Skincare Routine

MORNING:

1. Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash with Scrub Brush

Seriously this stuff makes my skin squeky clean

2) Tone skin with Witch Hazel

Just put some on a cotton pad with and swipe all over the face

Witch Hazel is great for toning because it is full of antioxidants, a natural antibacterial so great for acne users and also great for lightening acne scars

3) Dominance Hydro Active Fluid

(pretty self explanitory)

4) Sunsense Tinted SPF50 Suncream

 No matter the weather I always wear a sunscreen of SPF30 or above without fail. It is the best antiager and especially is you use acid-based products like me it is essential.

This suncream is formulated in Australia which for me is a lot more appealing since Australia's suncream regulations are a lot stricter due to the stronger sun

NIGHT:

1) Cleanse and Tone the same as in the morning

2) Exfoliate with Paula's Choice Alpha-Hydroxy Acid Gel

Personally I prefer chemical exfoliants to physical exfoliants (scrubs) simply because they are much more effective. AHAs are good for hyperpigmented, sundamaged, normal to dry skins

BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are good for acne prone, combo to oily skins.

SUNCREAM IS ESSENTIAL WHEN USING ACIDS

3)MUAC's Skin Bleaching Gel

This is a great lightener for hyperpigmentation/acne scars as it does not contain hydroquinone and instead has Alpha-Arbutin which is a very effective natural lightener

4) Moisturize with E45 cream

This is a very thick cream so I wouldnt recommend for daytime use but if you have relatively dry skin like myself I recommend!

TREATMENTS:

1) MUAC's 55% Lactic Acid Peel

I use this once a week. It is a fantastic deep exfoliant that chemically dissolves all dead skin right into the pores. Great the day before a party or for acne-sufferers as it really brightens the skin without any down-time

see: Makeup Artist's Choice for directions on how to use

2) 12.5% TCA Peel

I use this once a month mainly for my hyperpigmentation but it is also great for acne-sufferers, early wrinkles and brightening the skin

However, make sure you are not doing something very important for a week after the peel because obviously it will make your skin peel for about 4 days after but don't worry, once the skin has peeled, brighter younger looking skin is underneath :)

I do recommend that if you are just starting with peels to go for the 8% rather than 12.5%

see: MUAC for directions (and follow them)

What is your skincare routine?

Hyperpigmentation Post 1

During my early-mid teens I suffered pretty severe acne, thankfully I have cleared that all up but now I am left with horrible hyper pigmentation scarring. I am now hoping to take you on my journey to getting rid of it :)

What is hyperpigmentation?

One thing to remember is that hyperpigmentation is not the same as acne scarring. Hyperpigmetation is essentially excess melanin in the skin caused by either sun damage, age or scarring

What are my options?

Most dermatologists will tell you one of two things:

Either just wait for it 'fade' ie wait around 20 years

OR

Undergo very tedious and expensive laser/chemical/microdermabrasion sessions

However, in my opinion using the right products at the right times in the right amounts can make the biggest difference.

My plan:

• Recently I have been doing SO much research into what really is the best and most cost effective way to get rid of hyperpigmentation.

• Firstly and most importantly is to use a daily sunscreen to prevent any spots getting darker and any new ones from forming.
• I am still searching for the perfect under-makeup suncream and have been looking at brands like: La Roche Posay and Peter Thomas Roth

• Secondly, exfoliation is key. Physical exfoliants such as scrubs are not particularly effective when dealing with hyperpigmentation and I strongly recommend a chemical exfoliant such as Glycolic acid (AHA) or BHAs.
• Currently I am using Paula's Choice Exfoliating 8% Alpha Hydroxy Acid Gel

• Next and this is optional, but if you have slightly darker skin like my Meditteranean skin, you will want to use a skin lightener cream just on those stubborn spots
• Ingredients to look for in a skin lightener cream are: Alpha Arbutin- a natural and proven skin lightener, Kojic Acid- careful if you have sensitive skin though and several antioxidants
• Another ingredient that I recomment would be Hydroquinone. Now I know that Hydroquinone has been linked to cancer howver, all researched and reputable dermatologists will tell you that that is completely unjust. There is no medical evidence to say that Hydroquinone leads to cancer. But of course, if you are wary, do not use it.

• Finally, the golden product that I hope will help me is TCA acid peels. I use a home kit that i purchased of MakeupArtistsChoice.com which is a well known brand for home peels. This peel in a salon can go up to £500 a pop but they are very well known to get rid of hyperpigmentation.

I will keep you all updated on how this new skincare regime is working for me. What are your holy grail products for clear, bright skin?