Sunday 8 March 2020

Skincare Sunday #9 Soothed Skin

This week, I want to address skin sensitivity and what products can be relied upon to soothe sore, irritated or reactive skin. Some years ago now, I had a fairly intense reaction to using a salicylic acid product which was designed for acneic, oily skin (not my skin type, hence the reaction!) Rather than ridding me of some blemishes, I was left with a swollen, chemically burned face and eyelids that could barely open. Since then, I've educated myself a lot on ingredients and been more cautious with patch-testing. It was scary, but I found some products that helped when nothing would. I want to share them with you:


For a really luxurious treatment for dry and sensitive skins, Josh Rosebrook's Advanced Hydration Mask is an amazing product. The brand is all natural and sources the finest organic materials to make its products. The mask is a balm to oil formula that feels and smells incredible to apply. You leave it on for half an hour and it transforms dry, tired skin like nothing else I've ever tried. It contains many essential oils and blue tansy gives it the ice blue colour as well as, amongst other ingredients, its calming effect on the skin. May Lindstrom's Blue Coccoon is the closest thing I've tried to this as it is also known for its blue colour. I love that for soothing skin also, but this has a more easily spreadable texture and an even more appealing scent (a combination of the natural oils); it's texture is very similar to Emma Hardie's Moringa Cleansing Balm in my opinion, but this is far richer and more nourishing. To justify the price tag, you might consider that this gives you spa-level results and you don't need to use a lot of the product each time.

My absolute go-to, top recommended product for any skin complaint (dry, sore, irritated, sensitive, post-treatment) is La Roche Posay's Cicaplast Baume B5 Multi-Purpose Soothing Repairing Balm.  It is an affordable thick cream which sinks into the skin to heal and soothe like none other. It has antibacterial properties which is why I've heard it recommended to be used after laser treatment or exfoliation. I always substitute my regular moisturiser for this one in the days following any harsher treatments; when I had the terrible allergic reaction, this was one of the few products I could actually use. It contains panthenol (B5), glycerin and shea butter as well as thermal spring water. It is non-perfumed and suitable for the whole body (just don't apply around the eyes). I consider this my secret weapon!

Another absolute beloved product is the Malin and Goetz Lip Moisturiser which is the best lip balm I've ever found (that is saying something as I've tried many). It is exactly the right thickness and lasts ages on your lips. It has no strong or novelty scent and it is really hydrating. I always have one of these handy and find it leaves a glossy finish which lasts for a long time. They even do a Mojito one now which has a tangy lime scent to it.

Finally, for eyes that need soothing, La Roche Posay's Toleriane Ultra eye cream is non-irritating and I have found myself re-purchasing again and again. I can't recommend La Roche Posay products highly enough and will happily post and re-post content about this French Pharmacy brand! The Toleriane eye cream is like a security blanket to moisturise the under eye area when I feel the fine lines are looking a bit under-nourished (and therefore more apparent than I would like). I have been trying retinol eye products recently to soften my lines and I tend to layer a small amount of this (the size of a raindrop between both eyes) over the top.

Sometimes skin just needs a break from high potency products. These wonderful soothing offerings work for me and could for you. Be sure to check ingredients if you have allergies.

No comments :

Post a Comment