Monday 4 February 2013

I’m ready for my Close-up #1



I’ve never had the best of skin, I always get breakouts of spots which are quite painful and tend to leave scars, so my skin, although not the worst you’ve ever seen, does have plenty of marks all over it from old spot scars. So before Christmas, after another breakout I decided to visit the doctor to see if there was anything they could do. I’ve been before about my spots and they gave me a solution to put on my face which in all fairness cleared it up nicely, however, this was several years ago, and I guess I just got lazy going to collect my prescription, but I stopped using it. I’m hoping that with persistence it will start working, but so far I’ve continued to get spots, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

If however my skin doesn’t get any better using this I’m gonna need to change it up and find something else to help.

So I’m asking, as a bit of a plea really, what do you use on your skin, and especially if you suffer with spots, what routine do you have. I’d really like to hear from you, so please let me know.  You can email me if you have any advice that youu think might be a bit too much for a comment.

I’ve also decided to give up chocolate and sweets for a month!

As of the 1st of February I will not be eating these lovely tasting little treats until March. I have recently realised just how much chocolate I eat and it is quite frankly loads, I should actually be ginormous! I think this might very well not be helping my skin and so I’ve decided to have a one month break from it to see if I stop getting spots. However, I’m scared that if it works I may have to give up chocolate forever, it’s a hard decision, chow down on some lovely chocolate or have nice skin... but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.

So all this has lead me to this post. Every now and again I’m going to do a portrait just to see how my skin is looking. However, it’s not just for that, it’s also handy to see what makeup works, how my hair is changing and I guess just generally me, all very deep.

Peace Out,

28 comments:

  1. Like you, I've had problem skin for many years. It wasn't until I invested in a Clarisonic Mia that I started to see a difference, but even then it wasn't a cure all. I've had to experiment with different skin care lines, but I think I'm finally getting the hang of it. I use my Mia every day, St. Ives Green Tea scrub twice a week, and FAB facial cleanser most days. For spot treatments I use Murad's Acne Spot Treatment, which honestly is a miracle product (I have a review on my blog, as well as a review of the FAB cleanser).

    I hope this was at least a little helpful and that I haven't rambled on! lol Great idea for a post, I'm interested to see what others say on the subject. :)

    Keep calm and carry lipstick.

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  2. I wouldn't say that I suffered with bad spots, but I used to and still do get the odd breakout.
    I've been pretty pants with skincare and only in the last 9 months, started using the Liz Earle daily essentials regime, inc hot cloth cleanser. I love it!
    I recently also invested, after much hype, in the REN Skincare Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask, which I use once a week and leaves m skin so soft!
    Diet changes, like you are doing is another thing.. Plus drinking more water.. and also look at your foundation/makeup, maybe choose more water based products.
    Caroline.x

    notesfromcaroline.com

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  3. Oh. hope it turns better now!
    I'd say to go for a good diet, and let your skin take a rest. Go makeup-free for a few days if you don't have to put on makeup.
    Products vary and have diff results on diff people. So I cant recommend any for you! I think Clinique has some great range for diff skin types and I find them easy to follow.


    Following u now via Goggle +/ bloglovin/ facebook. Follow me back if you like! ♥
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    Miss Aggie Kwong
    Facebook: Miss Aggie Kwong

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  4. Hi Helen,

    A lot of us don't drink a lot of water, in fact we often mistake thirst for hunger, so I've been drinking loads more water, I think this helps. I'm also trying to eat a lot more veg, sneaking them into nearly every meal and snacking on carrot sticks etc. They'll help your skin and you won't be overloading on sugar either. I have very fair, delicate skin, prone to dryness.

    My skin routine: I use No.7 exfoliator, a bit pricey at £10 a go but WOW your skin feels amazing after you use it, it lasts ages too because you're only supposed to use it twice a week max. Plus with Boots releasing £5 off vouchers left right and centre you can usually get it cheaper. In fact I recommend all Boots' No7 make-up, as a girl with delicate skin :-)

    I use tea-tree oil sometimes on a cotton pad (It's one of the very few essential oils you can put directly onto your skin).

    My toner is Breath of Fresh Air from Lush - this gets the last of the daily muck off my face and leaves your skin all tingly and lovely, plus it's very natural and gentle, and the lovely scent is so soothing right before bed.

    I hope you find something that helps!

    http://haveagohannah.blogspot.co.uk/

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  5. I used to be pretty awful at taking off my make-up at nights and I think (know) that contributed to my terrible teenage skin. I now use St. Ives exfoliator every morning & Simple cleanser, toner, and moisturiser every night and see a maaaassive difference. Cheap & cheerful routine! xxx

    www.roaringtwentiesblog.blogspot.co.uk

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  6. Oh I'm guilty for being a bit lazy when it came to removing my make-up off before I slept(only because some products would make my skin breakout!). But I discovered a win-win situation and that's using my rice powder facial mask.. it removes the make-up and leaves my skin feeling so soft so I kill two birds with one stone and no breakout!

    Sorry if this comment sounded like a sales pitch haha

    http://www.candyliquor.co.uk
    UK High Street Fashion & Style
    xoxo

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  7. From what I have found, being a sufferer of mild acne, is that there are three main causes of acne that need to be addressed:
    1) Dietary triggers. These are different for everyone but certain substances in your diet could trigger breakouts so it's important you make a note of what you've eaten the day before a big flare up and if you identify a trigger, eliminate it from your diet. Caffeine (especially fizzy drinks) is a big trigger for me but sugar and greasy foods are common triggers.
    2) Hormones. Often breakouts are caused internally by hormone inbalances and these are impossible to cure externally. Try going on a contraceptive pill known for helping out skin woes (Yasmin and marvelon are the most common) and seeing if that clears you up.
    3) external factors. This is where all those face washes/exfoliators come into play. Acne can be caused by over dryness of the skin or excess sebum production. Invest in good oil free moisturiser and keep your skin hydrated. Stay away from harsh scrubs (st Ives is so bad for your skin!) and develop a good routine which you must stick to. I recommend lush products as they're not full of parabens. Also try a product called skinetica, it's essentially a toner but has worked wonders for my bad skin.


    Hopefully this comment will help you determine the cause of your breakouts and then you can develop your own routine for treating them

    Http://oflambsandlace.blogspot.com

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  8. hm, had that problem. decided to get extra rehydrated, so i'm drinking about 3 liters of water a day - not the one from tap, but bought special filter pitcher with magnesium and stuff, got myself pills for moms to be (with all the vitamins essential for glow of the skin) and started using night and day cream - nutri gold from l'oreal. it helped.

    BITE MY STYLE


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  9. Giving up chocolate, what will power. But I do undestand the determination to have clear skin.

    It may not be what you are looking for, but I recommend any facial cleansing and mosturizing products from the brand Philosophy. I am not sure if you have that where you leave, but I definitely recommend their products.

    SPORTY SPICE: http://ishowedupinboots.com

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  10. wow good luck with it...its not fair how all those great treats are bad for your skin...a girl has to do what a girl has to do right?

    http://thelittlebigobsession.blogspot.co.uk

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  11. hey what a great post for everyone to help eachother out :)
    I used to have almost acne, but I now I have quite clear skin with a couple of scars. here's some tips:
    *use mineral foundation
    *when washing face at night just splash WATER on it's own and dab with a towel (then there's nothing too harsh"
    *don't use all those creams that say they're going to help within a day
    *e45 cream is meant to be good

    anyways your skin looks really natural in your picture :)
    ps.love your hair colour!!

    loraphilp.blogspot.co.uk

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  12. My spots are worse when I eat bad things...Like sweets and chocolate! I'm going to follow your lead and quit them for the rest of the month. Drinking lots of water clears them up too! I try to use unperfumed products for sensitive skin.

    Tara
    The Style Rawr!
    xoxo

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  13. I have the same problem too. Check out my new skin care post : http://pipsqueak90.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/a-clean-slate.html?m=1 . I've seen a real improvement using these products :) xx

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  14. My favorite is Dermalogica. Origins line (at Sephora) has an AMAZING charcoal mask that I ADORE! Hope this helps.

    nauticalowl.blogspot.com
    Hop on over and check out my first ever give away!

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  15. Your skin looks flawless! I use to get a bit of acne when I was in school but luckily I have grown out of it now so was probably just a hormone thing. However, I still do get the odd one or two a week and find that a product called Herbal Himalayas Neem Tree and Turmeric REALLY REALLY helps. It is 100% natural and removes bacteria. It is really effective. I've been using it for about 2-3 years now and would definitely recommend it. I use it in conjunction with Garnier Pure 3 in 1 Wash + Scrub + Mask. Neem is also starting to appear in high-street products like Garnier but is not 100% natural ingredients. There are many other websites that sell it but I cant seem to find the one I buy it from atm but there is one on ebay:

    http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/170924195782?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&cbt=y

    For just £4.45 it is an absolute bargain/miracle.

    Sudo Cream is also amazing. Put it on a spot at night before bed and its practicably gone in the morning.

    Hope this helps!(and sorry about the essay) x

    http://dress-you-up.blogspot.co.uk/

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  16. I really like the blouse! Great blog, so I'm a new follower =)

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  17. I have the same problem you have, but from a few months on. I think that this is due to hormonal changes, and maybe just waiting it will be solved :) I hope so at least haha
    Andrea in Fashion

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  18. Hi,

    I have had spots all my life, off and on. The thing I found that has helped the most is a simple clean skin, I use Cetaphil cleanser and moisturiser. It is ph balanced, no perfumes etc and I am now always getting complimented on my skin by beauticians.. I also use a facecloth/washer when washing it off.

    Spots are really just blocked pores that have gotten infected.

    Steff

    https://steffykat.com

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  19. Hey love, Thanks for stopping by at my blog! Lovely to meet you :). I have ACTUALLY been thinking about doing a blog post about acne for a while now! it's something that plagues me on and off, even at 22 years old...so annoying.
    I wash with a benzyl peroxide 5% solution every night, and leave it on my face for 3-4 min. then every single night I use differin cream where I wold normally get a break out. EVEN if I don't have any pimples, or if the differin is making my skin dry and flakey. you have to use this stuff every day. the dryness will eventually subside in a couple of weeks you just have to be really persistant!
    If I have any spots coming up, I get them straight away with a benzyl peroxide 5% cream (or if you want to be really hard core, you can get 10%...it will make your skin flake at first, but it will get used to it) dab like 3 layers on...if you think your using way too much on a spot, then your probably using the right amount :)...I wouldn't go smearing this over an area of pimples, just one pimple at a time.
    Finally, In the morning I just rinse my face with cold water!
    Other things you cold try are a contraceptive pill which is known to clear acne, or doxycycline antibiotics daily...Whatever you choose to do topically or take orally, you really do need to stick with it day in, day out for at least 4 months to see any result. Hope this helps!
    xoxo Amie @ Spoonful of Vintage

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  20. Eurgh, I still haven't found the perfect solution for my skin. Clinique anti blemish clarifying lotion is pretty good, and the clearing moisturiser too. x
    that-bird.blogspot.co.uk

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  21. First of all you look great and your hair is beautiful. In another note, I have skin problems and haven't found a good solution yet. I guess a good cleansing routine, drink a lot of water and a good moisturiser will help a lot. Btw, thanks for visiting my blog.

    Karen,xx
    http://hablemosfashion.blogspot.com

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  22. Thank you everyone so so much, I'm gonna have a go and try out everything that every one has been syaing! So I'm quiting chocolate for a month, drinnking plenty of water and I'm going to find myself a good cleaner, I'm looking at all the products you have suggested right now.

    Oh and also, I have spoken to my doctor and it could very well be due to the pill, apparently some certain contraceptive pills can make your skin worse, I currently use microgynon, and this can be one of the side effects, so as of next week I will be using a different pill - 'co cyprindiol', it's the same as Dianette, more people may have heard of this one, but it's just under a different brand name. This was actually created as an acne treatment and they then found that it acts as a contraceptive so it should help my skin. At the end of the month I'll do another post to let you know what I've been using and how my skin has cleared up.

    Thank you everyone :)

    p.s. this is as long as a little essay :s

    Helen

    x

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  23. you look great!

    http://pinklemonincrystal.blogspot.com

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  24. Hey,nice look!Thanks for your visit!I follow you!Hugs

    http://annirm.blogspot.ie/

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  25. I suffered with spots for years, and the only thing that ever cleared them was the pill. But then last year I went and saw a dermatologist and I got put on tablets, do to with Acid A I believe, I'm not 100% sure... but I took them for seven months and I've been off them for about 7 months now and I've not had one single spot. It's also completely cleared up my oily skin, including with my hair as well. Best thing ever. I had tried various skincare options, but I always knew that my spots were hormonal, and that skincare and creams weren't going to fix it! x

    http://lostmyowls.blogspot.com

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  26. I have very dry skin on my forehead and very oily skin on my cheeks. So I use 2 different products. But I go to a dermatologist and he gives me something made by the pharmacist himself.

    Love your blog, I'm following you now, hope you follow me back!

    Check out my blog The Closet I Love!

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  27. What a pretty makeup look! The winged liner and soft peachy blush are great :)

    I too have suffered with acne (to varying degrees) for years (I'm 29, thought it would be over by now, lol), but my skin has been much better-behaved lately. I credit it to a combination of thorough cleansing at night (I use long-wearing foundations that can clog pores if they aren't removed properly at night) and gentle acne products (my skin is also sensitive, so the harsh treatments only irritate my skin). I use Shu Uemura cleansing oil at night, and acne products from a Canadian brand called B Kamins. Their Acne Wash has been a saviour!

    Hope this helps- if you have any more questions, I'd be happy to answer! You can visit my blog or email me at jennifer.monforton@gmail.com :)

    -Jen

    www.vibrantbeautyblog.com

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  28. What I suggest is you need to do facial mask everyday to keep your skin moist, this can also help to improve fine lines. If you have very sensitive skin and can only use certain skincare brands, then buy pure aloe gel or glycerine and mix with your moisturizer. Put a thick layer to your skin for 15 mins, do some massage too, then wash off

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