If you read my Kiehl's post, you will know that I had a skin consultation and found out exactly the sort of products I should be using, and an ideal skincare routine that should work for me, resulting in hydrated and blemish free skin. As I wasn't able to afford any of the Kiehl's products at the time, I decided to try and stick with the skincare routine I was recommended but with products I already had in my cupboard so I wouldn't break the bank.
I'm going to give a little rundown of my skincare routine, both evening and morning - I've been doing this for about three weeks now and I have definitely noticed a difference in my skin. Although my skin isn't fully clear yet, I think this is mainly due to other factors now, it has improved so so much since I've been doing this routine. I would put before and after photos on so you can really see the improvement, but I physically could't bare to do that, soz.
Step One
The first step of my evening routine is too take off my eye makeup. I use Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. I just put the cleansing water onto a cotton pad and wipe over my eyes until all of my makeup is removed. This works really well for me, it removes all traces of my eye makeup, and doesn't leave an oil residue like previous eye makeup removers I've used.
Step Two
Next I go in with the Boots Botanics* Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm. I absolutely love this product, it removes my makeup so so well. I rub this into my skin and eyebrows and it completely melts off my makeup. The difference this makes in removing makeup compared to a micellar water is unbelievable. Once I've rubbed this completely into my face, I remove all traces of the product and my makeup with a warm, damp muslin cloth.
Step Three
I then do a second cleanse with Good Things Pore-fectly Clear Charcoal Face Scrub*. Doing a second cleanse ensures that I've not only removed all traces of makeup, but I have also given my actual skin a good clean. I prefer to use a scrub for the second cleanse as I feel it does more. I put a small amount of this into my fingers and rub into my face in circular motions. I again remove this with a warm, damp muslin cloth, and then pat my face dry.
Step Four
When having my skin consultation, I found out that my skin was extremely dehydrated so I was recommended to both moisturise and use a serum. I first moisturise with the Boots Botanics Hydrating Day Cream*, now I know this is a day cream, but remember what I said about being poor *eye roll*. I rub a generous amount of this into my skin. It absorbs fairly quickly and leaves my skin super soft.
Step Five
I then go in with the Boots Botanics Radiance Concentrate All Bright Serum. I use one pump of this and rub into my skin. I actually love using serum now, it will remain in my skincare routine forever! It dries instantly and doesn't leave my skin feeling tacky.
Step Six
Step six isn't something that everyone will do, but fellow acne sufferers will probably have heard of this product. I am prescribed Benzoyl Peroxide 5% by the doctor in order to help keep my acne at bay. I apply a small amount of this to all acne affected areas and leave to dry.
Despite the fact that removing my makeup now takes about 15 minutes rather than 3 minutes, the improvement in my skin is huge, so it is definitely something I am going to stick with. In addition to this, I also have a tiny morning routine, I cleanse my face with the Good Things scrub and then apply one drop of the Boots Botanics serum before applying my makeup.
Is there anything you can recommend for problematic skin?
Any items marked with a * have been gifted to me, but as always, all views are my own.