A Daily SPF

My favourite words when looking at a day cream with SPF are "UVA" " UVB" "Broad Spectrum" "Protection". Once a product has all of these, i am pretty much SOLD. 

When we live in a place where the weather is indecisive and gloomy for the majority, we have all been guilty of not applying our daily spf, but the truth is that even on the gloomiest of days UVA is still present and can still cause damage, damage that builds up over time and can take up to 10 years to show. 

Using products daily that have built in SPF is SO important, all of my go to daily moisurisers have it in them, my current faves are 

This Works In Transit Skin Defence SPF 30

Perfect for those hotter days, or even days out abroad, with UVA & UVB protection this broad spectrumed multitasker also adds a natural antioxidant skin boost and keeps your skin hydrated through a long work day and into the evening without being greasy.

Skin Defence is available HERE from their website £29 per 40ml

Dr Nick Lowe Super Charged SPF 15 Day Cream

A long term favourite of mine, packed with Vitamins, Ferulic Acid, Raspberry &  Pomegranate to aid natural sun protection, keep you youthful. The creamy texture is perfect for every day use even on hot days when a SPF daily can be quite sticky. This remains soft, comfortable and wearable. 

Dr Nick Lowe available HERE on their website£19 per 50ml, why not join the loyalty program while your there!!

X BB X 

Racinne Ultimate Aqua Boost.

After a long battle (7 months) battle with a scar on my face, I am desperately trying to remove it. I had spot injected back in December 2013 and since then the mark just wont shift, and it also has a small dip in the middle which makes it hard to cover up. I have been using a combination of products since then to shift it, from Pigmentation products, to redness to even light chemical peels. 

I have been trialling this product for 3 weeks and so far, I am loving it. I am currently using it all over my face and neck (just in case I have some unseen sun damage) and not just in the area i wish to fix. 

The lightweight gel/cream formula means it is so easy to apply and doesn't leave a sticky residue and you are able to layer on a night cream afterwards without feeling like you are suffocating your pores. Whilst it isn't generally promoted for acne scarring I thought it was worth the test! Racinne is a Korean brand which uses scientific technology combined with plant extracts with results driven skin rejuvenation, Korean skincare is definitely one to watch! 

On the whole this is so far great for my skin. I have noticed visible improvements in the texture, feel and general appearance, my skin feels and looks brighter and more even. Whilst the scar hasn't totally disappeared, it is becoming less and less visible as the days go by. 

I am using this in conjunction with Alpha H Liquid Gold every other night. for my review on Liquid Gold, please click HERE and with my normal morning routine. 

Available at Fenwicks, or online HERE RRP £38

X BB X 

Champneys Skin Comforting Miracle Balm

This balm is a mini handbag must have. 

Perfect for comforting tired toes after a long day flip flopping around a city, the beach or just generally flip flopping about in the sunshine. A well rounded, multitasking balm that can be used all over the body (obviously wash your hands before you go toes to mouth) which is why it can also go neatly into a suitcase with a baggage restriction and even in hand luggage and not take up to much space!

Made with 100% natural ingredients means it wont irritate sensitive skin and wont harm the skins natural barrier. Although I wouldn't apply to broken skin or to a rash, this is a simply for comforting tired, dry skin anything more will need something slightly more medical. 

Whilst it is natural, it is heavily scented, you can definitely smell the floral undertones of the Lavender, geranium and meadowfarm seed. I have also used this on my elbows pre tanning as it absorbs into the skin quickly without a residue like some lotions or creams can. 

A bargain in Boots at the moment costing only £5.50 available HERE (and it's also three for two!) So it's not a bank breaking summer holiday investment!

X BB X

*Price and 3 for 2 correct on 17.6.14

Alpha H - Liquid Gold

I LOVE THIS. 

I've been using this for 2 weeks on alternate evenings and I have noticed such a difference in my skin. This product gently mimics that of a peel, reviving and renewing the skins surface to reveal brighter skin and more even complexion. 

after a long winter, my skins battled harsh winds, hot and cold temperatures and maybe the odd late night, it's nice to have this to renew my skin to its former glory. 

BEFORE: My skin felt dry, no amount of exfoliating and mud masks was shifting this feeling that something just wasn't right.

AFTER: Two weeks of trialling this product i can safely say that my skin will never reach that point again. My skin feels nourished, and I'm able to get the best out of my products.  

A uncomplicated, easy to use product that delivers. Suitable for all skin types. Just pour onto a cotton pad, gently wipe over your face, avoiding the eye area, and leave over night. 

Wake up brand new. 

X BB X

Available HERE from Beauty Bay RRP £31.50

When life gives you a dermatologist...

I cant remember a day where I didn't need a dermatologist. 

Well, that's a lie, I can remember trying to self-diagnose every spot, red bump, reaction, dry skin day, oily moment and well, every skin "issue" I faced. What a palava! 

I would put my hand on my heart and suggest that everyone, from when you start noticing your skin changing, Id recommend from the teenage years, you should consult a dermatologist.

Dermatologists are common in the USA and this is one trend we must adopt in the UK. As they become more and more popular, people are coming round to the idea of the skin doctor, we look after our teeth, our bodies, why not our skin?

Over the past few months I've being seeing a top Dermatologist and his team to figure out the cause of my redness (Roseaca) And I've had a few treatments (Posts to come), which i cannot recommend enough. 

The point of this post is to highlight importance of seeing a Dermatologist, If you're lucky to go through life with normal skin and wear an SPF every day, chances are your skin will do just fine. But for those with more targeted concerns such as Acne, Scaring, Pigmentation and Redness it is important to consult someone who can help, this can save A LOT of time, effort and money, if you get to the root of the problem quickly.

I took a break from product testing because it took its toll on my skin, not to mention my bank balance! (and sanity) Now I have a regime that works, that im happy with and my skin is FINALLY starting to normalise (whatever that means)

So here's to having the confidence to go barefaced!

X BB X