Hi guys! I recently went out and bought some new skincare products that have already shown great results! The products seem to have been great for my skin and have really changed the way that my skin looks and feels, which is probably the aim for most of us out there.
I will link the products at the bottom of the post so that you can look at prices as well as more information about what they do for your skin!
Before buying the high-end products that I have been using for around a week, I was using the Simple skincare line, and these products have worked a treat in the most part, however, there are some drawbacks that I have noticed. But obviously, if a similar product is working for you, even though it may have not worked for me, then keep with it! Everyone’s skin is different!
So, in terms of low-cost skincare, as said previously I used Simple’s products – these included the Simple Moisturising Facial Wash, the Simple Oil Balancing Exfoliating Wash, and also their Oil Balancing Moisturiser. Personally, I think it is best to stick with one brand when using skincare due to the similar ingredients in the different products that won’t counteract one another, and also the products may work in a step-by-step basis e.g using the facial wash before the coordinating moisturiser.
These 3 products have been amazing in reducing the amount of spots that I have, and have done so in a very soothing way. I have noticed that the products work even better with the use of an exfoliating brush, and I highly recommend these when wanting to deeply cleanse your skin. However, I have noticed adverse effects when using the exfoliating brush too frequently (use around 2/3 times a week) as it strips the skin too much of its natural oils.
In terms of what made me change to using the other skincare products (apart from the fact these products had almost run out), it was because the Simple moisturiser was making me a lot more oily, and I felt that my skin needed something a bit lighter. I also wanted to start working on removing my hyper-pigmentation and redness instead of just the spots.
I knew this next moisturiser worked really well for me from using it in the past, so I decided I wanted to try out other products in the La Roche-Posay range – these included the Effaclar Cleansing Gel for Oily/Sensitive Skin, the Effaclar Micro-Exfoliant Toner, and the Effaclar Duo Moisturiser with added SPF 30.
To begin with, the cleansing gel states that it works to ‘purify’ the skin, and I couldn’t agree more. After using this only a couple of times with the toner and moisturiser, my skin feels smoother and less dry! This collection seems to be about removing imperfections, and I have already noticed less redness around my blemishes and less hyper-pigmentation!
The toner is used after the cleansing gel and further cleanses the skin by exfoliating dead skin and gets rid of any unwanted blackheads. However, because this is an exfoliant I would only recommend using it only a couple of times a week otherwise it may be too drying for the skin.
Finally, I apply the moisturiser, and even if you have oily skin it is still important to moisturise so that oil levels can work to be balanced in the long-term for your skin! But again, I have noticed that this moisturiser has reduced the appearance of blackheads as well as any small blemishes on my skin.
For the days when I am not using the toner, I like to use a face mask so that my skin feels revitalised in a different way. Personally, I enjoy using the face masks from Kiehls, and the one I use at the minute is called the ‘Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque’. Due to different masks doing different things for your skin it is important to try-out samples and find out what suits your skin the best. I have sensitive skin, so this soothing mask is great and the aloe vera properties help to reduce redness on my skin.
Finally, I have two last things that I believe have changed the way my skin looks – drinking endless amounts of water and believe it or not.. zinc! I bought some zinc capsules from Neal’s Yard Remedies that work to boost your immune system, cognitive function and the maintenance of normal vision, hair and skin health!
p.s I’ve learned that it is important to take vitamins in the morning, and minerals at night to have the best results due to the way our body functions!
I hope that this has given you an insight into what skincare products may be best for your skin type! Make sure to leave any comments on what products you guys are trying out or what could work for me!
Have a great day,
James x
Products Mentioned:
Simple Moisturising Facial Wash
Simple Oil Balancing Exfoliating Wash
Simple Oil Balancing Moisturiser
La Roche-Posay Moisturiser with SPF 30
*3 for 2 on the La Roche-Posay products at Boots!
James Scoffin 
I think skincare routines have to be changed up often due to other external factors like weather, sleep, etc… I love the simple range and like you, it made my skin a little oilier than usual. I’ve since change to Neutrogena and funny enough, I actually debated trying out La Roche too! this was a great read x
https://annicklau.com
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Totally agree, and I have never tried Neutrogena but will definitely have a look at their range! x
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I think cheaper skincare products have come a long way over the years, but skincare is definitely worth investing in.
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So useful 🙂 Thanks for the share.
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With nearly 60 years in on this skin care thing, I’ll say that 99% of success is in consistency use. Drugstore brands can be just as good, and certainly less expensive and easy to obtain. The Simple Microcelluar cleansing water is a godsend. Easy, gentle morning and night clean and refresh. Thanks for your thoughts on the other products.
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