Before reading this post I would recommend you check out My Skincare Routine first as it mentions all my Holy Grail face products. If you already have a list of products you’re not likely to ever stray from, then by all means skip it, and just read this one which includes all my tips and tricks of what I essentially classify as my skincare “extras”.
Depotting / Travel Jars
My first rule of skincare is depot EVERYTHING!!!! When you think you’ve finished a product, before throwing the packaging away, cut it open (when you can), you’ll soon find there is weeks’ worth of product left over. I shudder to think the amount of product I’ve wasted over the years when I wasn’t doing this, don’t make the same mistake! We might not be in La Mer territory (there is only so much I’ll spend on a single product) but skincare can quickly build up and become quite expensive (especially when you have about 100 steps in your routine like I do), waste not, want not.
My personal favourite depotting/travel jars (that have never leaked on me) are the 15ml and 30ml ones from KIKO.
Silk Pillowcases & Eye Masks
Second rule of skincare is, don’t let your pillowcase absorb it all off your face! I’m a convert to the silk pillowcase and yes while more expensive than a basic cotton one it will save you money in the long run by not absorbing all your expensive creams you’ve painstakingly put on. Plus, it won’t tug your skin and be an extra cause of wrinkles to worry about.
If you also wear an eye mask at night like me (I can only sleep in total darkness), try and find one made of silk too, for the same reasons.
Dermaplaning
A fancy way of women admitting to shaving one’s face. I only started doing this because of my blog, I got tired of having to edit out my peach fuzz in every close-up photo of my face. And a good camera WILL pick up every single detail; the good, the bad and the ugly. Ever looked in a x10 magnifying mirror? Yap, it’s like that, flattering for no one!
And don’t believe the rumours out there that your hair will grow back darker and thicker, it’s literally impossible and just a myth. If you do have very dark hair on your face it’s likely a hormone imbalance and a doctor can better advise you on that.
I either like to use one of these “eyebrow shapers” (from this pack here or here). While they aren’t sharp enough to do proper dermaplaning (which includes skin exfoliation as well as hair removal), which I’d say can only be done by a trained professional, they will remove your peach fuzz and are practically impossible to cut yourself with. Or you can use your leg razor if you have one (you might be a waxer). My preferred one is a two-bladed razor from Gillette (yes it’s technically a man’s one but a razor is a razor, don’t fall for the pink tax!). Now do be careful if you decide to use a normal razor, you can cut yourself and accidentally take out some of your hairline very easily because they are so slippery (I speak from experience…sniff). I found that I only need to “dermaplane” cough…shave my face…cough only once a week or every two weeks depending on what photos I need to get done. But do what works for you, if you need to do it at all that is.
Facial Exfoliators
The Daily Concepts Facial Mini Scrubber and the Boots Exfoliating Face Sponge were both already mentioned in my skincare routine; currently using the former but much prefer the latter (just haven’t been able to find it in Boots stores during my last UK visits). Along with the Silicone Cleansing Pad, I thought they needed a second mention since they can technically be categorised as “tools”. I do exfoliate daily with both the sponge or scrubber and then the silicone cleansing pad with the Neutrogena Refreshingly Clear Facial Wash.
You might not need to exfoliate daily depending on your skin type and proneness to spots, but I would recommend exfoliating at least once a week with either a pad, scrubber or sponge (all have varying levels of roughness and hence exfoliating ability). I don’t use any type of chemical exfoliators as I’m scared of burning my skin or cleansing brushes as those are too harsh (I know they had a bit of a moment in the skincare world). This is just the way I prefer to remove my dead skin cells and leave my skin feeling baby-smooth.
Blackhead Remover / Pore Vacuum
I mentioned in my skincare routine that my dermatologist gave me free samples of the Avène Cleanance Comedomed Anti-blemishes Concentrate cream which has made a bit of a difference. However, the biggest difference I’ve noticed with my blackheads is thanks to this Blackhead Remover Pore Vacuum. As the name would suggest it’s a hoover…for your face.
I use mine every 4-5 days after I’ve washed my hair and my facial pores are as dilated as possible. I’ve only ever used the power at level 1 and 2 (you never need to go up to 5 unless you want to give your face suction marks/bruising) and always only on my T-zone area, focusing mainly on my nose (i.e. the problem area).
You may have a bit of user error if you are not careful enough and don’t start on the gentlest of settings. I did have to cover a massive bruise after my second use because the suction nozzle slipped to my temple and I didn’t release the skin quickly enough (all it takes is 1 second), but you get the hang of it pretty quickly.
Extractions
Again, just a fancy way of saying an unmentionable; spot squeezing (skip this section if you are eating or easily grossed out…it’s not going to be pretty!).
As someone who struggled with acne since the age of 12, advising me with “don’t squeeze your spots” (usually from someone with poreless skin) is not helpful! We all know you’re going to do it anyway, the best advice I got and can give, is how to do it in the most hygienic way possible.
First, you need short nails: the tips of long nails, with their inherently smaller surface area are not as effective as using your finger pads (only possible with no nails), which focus the squeezing pressure on a larger surface area. Obviously, also freshly wash your hands (using a nail brush to get any remaining dirt from under your short nails too).
Second, the piercing tool: I have what is meant as a metal tooth pick but you can use this ingrown hair remover tool too. Disinfect this tool with rubbing alcohol.
Next, cover your indexes with tissues as shown in the pictures. Yes, your hands are clean but it’s again about distributing squeezing pressure and staying as hygienic as possible, plus it will catch/absorb the pus/sebum better.
Finally, go for it. Pierce the spot; either a whitehead or blackhead DO NOT TOUCH spots without a head (i.e. sebaceous cysts as they are too deep under the skin and don’t burst, you’ll just aggravate the area by poking it). The piercing of the spot is to help guide the pus/sebum out that specific way (you don’t want to squeeze a spot and still have the pus stuck under a layer of skin, which can happen and will cause a flare-up). With your tissue covered indexes squeeze till all the pus is out and you are left with clear or bloody liquid. Use fresh tissues for every different spot.
Rinse/wash that area and then apply an antiseptic cream only to the freshly extracted spot. I use Savlon but I found it can cause spots on my face too, so I really just use a touch of it, it’s not a face moisturiser! The antiseptic cream will help you heal and stop scarring.
This extraction technique, antiseptic cream and general face skincare routine are the only reasons I don’t have more facial scarring from my years of acne. My back on the other hand (yes I also had back acne) on which I could not perform extractions (because I’m not a contortionist) is very scarred in comparison to my face (you can see in the body exfoliator photos that my back has a lot of white marks; that’s scarring).
Medication
Because of my acne I first went on Minocycline (taking this antibiotic for a year destroyed my gut health and left me with permanent IBS), do not recommend! Then low dose Accutane (20mg) for another year, the latter needing regular blood tests and birth control as prerequisites during the treatment (in Europe anyway).
Upon reflection my acne was never as bad as to require Accutane but having tried every topical cream out there, as a teen, it was my last resort. Spots and skin texture did come back two weeks after I had finished my year’s dosage (although in a decreased capacity), but I decided to go from there with just skincare and diet at that point. Cutting out gluten and milk have been a big help (both digestively and skin-wise) but I haven’t quit lactose completely since I still love my milk chocolate (I mean I was LilacChocolate for a reason guys!) but I’ve had no issues because of it.
Which bring me to my next skin medication; Aciclovir. Ahhh the herpes simplex virus, what a pain in the butt! Yap, I’m laying it all out there for you guys (you never know if/when this information could help someone). I’ve had “cold sore” flare-ups also known as face herpes around my mouth and nose area ever since I was a toddler (there is photographic evidence of this), as you contract this virus for life guys…yap fun!
No one else in my family ever got cold sores and since I always ever got them after eating things with uncooked flour (found on the bases of pizzas and on artisanal bread etc.), I associated these sores with an allergy (plus antihistamine took the itchiness away). As flour seemed to be my trigger and with my digestive issues with gluten we briefly thought it could be Dermatitis Herpetiformis (a skin manifestation of coeliac disease but not caused by the herpes simplex virus). But as I was tested late last year, I know for sure that I have the herpes simplex virus (yes it took about 25 years of on and off flare-ups to first figure out what these sores were and then get a flare-up timed right to be swabbed and tested by a very overbooked dermatologist).
As mentioned, you contract this virus for life as it plays hide and seek with your immune system, you can’t actually kill it, but you can manage it with Aciclovir. Right now, I’m starting a 6-month course of 800mg a day (with the goal of reducing the number of flare-ups once the treatment is over).
EDIT: 6 months later and you’ve guessed it, literally two weeks after coming off this treatment (what is with my body?) and my skin has had a flare-up freak out. We’re talking sores on either side of my mouth and my nose in three days (who knew compulsory mask wearing would be this handy?!). Guess I’ll be going back on Aciclovir for another 6 months, to be continued…
Bodywash / Soap
Onto more fun topics, bodywash. I personally mostly love the Palmolive brand when it comes to bodywash (with a few exceptions from The Body Shop). My favourite all-year-round scents are the Camellia Oil & Almond from their Naturals line and a recent new discovery their Sun-Kissed Day which is sadly a limited edition. For winter, I’m a big fan of their Gourmet line with Vanilla Pleasure and Chocolate Passion being my favourite (you could have guessed that last one).
All these bodywashes have never given me spots (which I’m prone to especially on my back and décolleté area if I’m not careful), while still being very hydrating and smelling delicious!
My favourite soap bar (which is my preference when it comes to handwashing) is again from Palmolive and is their Naturals Delicate Care with Almond Milk. Super hydrating on the hands especially when washing your hands straight after the harsh washing up liquid used for doing the dishes (I still use body butters on my hands at night though, see below).
Body Exfoliator / Nail Brush
If you’ve been a long-time follower of my blog then you’ll know I’m not really a big fan of loofahs (shower lilies), but instead I use my nail brush to scrub/exfoliate the top part of my back and shoulders as well as my legs (helps to prevent ingrown hairs there). I also use a longer handled brush for the rest of my back when I wash my hair to remove the conditioner that runs down it, which if left, would give me spots.
Body Moisturisers
You’ll know my love for The Body Shop body butters from this post here and here and why I also use them as my hand cream every night (they work wonders and leave my hands hydrated for longer than their actual hand creams).
The Body Shop body butters come in two different consistencies depending on their scent, the harder and thicker one like their Vitamin E or their softer creamier version like their Fuji Green Tea. The latter is a wonderfully fresh scent and is one I go to in the summer when I’m craving a lighter scent than the richer and warmer limited-edition winter ones.
If their softer and creamier body butters are still too heavy for that particular time of year (because of sweltering weather), then I’ll use their even lighter gel-lotions or yogurt formulas to moisturise my legs after shaving.
Sunscreen
Finally, last but not least is my last skincare extra; sunscreen. Very important especially if you spend a lot of time outside or live in sunnier climates. Yes The Straw Hat will help protect your face in the summer but not so practical any other time of year and for the rest of your body either.
For my face sunscreen I have to be careful to choose a formula that won’t break me out and doesn’t look too greasy either. My perfect one, that I’ve loved for years and get in factor 50 is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid but I have tried and liked the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Cream one too. Don’t forget your lips! I did for years, but now I’m vigilant and also use the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Lip Balm.
For my body I usually only wear sunscreen when I’m tanning in a bikini on holiday (usually only two weeks of the year, if that), and I religiously use the Garnier Ambre Solaire range either in factor 20 or 30. And since the sunscreen usually comes in a special deal with after-sun I also pick up the Garnier Ambre Solaire After-Sun. The after-sun helps me any time I get a little too red, but I love to use it as a light moisturiser on my legs after washing off my sunscreen (only when on holiday and tanning otherwise I stick to The Body Shop moisturisers as mentioned above).
Sidenote: I usually tan and never burn but when I was on Accutane I did easily burn (you’ll know best how your skin reacts and what best factor to use to protect yourself).
There you have it, my list of skincare tools & extras, it might be a lot to some people but I’m barely scratching the surface of a true skincare addict. I don’t use face masks as I don’t see the point of 15-30 minute treatments here and there and prefer more long-lasting products which are less wasteful and a better investment in the long run. Nor do I own a jade roller or use light treatments of LED face masks or microcurrent tools so count yourselves lucky…this post could have been even longer! ;)
What is your favourite skincare tool or extra?
Do you use any of the last tools mentioned? Have you noticed a big difference with any?
If money wasn’t a factor, what product or tool would you love to buy and try?
xxxemma