Back in the day, you’d be drying your skin with benzoyl peroxide, exfoliate with salicylic acid twice a day every day and add a witch hazel toner to the mix… and then you wondered why your acne came back with a vengeance.
Truth bomb: drying out acne dries out skin, too.
When skin is dry, it plays all sorts of tricks on you. It stings and flakes. Your skin’s pH level goes through the roof. Your protective barrier breaks down so that everything irritates it. Cue inflammation, excess oils and breakouts.
Those days are over.
Don’t get me wrong. You can still use your salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide – they do get the job done. But they’re not enough. If you want to make acne heal faster and keep the breakouts away, you need to give them a helping hand.
Here are 3 little known anti-acne ingredients that help you clear up your skin faster:
Little Known Acne-Fighting Ingredient #1: Zinc
Zinc is a trace metal found in meat, nuts, whole grains, legumes and… your body. It helps wounds heal faster, protects broken skin from external, harmful stimuli and kicks acne’s ass.
Zinc fights acne in two ways:
Regulates oil production: When your skin pumps out too much oil, the excess gets stuck in the pores – together with dead skin cells and bacteria. The clogged pore ruptures and a pimple rears its ugly head. Zinc tells the hormones that make sebum to slow down production to keep that from happening.
Now, here’s the catch: zinc alone can’t kill P. Acnes, the bacteria that is making your life miserable. If you’re dealing with active acne, you’d still need benzyl peroxide or another of the acne killers below.
BUT, if you’ve got acne-prone skin, adding zinc to your skincare routine helps the breakouts heal faster and prevents them from coming back.
Little Known Anti-Acne Ingredient #2: Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is the unsung hero of skincare. A dermatologist’s best-kept secret, it’s only now starting to get the recognition it deserves.
Made by the bacteria and yeast that live on your skin, azelaic acid is one of the most effective acne-treatments out there. Just to give you an idea, here’s how it compares to other common acne remedies:
What makes Azelaic Acid such a great acne-fighter? Let me count the ways:
The best part? Azelaic Acid works for all types of acne, including fungal.
It makes sense that adding linoleic acid back into the skin helps you fight acne. Here’s how:
Like zinc, linoleic acid can’t single-handedly rid you of acne. But, together with azelaic acid (or another P. Acnes killer), it helps acne heal faster and keeps it from coming back.
So where do you find linoleic acid? Oils. Here are the best ones for the job:
Evening Primrose oil (75%)
Grapeseed oil (72%)
Hemp seed oil (55%)
Rosehip oil (45%)
Safflower oil (68%)
For the love of your skin, avoid oils high in oleic acid. If in doubt, stick to the list above. If it ain’t there, don’t try it!
Best Picks:
Kiki Health CBD Oil 5% (£40.00): available at Cult Beauty
Now Foods Grapeseed Oil Sensitive Skin Care ($5.79): available at Walmart.
Fighting acne isn’t all about killing the bacteria P.Acnes. If you want to make the breakouts go away faster and keep them gone, you also need to regulate oil production, soothe inflammation and exfoliate skin regularly. These little known anti-acne ingredients will help you do just that.
Have you tried any of these little-known anti-acne ingredients? Share your experience in the comments below.
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This baby contains Hyaluronic Acid (in the form of sodium Hyaluronate), a moisture magnet that attracts water from the air into the skin.
If there’s not enough moisture in the air, it’ll take it from the deeper layers of your skin.It’s not as drying as you think. Hyaluronic Acid redistributes moisture rather than steal it.
All that moisture plumps up your fine lines and wrinkles so they look smaller. It makes skin softer to the touch. And it gives the complexion a lovely glow.
The catch? Dragon’s Blood is an effective antioxidants only at high concentrations. You guessed it, Nip + Fab Dragon’s Blood Fix Jelly Mask doesn’t have enough. 🙁
FYI, when you apply it on the skin, the colour sheers out a lot. You won’t scare your partner when you have it on (but I still lock myself in the bathroom, just in case 😉 ).
The jelly texture spreads easily on the skin and feels comfortable on. You need so little for each application, the jar will last you for ages.
Nip + Fab recommends to keep it on for 10-15 minutes. The first time I used it, I barely lasted 5! As soon as I massaged it all over, my skin starting feeling so warm and tingly.
I didn’t know if it was a normal reaction (no review I’ve seen mentioned this) or an irritation, so I just washed it off quickly.
Let me tell you, washing it off is a pain. As much as I love the jelly texture, it’s so slippery it takes a while to take it off completely.
When after a minute I realised half the mask was still on my face, I grabbed a wet washcloth. It makes the job A LOT easier!
Once the mask was finally off, I noticed a little redness on my chin and cheeks. The rest of the face, instead, looked soft and moist.
When I wok up the next morning, the redness was gone. But the moist look and feel remained. The mask did a great job at hydrating my skin, making it softer and brighter.
I’m not sure I feel comfortable using it regularly. The warm sensation + the redness I experienced afterwards makes me think there’s something in here that doesn’t agree with my skin.
It was probably the Dragon’s Blood. It’s the only ingredient in here I hadn’t used before. Or maybe it’s the fragrance. It makes the mask smell fresh and clean, but fragrances always pose a small risk of irritation.
But if your skin is fine with it, Nip + Fab Dragon’s Blood Fix Jelly Mask is a great hydrating mask for teens and young adults, especially in winter when your skin needs all the extra moisture it can get!
Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.
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This big, blue bottle has pretty much been all the beauty community can talk about of late and for good reason, it’s not often a product is so good that there is public demand that it be resurrected from the beauty graveyard. And yet that is exactly how Gatineau Floracil Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover has made it way back onto many a beauty shelf and wish list.
Admittedly, up until I saw the huge lagoon hued bottle everywhere, I had never heard of Gatineau Floracil Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover. A crying shame as it truly is one of the better eye make-up removers I have tested and with 8 years of beauty blogging experience, you can bet I’ve tried more than a few! As someone with easily irritated eyes I do struggle with products of this nature, so I was a tad wary when I opened my bottle of Floracil and noticed it is fairly scented. Floral to an extent (no surprise there), not entirely unpleasant but reminiscent of perhaps a baby wipe in terms of fragrance. The good news is along with being non-oily, Floracil has been formulated to mimic the pH levels of natural tears so it is noway aggravating to the delicate eye area.
The older I get, the more convenience really ranks highly on my list of priorities; I don’t have time to faff around with leaky or fiddly bottles, nor do I want to add extra steps to my beauty routine – looking at you rinse-off eye make-up removers. Rather wonderfully Gatineau Floracil Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover features a pump-top dispenser and a non-rinse formula; so all you need to do is push down with a cotton pad, swipe on the eye and go. So far I have pitted even my most stubborn mascara’s against this floral scented liquid and nothing has stood in its way; it quickly dissolves all traces of eye make-up including waterproof formulations and doesn’t leave behind as much as a hint of residue.
There’s not too much information floating around in regards to the formula (other than it is wonderful) but from what I have gathered it contains Chamomile to soothe, cornflower to help calm and algae extract to diminish dark shadows. I can’t vouch it all of the above claims are true but I do agree it soothes and cools the skin, alongside gently cleansing the area; which is all I can really ask for from a product of this nature.
It’s not often products live up to the Instagram hype but I can truly say that Gatineau Floracil Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover has exceed all my expectations and then some. As such it now firmly has warranted a place within my bathroom beauty cabinet and I’d urge you to do the same.
You can find Gatineau Floracil Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover here for £22 – link.
That’s a tough one. The hype around peptides is… well, 90% hype. When you ignore the manufacturer claims and influencers’ endorsements, there’s not much scientific proof peptides do anything special.
I personally don’t use peptides in my skincare routine. Sure, every now and then I’d try a peptide serum to see what the fuss is about or if a lot of readers request it, but they’re not a regular part of my skincare routine like retinol and vitamin C. Give me what works and keep the hype, thanks.
But, I get it. A lot of you are curious to see if peptides are indeed the new antiaging powerhouses the press makes them out to be. If you’re gonna try them anyway, do it on the cheap.
That’s where The Ordinary comes in. Their peptide serums start at just £5.50, making them the perfect introduction for anyone who wants to satisfy their curiosity without breaking the bank. If they work, awesome. If they don’t, no harm done.
But which one should you go for? Here’s the complete guide to The Ordinary peptide serums to help you choose the right one for your needs:
Argireline Solution 10% (£5.50)
Peptides included: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (a.k.a. argireline), a shortened peptide sequence of Botox.
What the manufacturer says it does: Like Botox, it blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. This way, the muscles can’t move anymore. If they can’t move, expression likes (like forehead wrinkles and smile lines) look smaller.
What science says it does:According to a 2013 studies, applying argireline twice a day for a month can reduce crow’s feet by as much as 48%!
Side effects: Argireline doesn’t penetrate skin well. Only people with thin skin will see an improvement. If you’re young and your skin is thick, you probably won’t see any results at all. (Hint: if you didn’t go through menopause yet, your skin isn’t probably thin enough to see a difference).
Who should use it: Mature women with thin skin who want to relax their expression lines.
Side effects: A waste of money if you don’t get the results you want. Personally, I’m waiting for more independent studies confirming its collagen-boosting properties before adding it to my skincare routine.
Who should use it: Personally, I’d skip this one. But if you’re already using your retinoids and vitamin C and still have money to spare, I guess you could give it a go.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7:It makes skin firmer and smoother.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38: It increases the production of hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate: Like Argireline, Syn™-Ake relaxes muscles to reduce wrinkles lines.
Acetylarginyltryptophyl Diphenylglycine: known as Restilase, it boosts collagen production.
What science says it does: Not much. Apart from the Argireline study I mentioned above, I couldn’t find any independent research supporting the claims for the other peptides. All the studies seem to come from the manufacturer.
Side effects: Again, peptides aren’t dangerous for your skin. It’s your wallet you should worry about.
Who should use it: I don’t really recommend Buffet unless you have the money to spare. If you’re curious about peptides, it’s a cheap way to test what they can do for you.
What the manufacturer says it does: Copper peptides activate a lot of functions in the body, including wound healing, collagen production and anti-inflammatory responses. They keep skin in a constant state of repair. What about the other peptides? They’re the same ones in Buffet, so go read the section above. 🙂
What science says it does:A 2015 study shows that copper peptides soothe skin, help wounds heal faster and boost collagen. As for the other peptides, there’s no much proof they do anything.
Side effects: Using too much copper can have the opposite effect and make you age faster. Use the serum only a few times a week to be on the safe side.
Who should use it: If you’re past 40, are already using proven collagen boosters like retinol and vitamin C, but feel like there’s more you can do to keep your skin in top shape, investing in a copper peptide serum may make sense.
What’s your fave peptide serum from The Ordinary? Share your pick in the comments below.
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Colour correcting isn’t anything new within the beauty world. I’m all but certain we’ve all dabbled with green anti-redness lotions, potions and creams at some point – and let’s not forget the banana powder boom thanks to Kim Kardashian – but have we truly harnessed all colours within the rainbow?
Not really and that is mostly likely a lack of clarity – all too often brands release pastel-hued face products, with no real explanation of what each shade does and as such they are all but ignored. If all you truly want is a brighter complexion and easy to use products, that slot neatly into your daily routine, then the two latest, blue-tinged, L’Oreal Paris Infallible Magic launches are for you.
In 2019 primers are being called upon to up their standards and raising the bar is the new L’Oreal Paris Infallible Magic Essence Drops; part primer, part moisturiser – 100% genius. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the Magic Essence Drops, let me just say that this is a must-try for anyone who loathes the sensation of heavy facial products; the lighter-than-air texture is beyond comfortable to wear and offers the benefits of several items all in one bottle.
In a nutshell, the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Magic Essence Drops have been created to fuse together the moisturising benefits of Hyaluronic Acid, the brightening capabilities of the colour blue and the light texture of a serum-come-essence lotion to create one multi-serving primer. The gel-like texture quickly soothes and hydrates the skin, creating a flawless canvas for make-up to be applied on top off, free from sticky residue or a heavy sensation – don’t fret, the blue-tone quickly fades once applied to the skin.
If you are familiar with Charlotte Tilbury’s Wonderglow, then I have a sneaky feeling you will enjoy this; both can be worn under make-up, mixed into cosmetics or as a standalone product. What sets them apart (price point aside) is that the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Magic Essence Drops does seem to grip onto make-up slightly better and as such can claim to be a true primer – otherwise, we may have an accidental dupe on our hands. Find it here for £9.99– link.
You really can’t go too wrong with a setting powder (quick, easy and actually useful), can you? As such, if you have yet to dip your toe into the colour correcting waters, this is the ideal starting point. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Magic Loose Powder – a translucent setting powder that has an ever so slight baby blue shift of colour. Much like any other setting powder of this nature, it has been created to keep make-up firmly in place, reduce any visible signs of excess oil on the complexion but what sets this apart is the above-par formulation. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Magic Loose Powder is a finely milled powder, that effortless blends and seemingly melts into the skin, leaving behind no residue, nor settling into fine lines and/or open pores. The result is beautifully matte skin that isn’t ashen nor flat. I would also go as far as saying that I do find this powder to have a somewhat blurring capacity, helping to disguise my enlarged pores without the need for a silicone based primer.
The real "magic" if you’ll excuse the tragic pun is believe it or not, the light blue hue of this powder. You’d be forgiven for assuming the pretty pastel tint is nothing more than a gimmick, when in actuality, it helps to brighten and lift the skin for a level of radiance most powders (pressed or otherwise) simply can not mimic – particularity helpful for helping to disguise dark under eye circles. For anyone remotely worried about the colour tone of this powder, any traces of blue dissipate as soon as you blend it into the skin. Find it out £8.99 here– link.
If you’re new to exfoliating acids or only used small concentrations before, this is NOT for you.
If you’re thinking, “5% glycolic acid is awesome, so 30% must be even better,” this is NOT for you.
If you plan to use it in addition to acid toners, this is NOT for you.
Here’s the deal: moderate exfoliation makes your skin softer, smoother and brighter. Too much exfoliation dries skin out like the Sahara, irritates it like hell and makes you more prone to sun damage and hyperpigmentation.
If I had my way, you’d need a prescription to buy The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (and any other high dose peel, for that matter). But I’m not having my way. These peels are freely available in shops for anyone to get their hands on.
So, I’d better tell you how to use it so you don’t burn your skin (literally!). Here’s all you need to know about The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution: what it does, how to use it and – most importantly – how to figure out if it’s right for you or not (hint: for most people, it’s a HELL NO!):
Key Ingredients In The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
AHAs To Fade Sun Damage Away
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is an acid cocktail. It has 4 different types of AHAs: glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid. All together, they build up to 30%.
AHAs are great at removing sun damage, too. Makes sense. The cells on the surface of the skin are the most battered by the sun and elements. They withstood the most damage.
As these surface layers give way to the newer, healthier cells underneath, dark spots slowly fade away. Wrinkles and fine lines look smaller too.
The catch? AHAs can be irritating at small doses, let alone 30%. You see, when you remove the superficial layers, your skin looks brighter and younger. When you remove too many, you’re disrupting the skin’s protective barrier and exposing the raw skin underneath that wasn’t ready to come to the surface just yet.
That dries out your skin, irritates it and makes it more prone to sun damage. Kinda defeats the point of using them, don’t you think?
That’s why it’s best to start with small concentrations of AHAs and build up use gradually. Don’t cheat!
The Ordinary knows that AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution can be irritating. That’s why they added Tasmanian pepperberry to the mix.
Tasmanian pepperberry has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and irritations. Here, it helps reduce the risk of a negative reaction.
It’s a good move. But I wish The Ordinary had added more anti-inflammatory ingredients to give Tasmanian pepperberry a helping hand.
How To Use The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Here’s everything you need to know:
1. How Do You Use The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution?
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solutionis always the first step after cleansing. You cleanse your skin, pat it completely dry and then apply the peel evenly all over your face. Wait a few minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.
2. How Long Should You Leave The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution On?
No more than 10 minutes.
When you’re just starting out, leave it on for 5 minutes. If your skin’s cool with it, next time leave it on for 6 minutes. Repeat until you reach 10 minutes.
Do NOT go over 10 minutes. I don’t care if your skin is fine with 10 minutes. You don’t see aestheticians leave a peel on for 30 minutes to see if the clients can take it, do you?
There’s a reason for that: the longer you leave the peel on, the more layers of dead cells you destroy. You want to remove the superficial damaged layers, not ALL the layers!!!
3. When Should You Use The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution?
At night. High concentrations of acids make skin more prone to sun damage, so it makes sense to use it when the sun’s not around. Mind you, you still need to be religious with sunscreen for a few days after. Now the superficial layers are off, UV rays can wreak MORE damage if you’re not careful!
4. How Often Should You Use The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution?
The Ordinary recommends no more than twice a week. I’m even more conservative and tell you to use it once every 7/10 days. Start slow and see what your skin can take before going all in!
5. What Should You Do If The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution Irritates Your Skin?
With high concentrations of acids, a little tingling is totally normal. But if you’re experience painful stinging, burning or your skin turns red, wash it off immediately and throw the product away.
6. How Should You Care For Your Skin After Using The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution?
I know I start to sound like a broken record but PILE ON YOUR SUNSCREEN!
Here’s the deal: those damaged layers of dead cells are there for a reason. They protect the younger skin underneath from sun damage. Now they’re off your face, your skin is more photosensitive and prone to wrinkles and dark spots.
For a few days after a peel, apply a generous dose of sunscreen. Reapply it as often as necessary. Seek the shade whenever possible. Wear a hat. Use a parasol. You get the drift.
One more thing: it may also be a good idea to hold off prescription medications, like tretinoin, for a few days before and after the peel to minimise the risk of irritation. Talk to your doctor about it before using the peel.
7. Can You Use The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution With Acid Toners/Exfoliants?
No. You either use peeling solutions with high acid concentrations once every 7/10 days or acid toners/exfoliants with smaller concentrations every day/every other day.
Which one works better? You’re asking the wrong question, my smart friend. The right question is, “what can your skin tolerate?”
Higher doesn’t mean better if it irritates your skin!
8. Who Can Use The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution?
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is for expert acid users only. Expert acid users are people who have been using exfoliating acids for years, slowly building up tolerance to them. They go for regular peels and know how to handle high doses without burning their skin.
Hint: if you’re reading this post because you don’t know how to use the peeling solution, you’re NOT an expert acid user.
9. Who Shouldn’t Use The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution?
Anyone who’s never used acid exfoliants before.
Anyone who’s only used toners/exfoliants with small concentrations of acids.
Anyone who’s heard raves about this peeling solution and wants to see what the hype is about.
Anyone who doesn’t know what this peeling solution is but buys it anyway because “my skin may need it.”
Anyone who wants quick results.
Anyone with sensitive skin.
Anyone with peeling or cracking skin.
If you’re on prescription medication like tretinoin, talk to your doctor before adding the peel to your skincare routine. Using too many harsh products can backfire!
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Let’s Put It To The Test: Personal Use & Opinion
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution looks like blood. The deep red hue turns into a soft pink when you apply it on your face, so you won’t look like someone just stabbed you. Ugh.
The texture is lightweight and comfortable on. It tingles a little, but that’s normal. It’s IF it starts to be painful, burn or turn your face red that you’re in trouble.
I’m an expert acid user so I keep it on for 10 whole minutes. My skin can take it. Heck, it can take peels at a derm’s office and those have a lower pH (around 2) that makes exfoliation more aggressive. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is meant to be used at home, so the pH is higher (3.6). It’s still effective, but gentler on the skin.
When I rinsed it off, my cheeks were a little red. I totally expected that. My skin is pretty resistant and can tolerate pretty much everything but in winter that area tends to get a little drier and more prone to redness. So I just slathered on moisturiser and went to bed.
When I woke up the next morning, my skin looked much better. You could see on it all the benefits of acid peels: my skin was softer to the touch, the texture’s smoother and the whole complexion brighter.
I have very little sun damage and no dark spots yet, but if you do, you’ll slowly see them fade away. Again, don’t rush it. Your skin didn’t get damaged in a day. It won’t heal in a day.
The BHA also helps keep my pores clear and free from blackheads and pimples. If excess oils and dead cells can’t accumulate in pores, you can’t get blemishes. But don’t put the peel directly on pimples! That’s too irritating.
Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.
I do it all the time. Call me lazy, but I can’t be bothered to use an oil-based cleanser to melt away my makeup and follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove the residue the oils left behind.
I want it all: a cleanser that removes everything without leaving anything behind. Is that too much to ask?
Enter cleansing balm: they’re the cleansing cheat you’ve all been waiting for. The easiest way to double cleanse in one step. The lazy skincare’s BFF.
Here’s how they work:
How Do Cleansing Balms Work?
Cleansing balms are like solid cleansing oils – but with a surfactant/emulsifier thrown in the mix.
Oils work because like attracts like. The oils in cleansing balms may come in a solid form, but that makes no difference. When you massage them on your skin, they attach to the oils on your makeup and skin and take them on a trip down the drain.
Oils are great at melting away even the most stubborn of impurities. Like waterproof makeup. But as I’m sure you know if you’ve ever tried to wash a greasy pan with water alone, you can’t rinse off oils with water. If you try, they’ll leave a residue behind.
FYI, this residue isn’t bad. On the contrary, it’s pretty moisturising. But not everyone likes that greasy feel on their skin. Besides, some skin types can find oils so moisturizing, they get a breakout. Ugh.
That’s where surfactants/emulsifiers come in. These two families of skincare ingredients have one superpower: they allow water to mix with oils and dirt so they can be rinsed away. Effortlessly.
You know what this means? A cleansing balm is an oil-based cleanser AND water-based cleanser in one product. That’s double cleansing in one step!
I love using cleansing balms. It’s quick and less messy than using a cleansing oil.
First, you massage the cleansing balm on your face to dissolve your makeup and all the other impurities that have settled on it throughout the day.
Then, you rinse the balm off with water. Because the balm has surfactants/emulsifiers built in, the cleansing oils end up down the drain together with your makeup and dirt.
What Are The Best Cleansing Balms?
Shop Cleansing Balms
The Bottom Line
Cleaning balms are an oil-based cleanser AND water-based cleanser rolled into one. They’re the quickest way to remove your makeup at night – without compromising on results.
Do you use cleansing balms? Share your fave picks in the comments below.
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Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.
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The cleanser was one of the first products Sarah Brown, founder of Pai Skincare, formulated for her new brand. You know what they say: if it an’t broken, don’t fix it.
So what made it last the test of time?
Key Ingredients In Pai Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
Oils work because like attracts like. Camellia, castor and sweet almond oils attach to the oils on your skin and in your makeup and take them on a trip down the drain.
Plus, they double up as moisturisers. If you’re used to this type of cleanser, you know they can leave a greasy residue behind. This residue is moisturising, but you can always remove it with a washcloth or water-based cleanser if it really bothers you.
Either way, these oils leave your skin both clean and soft. Win win.
On top of the moisturizing oils, it also has its fair share of glycerin, a humectant that attracts moisture from the air into the skin. Thanks to this extra moisture, your skin stays well hydrated during the cleansing process.
There’s no way this cleanser can dry out your skin – unless you’re too rough with the cloth (more on that later).
The cloth has a textured side to exfoliate skin during cleansing and a soft side if you want to skip the exfoliation. If you have sensitive skin that can’t tolerate acids or scrubs, do use the textured side. If, like me, you prefer chemical exfoliants, use the soft one. Either way, I like that Pai is giving us the option.
I used both sides during the month I tested this. They both remove the cleanser well without scratching skin. Having said that, it’s not the gentlest washcloth I’ve tried. If you already have softer face towels at home, feel free to switch.
Muslin cloths are a breeding ground for bacteria when wet. You have to wait until they’ve dried out completely before using them again. And that’s if you don’t use makeup. If you do, they get dirty pretty quickly. It’s a hassle. It’s up to you to decide if it’s worth it for you.
Using the cleanser with the matching muslin cloth provides a better experience. The cloth helps remove makeup and ensures that every trace of the cleanser comes off too.
When you use the cleanser without the muslin cloth, you’ll feel like you still have a slightly greasy layer on your skin. That’s not dirt or makeup – the cleanser removes both well with or without the cloth. It’s the oils in the cleansers.
Remember what I told you above? Oils do a terrific job at removing makeup but they can leave behind a moisturising residue. I don’t mind, but if you do use it with the cloth.
Talking about makeup, Pai Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser does remove everything – even waterproof mascara. Keep in mind, that I don’t like heavy makeup. The Kardashians look that’s so popular today is so NOT for me. If that’s what you dig, it’ll probably take you a little longer to take everything off.
The only thing I’d do without is the lavender and geranium oils. My tough skin can take them fine but they could cause irritations if you’re sensitive to them.
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You want something that soaks up all excess oil and turns your complexion matte WITHOUT drying it out to boot.
Sebum is your skin’s natural moisturiser after all. Remove the excess and you’ve fixed all your troubles. Remove too much and you have to deal with oiliness AND dehydration. Ugh.
It’s a balancing act. Here are the best clay mask for oily skin that strike just the right balance between oil removal and hydration:
Best Clay Mask For Very Oily Skin: Clinique Refining Solutions Charcoal Mask ($28.00/£25.00)
Struggling to find a clay mask that doesn’t leave too much excess sebum behind? Give Clinique Refining Solutions Charcoal Mask a go. This baby contains every type of clay out there. Literally. It has kaolin, bentonite, montmorillonite… Even a sprinkle of charcoal. That makes it super absorbent. It soaks up ALL traces of excess oil without drying out your skin. Less oil = fewer blackheads and pimples. Plus, it has a sprinkle of antioxidants to help you fight premature aging. Sure, antioxidants work better when left on the skin for hours but hey… every little bit helps.
Best Clay Mask For Oily And Sensitive Skin: Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Oil-Absorbing Mask ($22.00)
Clays have a dark side: when they absorb TOO much oil, they can dry out and irritate sensitive skin. That doesn’t happen with Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Oil-Absorbing Mask. While Kaolin and bentonite clays soak up excess oil, colloidal oatmeal (yes, that’s oats!) and bisabobol soothe irritations. Plus, Paula also added glycerin and other moisture magnets to add moisture to the skin. The result? A matte, soft complexion.
Best Mess-Free Clay Mask: Niod Flavanone Mud (£29.00)
If I could only use one class mask for the rest of my life, it’d be Niod Flavanone Mud. It’s totally mess-free. I’m not kidding. Usually when I use a clay mask, my sink gets all my muddy. After I’ve done with my skincare, I have to clean that mess up. Ugh. This does NOT happen with this clay mask. It uses a new dispersion mechanism that allows you to apply way less product. Translation: it’s easier to remove and feels more comfortable on the skin. While it’s on, it doesn’t feel like it’s cracking up and you can’t move your face. But what the heck does it contain? Clays to absorb excess oils, antioxidants to fight premature aging and soothing ingredients to calm down irritations. Niod has thought of everything!
If you think that clay masks are a pain to use, wait until you try Herbivore Botanicals Pink Clay Exfoliating Mask. Rather than a traditional liquid, the mask comes in powder form. You have to mix it with water until you get the desired consistency. Let me tell you, there’s a lot of trial and error involved here. If you can put up with it, the mask is worth every cent. It uses kaolin clay and pink French clay to absorb excess oil from the skin and chamomile to soothe it. Plus, did I mention it’s pink?
Best Clay Mask For Fun: Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask (£20.00)
Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Clay Mask is SO gimmicky. That’s why I like it. I know, I know, a sciencey skincare blogger shouldn’t fall for gimmicks but hear me out here. This mask reacts to oxygen to form tiny little bubbles all over your face. It’s like you’re wearing a cloud. Isn’t that cool? It also does a great job at absorbing excess oil. It’s not the gentlest mask out there, so if you have sensitive skin, I’d avoid it. But if you want to have fun with your skincare and still see results, why not try it at least once?
What do you think are the best clay masks for oily skin? Share them in the comments below.
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Bath is one of the most relaxing activities of our lives, as it offers dual benefits of body cleansing and stress elimination. However, you can augment its benefits by adding a few natural ingredients about which we will talk in this article.
We have compiled 7 natural ingredients to be added to your bath water for getting a clean and shiny body skin and a relaxed mind.
1. Milk
Milk has been used for ages as an additive to bath water due to its multiple properties which contribute to body cleansing. It comprises of vitamins, fats,and proteins which keep the skin hydrated and help in the retention of moisture, making skin supple. Moreover, it contains lactic acid which is extremely beneficial for skin.
How to use milk for bathing? All you need to do is pour a few cups of milk to lukewarm water and soak your body in it for 15 minutes.
2. Salts
Bath salts work magic by softening and smoothing the skin. They de-stress the mind and lends a relaxed feel.
You can experience this magic by sprinkling bath salts in a bathtub and taking a dip. The advantages will include relaxed sore muscles and moisturizing of the skin, causing a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Ginger
Ginger contains several anti-bacterial properties which help in fighting congestion, flues,and colds. When you add ginger to your bath on a cold day, the bath will raise the body temperature and make you feel warm throughout the day. For skin, ginger will do the cleansing job and get rid of the toxins.
4. Tea
Tea is a great ingredient for the detoxification of the skin and improvement of hair growth. So, get good quality tea bags for your bathing regime.
You need about 3-4 tea bags or 1-3 cups of brewed herbal tea such as peppermint tea or green tea and let your body seep into the water for about 20 minutes.
5. Essential Oils
Essential oils help to relax both the body and the mind. They help in keeping away stress, achy muscles, dull skin while promoting shiny skin and healthy hair growth. Just add a couple drops of the oils to your bath water and enjoy the aromatherapy bath.
6. Honey
Everyone knows that honey is superbly good for skin so you should consider adding honey to your bathwater. Add a couple of honey-filled cups to the bath water and relax in the tub for about 15 minutes.
The advantages of a honey bath include cleansing of pores, moisturizing of the skin and radiance of the skin.
7. Lemon
Lemon is a universally acknowledged remedy against thedull and blemished skin. Just get lemon juice (about ½ cup) and add it to your bath water. When you come out of the tub, you will easily notice the brightness in your skin.
If you did not know already, let us tell why you should definitely give lemon a try: it refreshes mind, shrinks pores, fades away blemishes and revives your skin.
Dawn Siler 