opinions are my own, etc, etc, etc.. ^^

Updated Skincare Routine for A/W 2012

Aloha my lovely followers (^__^) Today I thought I'd post my updated skincare routine, as it has changed a bit since I last posted my first one.. so come on then, let's get cracking! ;D

Cleansers & Exfoliators:

 Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2-in-1 Face Wash and Mask (£3.99)

These past few months my T- zone has gotten oilier than usual, so I busted out the old Neutrogena cleanser. I used to use this when I was younger - my skin was soooooo much more oilier back then than it is now, but still oily enough to have to use a clay based cleanser such as this. I recommend it wholeheartedly; even my sister who has sensitive skin uses this and her skin has never been irritated by it. It's great as a mask too!

St Ives Timeless Skin Apricot Scrub (Renew & Firm) (£4.29)

I'm currently using this exfoliator, but I won't lie it's nothing special. I prefer the old formula; it was gritter (which I prefer when it comes to exfoliators),whereas this one is not as much, but still enough to do the job. I suppose this is good for everyday because it's not as harsh. It smells lovely though, I love the smell of apricots!

Homemade All Purpose Sugar Scrub (not pictured - click here for the recipe)

For days when I feel like I really need to exfoliate my skin, when it's feeling dull and my moisturiser isn't sinking in as fast as it normally does, I reach for this. Simple, cheap and easy to make, it's gritty enough for me and really sloughs off the dead skin cells, and leaves my skin feeling as soft as a babys bum! I tend to use this on the weekends when I have more time in the mornings to really exfoliate properly (as it can get a bit messy, depending on how much oily I've decided to put in!), otherwise I use the St Ives one in the weekdays just because it's easier and faster.

Soap & Glory Mini Mitt (£4)

For when I really don't have enough time to exfoliate, I put some cleanser onto this little beauty and massage it onto my wet face - gentle exfoliation and cleansing all at the same time, which means more time for me to eat more in the morning :P

Moisturisers, lip balms, & spot treatments:

Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser (£3.79)

I use this in the morning before I put my makeup on. Sinks in fast, keeps my skin moisturised all day, very rarely do I need to apply two layers - only when my cheeks are feeling overly dry. I stock up on this when it's on offer hehe :oD

Garnier Dark Spot Corrector (£7.49)

I'm not going to lie to you, this hasn't really helped with my dark marks. But what it is good at is moisturising - you only need a tiny amount aswell, which is always a bonus haha. I use this at night when I give my skin a break from using Benzoyl Peroxide.

EOS Lipbalm in Summer Fruit

It does the job,  and smells asdfghjkl;', if you know what I mean. And tastes amazing too. Is it any wonder it's in my November favourites? Sometimes I just put it on for the sake of it, just to smell it or to lick my lips LOL. I really should stop doing that.. kind of defeats the purpose of a lipbalm haha xD

Witch Stick (£2.89)

Come on, do I really need to tell you how amazing this stuff is? If you want to read the full review, just clickety clack over here instead - this post is getting long enough already without me raving about this haha.

Makeup Removers:

The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Make-up Remover (£8)

I use this for when I have more eye makeup on than usual, and for touch ups. I think this was my first ever makeup remover. Glad I picked it up, it's well worth the money. It's really good for correcting eye liner mistakes with a q tip too (^__^)

Garnier Skin Naturals Simply Essentials Soothing 2 in 1 Make-up Remover 

(not shown, because I ran out of it and haven't had a chance to repurchase it *sad face*) (£2.99)

My HG makeup remover. I can use this to take off a full face of makeup and not feel the need to cleanse my face, because it takes off all traces of makeup. Really need to buy some more of this but I've decided I'm going to try and finish a couple of others I have already first before I do. If you haven't tried this, you are missing out! Haha. 

Purity Conditioning Cleansing Lotion Make-up Remover* (£5.29)

This rivals my Garnier makeup remover, I swear lol. Just like with the Garnier one, I don't ever feel the need to cleanse my face after using this. Nor do I feel guilty either, which I usually do if I take my makeup off and not wash my face haha! This is running low now, will definitely have to pop in to Holland & Barretts soon to replenish this (>.<)

Makeup wipes:

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes (£3.25)

When I can't be bothered using a cotton pad to remove my makeup (or when I've run out of them) I reach for makeup wipes. Who doesn't? When I have a full face on and I've had a long, long day, I choose the Simple ones. I like these because they're thick and wet, and never irritate my skin or eyes. They've made them softer now, which is awesome because nwo that I think about it, if I tugged a bit too hard it would sting a bit (although I try not to tug anyway - wrinkles anyone? :P lol jk, I just don't want my eyes to sting before I go to bed lol).

Witch Cleansing & Toning Wipes (£1.99)

I love the smell of these! I expected them to smell like the witch stick, but they don't smell anything like that at all. I don't know what it smells like, but it is refreshing. I remember when I first opened it I was like whaaat? *breathes it in* I am going to like using you! Haha. They're thinner than the Simple wipes, and not as moist, so I use this when I've just got concealer and some powder on. :o)

Woo! Hadn't realised I used so much stuff to maintain my face haha. Nor how much it had changed since I was younger! Has your skin and skincare routine changed? ☺

*PR Sample. All views are my own, I promise! The rest was bought by my own money (^__^)

Current Skincare Routine: For Oily/Combination Skin

Hi. I'm Mary. And I've suffered from horrible skin problems for over 8 years. I've tried a million things in a row, and I've finally found a skincare routine that works - thank the Lord! 

Now my skin, as you can tell from the title of this post, is oily/combination. It used to be really oily once upon a time, but over the years it has become less oily around the cheeks and I am now left with just a very oily t-zone.

When my skin is feeling particularly oily:

Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash by The Body Shop

Tea tree oil - the wonder from down under as I like to call it - originates from Australia, and has been used for centuries for healing. It treats acne, wounds/cuts, burns, even dandruff! It is anti-fungal, antiviral, and antiseptic making it an excellent treatment for acne, as one of the main causes of acne is bacteria typically found on our skin that used the sebum (oil) on our skin as a nutrient for growth.

After I use this face wash using my S&G Mini Mitt, the oil on my skin is greatly reduced, and the little tightness I feel in my skin is gone after I moisturise. I can say that this, hand on heart, has definitely helped my skin become clearer over the years. I may try other cleansers but I will always fall back on this - it is that good!

Dark Angels by Lush

When my t-zone is feeling a bit more oily than usual, I take a little bit of Dark Angels in my palm (about a pea sized amount), add some water to form a paste, and put it across my forehead, nose, and chin. I then wait a couple of minutes before washing it off. This really gets rid of the oiliness! A recent purchase; and to be quite franks, I don't know how I've lived without it!

And when my skin is feeling a tad on the dry side..

Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser by The Body Shop

I use a little of this on my trusty Mini Mitt, giving extra attention to the dry patches on my cheeks. Once I've patted my skin dry, I use a lighter moisturiser - but only out of habit, because you don't really need to after this, as it does not leave the skin tight like the Tea Tree Oil cleanser does.

Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes from Boots

Although it's not a cleanser, I thought I'd give this an honorary mention. 

We all get lazy sometimes, and when we do we reach for something quick and simple - facial wipes. Now, I've tried a few different make-up remover wipes but none have ever come CLOSE to these! 

My eyes are kind of sensitive, and if I used anything even slightly rough (Nivea wipes.. I'm looking at you!), my eyelids become sore and red and they hurt like mad! 

But these? Never once have my eyes been hurt by them, even when I'm wearing the most stubborn of mascara on my top AND bottom lashes. Nope, not once. Although I don't use them much because I don't get lazy with my skin a lot to be honest, but when I do I've always come back to these babies. 

They really are true to their name!

Anyway, that's enough babble for one post! Do let me know if anyone has any questions about anything :-)

Disclaimer: All products were bought with my own money unless stated otherwise. All opinions are my own.