This Summer I have been on a journey with my skin.
It all started back in June when I was diagnosed with skin pigmentation under my eyes and since then I have been like the skin police.
Skin pigmentation is irreversible and I have to wear factor 50 spf for the rest of my life now.
In July, I was also invited by Lloyds Pharmacy to test out their new Skin Analysis test and, yet again, I was utterly shocked at the results.
They hook your skin up to this snazzy new machine they have in-store (it's free by the way!) and then read your skin for hydration, elasticity and sebum.
My elasticity and sebum were normal for a 25 year old, but my hydration was off the charts! My skin was extremely dry, I think even the skin analyst was shocked.
A combination of genetics (my father and grandfather have always had very dry skin), growing up in Spain and not using enough moisturizer.
You could say that over the last few months I have been reading up on all of the beauty treatments and skin products to protect my skin.
So I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite products and things that I have learnt which have noticeably improved my skin.
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So let's get stuck in.
In no particular order, first up is Face Matters 24/7 Balm the balm.
A luxury balm that works as a cleanser, an exfoliant or an over-night mask. I use it with water to wash my face or with a cloth (one comes included) to gently exfoliate the skin. I usually sit in front of the TV and use it to take my make-up off. It leaves your face silky smooth like a baby's bottom, unlike anything I have ever used.
It is made with collagen so I sometimes leave it on overnight for a super deep restorative moisturizer.
I also like to moisturize it into my finger nails and cuticles to soften them up.
After my skin analysis, Lloyds Pharmacy sent me on my way with some lovely Avene goodies to help improve the moisture and hydration of my skin.
Water was also a big factor, if you don't drink enough water throughout the day (I try to drink about 2 L a day) it really shows as you will have a more dull and tired complexion.
I also thought that using a lot of moisturizer makes your skin a lot more oily and prone to spots. This is a myth. Just because you have spots doesn't mean you have oily skin. I still get pimples every now and then but have extremely dry skin.
Pimples can be prevented with diet, drinking lots of water and making sure you remove all your make-up, but don't compromise on your moisturizer because you are scared of spots.
Avene Gentle Face Wash to wash off all of the impurities left over from your make-up. The soft formula is kind to your skin and gently removes make-up. It doesn't even sting your eyes.
About once or twice a week, depending on how late I am, I use the Avene Purifying Scrub whilst I am in the shower. The microbeads are not harsh on your skin and gets rid of all the dry skin particles that make your skin dry.
Then I slather on some Avene Day Cream (with SPF 20). I use this every single morning, it's a great every day cream. UV rays, which are harmful to your skin and caused my pigmentation, are everywhere, you can't get rid of those pesky buggers come rain or shine. So you should find a daily moisturiser with SPF and wear it during the Summer and the harshest of Winter. This one is light, has no smell, more importantly does not smell like sun cream, and doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy.
Lloyds Pharmacy have invited me back to re-check the results after a few months, so watch this space for an update.
Which leads me nicely on to nighttime.
I discovered Exuviance Night Cream not long ago. It came recommended to me when I met them at the #BloggersFestival. A Spanish skin therapist called Maria (of course) also suffered from pigmentation.
She swore by this to restore the skin at night and she wasn't lying. Put it on after cleansing for an extra oomph of moisture. The only thing I dislike about it is that it doesn't completely soak in to your skin (so essentially you can peel it off) so I sometimes feel like I have to wash it off in the morning.
Buy it here.
I also like using Sinensis products. I was sent some samples over the Summer from the beauty shop based in Camden, London and just can't get enough.
Sinensis creams are very rich and luxurious. They don't contain any nasties (read their banned 20 policy here) and they make my skin feel like velvet!
I sometimes switch up my night cream with Sinensis 24K Night Cream or the White Pine version so my my skin doesn't get used to the same products all the time. Both are quite similar and have the same rich consistency.
I use the Marine Collagen Day Cream or the Pearl Complexion Day Cream if I am going out in the evening as I don't need SPF cream. After getting out the shower and before I put my make-up on I put either one of these two on for a super smooth base to apply my concealer. Neither are oily or greasy and soaks in very quickly.
Coconut Water for your hair, but I usually rub the leftover on to my face as it feels so good. Put some on to a cotton bud to remove pesky eye make up or clean up mascara smudges under your eyes.
And Merumaya Everything Everywhere Oil for literally everything.
Drop a couple drops of this beauty oil into your daily moisturizer for a little pick me up. It soothes and brightens and helps reduce the appearance of lines.
Use on your cuticles and hands as an effective hand cream. Rub some in to the ends of your hair to stop frizz and split ends or add to your hair mask to treat dry scalp.
Literally everything.
Oh hey and did you notice my new canvas? The lovely Posterlounge sent it to me to bring a little bit of beach paradise into the bedroom. They have some really cool designs on their website and it just adds a little bit of life into your home. {Check out their Scandinavian Art Pieces, they are some of my favourite, especially their pink cactus or pineapple].
So those are my current beauty favourites. What about yours?
Seriously though, go book yourself an appointment at Lloyds Pharmacy and start taking care of your skin! Find your nearest Skin Analysis machine here.
So in honour of this, I am running a little giveaway with Posterlounge and Face Matters to say thank you!
Face Matters have very kindly offered to give one lucky reader a free 24/7 balm (worth £55) so you can not only read about the benefits but experience them for yourself. You can also get your hands on a £20 voucher to order your very own canvas, poster or painting from Posterlounge. These will be valid world-wide so anyone can enter!
All you have to do to enter is follow the steps below. You can enter as many times as you like.
The winner will be announced next Monday.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The winner will be announced on Twitter & Facebook and I will personally email the winner too.
Good Luck!
*Update 3rd October 2016: Natasha Todd from Ipswich has been announced as the winner! Congratulations to her and thank you to everyone else for entering.
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