Update on sort my shit skin out phase 1 and some changes

Ok, so......
I have really damaged my skin.

Far too much damage to be using a prescription strength retinoid anyway. I even stopped using it for a little while, no actives just the basic CeraVe skincare I had. My skin is just not ready, so not to be put off I sought advice from an aesthetician (basically I can't even spell it) and while she isn't Dr Sam she is the next best thing.

Plan B is to switch a bit, I am now doing Antioxidants in phase 1 as they are a little more gentle and I can concentrate on repair and protect. Phase 2 will now be over -he-counter retinoid, slowly titrating up to prescription strength Retinoids. I am a little dissapointed as I know I am known for changing things around too quickly and giving up before the magic happens. This decision was not taken lightly. I really thought long and hard about it. I decided that my skin was more important than my public image (I know it's already in tatters thanks gluten). *mega eye roll*

Maybe I should have had 8 weeks of basic skincare and no actives in the first place, but I didn't realise just how reactive my skin has become. It wasn't the usual Vitamin A irritation, in fact I had no peeling it was just my skin became itchy, bumpy, sore on my cheeks as it was previously when I had over exfoliated or just caused product overload.

The Antioxidant I have chosed is Vitamic C 18% with Hyaluronic Acid from a company called KlurSkin. I wanted something not hyped up, small company and hand made thoughtfully, from someone who knows skin and formulates it in a lab, properley. She sees 1000's of clients a year and just wanted to help, I am under no obligation or pressure and she isn't interested in gaining likes or clients it was purely to help me, and she has enough clients anyway. Saying that if it works then she best be ready and have plenty on stand by coz I will shout from the roof if I find something that actually works.

The Vitamic C type is Sodium Ascrobyl Phosphate as is a newer C breaking through in skincare at the moment, it's non irritating like it's sister L Ascorbic Acid can be, and L Ascorbic Acid can actually make acne much worse as I have experienced previously. I am no ingredients geek or science based blogger so I can't claim to know much about this sort of thing. I did do a little googling and found some satisfactory information.


I have been using it from yesterday evening AM & PM, due to the HA content (also an anti-ager) it instantly plumps the skin, the only product I have seen that with is Niod MMHC, instant plumping results.

So far so good. It's early days and I have had to be realistic as dissapointing as it is, the show must go on. I will get clear skin and feel great.

I hope others are joining, and I am keen to know what your all using. #clearskinrevolution #drsambuntingmademedoit #skincareclub



I'm just gonna cry into my Gluten-Free sandwich (that's another story and the reason you have seen me lose my shit and basically acting all weird on instagram....gluten poisoning.)

Thanks for reading

My Current Body Skincare that happens to be all Deciem

Recent Body Products that just happen to be an all Deciem line up.

I thought I would share what I have been using on my body over the Winter to keep  my skin soft and smooth. I really don't spend much money at all on body products compared to my face, but I have some found some winners this last season.

Deciem, these crafty little buggers get everywhere, I have been using Deciem without even realising it in the form of their Inhibitif range, designed to slow down hair growth and hydrate the area.

Inhibitif Intimate Care £9 for 60ml www.victoriahealth.com
The reason I purchased this was that I was at my wits end, I have been so poorly for the last 3 years with an undiagnosed auto-immunity disorder, before diagnosis I knew I was reacting with inflammation externally in the form of acne and also ingrown hairs and awful rashes and lumps on my waxed bikini area and legs, we can all get 1 or 2 but this was quite extreme and embarrasing. So after a little research I found this line spouting everything I wanted to hear....

They Say
"Inhibitif Intimate Care Hydra Gel combines proven actives to reduce the apparent prominence and density of unwanted hair for the sensitive intimate areas.
Inhibitif Intimate Care contains advanced technologies to minimize the looks of hair regrowth, irritation, redness and ingrown hairs, while hyaluronic acid hydrates deeply. Creates comfortable skin by hydrating for longer and keeping your skin from irritating and drying out.
 Benefits of Inhibitif Intimate Care:
    Visible results from two weeks
    Reduces irritation & redness
    Targets ingrown hairs
    Suitable for all skin types

Directions: Apply Intimate Care once a day on shaved or waxed intimate areas until hair regrowth, density and thickness appear reduced. Continue to use to maintain visible results."

For £9 it was worth a shot. I used this AM & PM and a few hours after waxing, it was instantly soothing, but gave no huge immediate results. It's more of a slow burner than a quick fix (which I am beginning to realise anything skincare or otherwise that offers a quick instant fix usually causes long term negative issues).I prefer a slow burner nowadays and I am willing to use consistently and exclusively to test that out. It most certainly slows hair growth instantly as when I went back for a prebooked wax treatment my hair was only just long enough to wax, my therapist actually checked the diary to check we had left adequate time in between waxes. Again it's not a huge impact, you know your not going to suddenly have the skin of a baby otter but enough to notice a difference. The main results for me though is that within 8 weeks of solid consistent usage my ingrowns and strange reactions have gone. Please anyone suffering with razor rash, ingrowns or unwanted body hair, I urge you to give them a go. I bought this around 6 months ago as it's the old style packaging. I have used it a lot, mainly more so in the last 8 weeks twice a day as I was using Australian Body Care Tea Tree Oil Lotion, I recommend Inhibitif over ABC. I think used sparingly on one area AM & PM it could last 8 weeks maybe even 12. So worth it as it doubles up as a moisturising so no need for anything over the top.

Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Propanediol, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Subtilisin, Dihydromyricetin, Larrea Divaricata Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Saccharide Isomerate, Pentylene Glycol, Lecithin, Gellan Gum, Disodium Edta, Sodium Bisulfite, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Phytic Acid, Ppg-26-buteth-26, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ethoxydiglycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

Inhibitif Personal Care Deodorant £9 for 50ml www.victoriahealth.com
I didn't have much of a reason to purchase this, I just did out of interest, but I am glad I did. I have also been suffering with razor rash and itching under my arm-pits since the auto-immunity disorder, and the arm-pits are on show more aren't they. Since using this deodorant (and a pre shave gel I'll review later) I have zero under arm irritation. It's ok as a deodrant too.I don't do much heavy stuff and I haven't exercised in a few years properly so I can't say how it would withstand that, but day to day it's great and it does exactly what it promises, reduces hair growth. I have had this bottle ages, maybe 6 months as it's the old style packaging, I have used it on and off but this past 8 weeks I have used it daily AM & PM and there is still at least a third left.

They Say
"Inhibitif Deodorant tackles the ongoing human saga of body odour and at the same time, slows hair regrowth.
This deodorant contains high concentrations of multiple actives to minimise the need for hair removal under the arms whilst fighting odour. Inhibitif Deodorant slows hair growth and tackles ingrown hairs, thinning the hair and reducing irritation. Hairs can contribute to body odour by increasing the space for bacteria to breed.
Benefits of Inhibitif Deodorant:
    Fights odour
    Visible results from two weeks
    Reduces irritation & redness
    Targets ingrown hairs
    Suitable for all skin types
Directions: Use this hair inhibiting deodorant daily under arms." (LOL)

Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Parfum (Fragrance), Saccharomyces Ferment, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Menthol, Subtilisin, Dihydromyricetin, Citronellyl Methylcrotonate, Dimethyl Phenylbutanol, Sucrose Laurate, Polyquaternium-37, Menthyl Lactate, Sodium Bisulfite, Disodium EDTA, Isoceteth-20, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citral, Linalool, Limonene. 

Hand Chemisty Retin-Oil 1% Retinoid Complex (Deciem)  £20 for 100ml www.victoriahealth.com
I am in love with this body oil! It's a dry oil and sinks in very quickly. I bought this to replace using The Ordinary Retinoid 2% (review here) as this has antioxidants, deep sea algae and amazonian oils plus the retinoid. I have stretch marks and of course I am ageing and no one wants that to happen, so I figured if I am using a retinoid on my face, why not my body. I used this on my chest, breasts, stomach, basically all the front of my body and stopped at my  lady bits as I wax there and no one wants a retinol/waxing incident, I also used it on my elbows, feet and hands. Making sure of course to use an SPF of at least 30 during the day on the visible areas.

This like anything that actually works, is a slow burner. As I used The Ordinary first that is where I saw my initial results, however this I have seen continued results with. Firstly I noticed my hands and feet looking smoother and the skin just looking noticebly healthier, but the biggest results for sure are my chest, breasts and stomach. I am lucky enough that my skin went back to normal after children, flat and not sagging (oh come on i got effing acne and unwanted hair though). I noticed a HUGE change in skin tone, texture and just at the bottom of my stomach where the very first signs of ageing were appearing are GONE gone I tell thee! I am mightily impressed. Retinol is kinda addictive though as now I feel like bathing is Tretinoin. My breasts appear firmer and my skin overall just looks and feel younger. My only gripe with this is the shitty tiny size! BUT it has lasted me around 5 weeks using AM & PM on the affected areas.

They say
The Chemistry Brand Retin-Oil, formerly Hand Chemistry Retin-Oil: use Retin Oil with retinoid technologies to help improve the appearance of body scars, stretch marks and dehydrated skin.

The Chemistry Brand Retinoid Complex brings a next-generation innovation in Vitamin A technology to the world of beauty. Introducing your most effective retinoid compound without a need for prescription, The Chemistry Brand Retin-Oil Complex is a multi-vitamin dry body oil, which targets scars, stretch marks, ageing dehydrated skin, surface irregularities and discolouration, to show a difference to the skin's surface in just two weeks.
The Chemistry Brand Retin-Oil formula helps skin look smoother, and visibly reduces pore size and wrinkles without causing irritation. This innovative complex also includes Vitamin C to help improve collagen production and sun-induced ageing. A unique blend of skin enhancing Amazonian oils leave a dry and happy protective barrier on the skin's surface. An oil-derived Deep Sea Algae Complex targets stretch marks. Over time, there is a general improvement in skin's visible condition and texture.

Directions: Use morning and evening or as needed. "

I say - BUY IT! BUY IT RIGHT NOW, RUN DON'T WALK!

Hand Chemistry Hyaluronic Concentrate 19% Marine HA Complex (Deciem) £28 for 240ml www.victoriahealth.com
I am literally loving this brand right now! IN LOVE. I use this after a shower or bath, one pump for the top half of my body and another for the bottom half, I use it on really damp skin and allow my skin to air dry. My skin feels so smooth, soft, hydrated and comfortable after using this. My only gripe is that it doesn't go far at all, I have only had it a fortnight and I have used more than a third and I have been very frugal with it. I feel like this would be great any time of year, it doesn't block my pores, it feels like it's going to leave a tacky layer then suddenly it doesn't at all. Really enjoying this. It's totally clear and feels like jelly with no scent that I can notice. I am guessing at using it 4x a week it might just last 4 weeks at a push. I can't recommend it enough. Please bring out super sizes Deciem.

They Say
"Hand Chemistry Hyaluronic Concentrate for hands and body.
Hyaluronic Concentrate contains an extraordinarily high concentration of nature-like hyaluronic acid, suspended in a base of skin-enhancing red algae and tamarind. Continued use helps improve the skin's ability to retain hydration, while enhancing visible texture and delivery of actives.

Due to an extremely high concentration of three different types and molecular weights of Hyaluronic acid, Hand Chemistry’s Hyaluronic Concentrate allows for actives to be easily absorbed into the skin for optimal results. The formula contains a complex of five active technologies from marine and plant sources, which repairs dry skin and protects it from the elements. Hands and body are visibly transformed to a softer and more comfortable state.
Directions: Apply evenly to hands and body twice or more daily for well hydrated, happy skin"

Ingredients
water (aqua) propanediol panthenol hyaluronic acid tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract tamarindus indica seed gum ahnfeltia concinna extract glycerin betaine hydroxyethylcellulose potassium sorbate pentylene glycol chlorphenesin hexylene glycol caprylyl glycol phenoxyethanol












 

The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2% £8 f0r 30ml and Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% £5.80 for 30ml  (Deciem again, sneaky monkeys)
My full review on Advanced Retinol is here
 so I won't repeat myself, but I am going to keep purchasing this and swopping with the retinol-oil periodically.
The Lactic Acid is so good! In my opinion it's as good as Good Genes and at a fraction of the price. I won't do a comparsion review as my Instagram friend Jay @honestlyskin does a Splurge or Save Friday and I believe or hope this is coming up next, I am not scientific nor have I been around long with skincare and I really know nothing much except my opinion, no facts or real understanding, so I will leave it with the pros. I will say that when I finish up my Sunday Riley Good Genes I am really unsure if I will purchase again for £85.... it will depend on my financial status. If your eyeing GG and your purse can't stretch, please buy this or even the 5% one to get you going. I do LOVE Good Genes, it is a lovely product but this is under £6, I have been using it once a week on my chest, breast and stomach, as I am working on my body concerns, nothing major but appraching the big 40 I want to look and feel my best. After being a self confessed tan bed user I feel my skin needs a bit of TLC and this Lactic Acid gives my skin a boost. I notice a more even colour, the skin just looks and feel so much nicer and healthier. Of course remember to always use an SPF on any exposed skin every day anyway but it's best to rememeber to always use it when using retinoids or acids. It hasn't given me any irritation, no blocked pores, nothing but much more glowing skin. I imagine using this once a week on those areas the bottle will last a good 12 weeks plus. Bargain!

I paid for these products out of my own money, all views are my own and there are no affilated links anywhere, nor was I paid to write this article.

I highly recommend all the above items, I am more than happy with my body skin at the moment. Shame the same can't be said for my face.

Sort my shit skin out phase 1 - Retinoid

PHASE 1 RETINOID

Dr Sam's three part skincare guide in easy to follow 12 week chunks. What to do when acne and wrinkles co-exist

Introduction 
I posted yesterday about finding Dr Sam Buntings three part sorting shit skin out guide. I have been researching all last night and today, really thinking about what products I can use, so I thought I would share my inane ramblings with anyone who cares to listen. I have also bugged the life out of Emma and Natalie (Instagram emmahbeautyuk and roadtoglow) and received lots of lovely advice and suggestions.

Thanks ladies *kisses*

The following bollocks is the insides of my head and my Skincare Plan. I have also noticed that some of us skincare accounts especially with acne don't always manage to stick to set routines, or maybe what worked for us one week suddenly broke us out, or we just got fucking bored and wanted to pile on the skincare treats.

So we can do this together, you don't need acne to join in as Retinoids can work with anti-aging too and this programme is a go-slow and steady like thing, which let's face it we all mostly struggle to pace ourselves, piling ALL the skincare on rather than slow and steady. The first phase is all about Retinoids, starting slowly, and for the acne/blemish brigade using benzyl peroxide, antibiotics or whatever else you have been prescribed or bought.

I for one become very overwhelmed by advice, and it mostly all comes from a good place but advice is all so different, this is mainly from companies and brands, they mean well but it always happens once I'm three weeks into a strict routine and pretty much ready to quit and will believe anything I'm told just so I can use ALL the skincare again. This way we can encourage each other and share tips on anything from skincare to diet and supplements.

The hashtags I have been using is #drsambuntingsway and #skincaresupportclub (I forget which it is) #skincareclub I would LOVE for others to join, we don't need to have started at the same time, maybe your ahead of me, or just considering it, but that's the beauty of Skincare Support Club it's just one skincare addict helping another. It doesn't matter what skin complaint you have as we can look at similarities and not differences. We all have differing financial situations and lifestyles so that will make it so diverse.

The plan is in three chunks the first two being 12 weeks long. The first is Retinoids but we can call it the first skin issue, could be acne, congestion, aging, pigmentation etc but the important thing to remember is that it's concentrated on the first actives (not antioxidants that comes later) maybe its azelaic acid, or even a serum you bought that you wish to see results from by using consistently. The idea is that the first 12 weeks we are looking to get that initial issue under control by using a targeted regime with very simple support products used consistently.

Part 2  Concentrates on  The Secondary Skin Issues - Antioxidants and Microneedling but you could change that up a bit to whatever suits.

Part 3 Concentrates on non invasive treatments like botox, fillers etc not compulsary and you can still do part 1 and 2.

I felt like I should at least research some suitable products to go with this blog post, under no means are these a must, and of course if anybody wishes to join me you can use what you bloody well like whenever you bloody well want to, just aim for consistency. So below are just a few items I found that seem fit for purpose.

Product Recomendations

BHA 1-2% Cleanser
These are so difficult to find. Most have a mixture of acids. - Now I am told that this and the next step is over kill and very difficult to source anyway.  So I will not be using a BHA cleanser just yet, not until my skin settles a bit anyway.

The only BHA cleanser I could find is Eucerin detox I will post a picture, however I have been advised with BHA and BP it would be over kill, this is a very personal choice, if you feel your skin could take it, do both, or buy the BHA cleanser and use it only when your skin adapts and settles on the BP and whatever Retinod you have chosen.

Other Cleanser Options

• Paulas Choice Pore Normalising Cleanser

• Cetaphil Cleanser

• Eucerin DermatoClean (does contain BHA)

• Biologique Recherche Lait U

• Paulas Choice Resist Cream Cleanser for oily skin

Note - I will be using Serozinc Spray by La Roche Posay (under £8) after my cleansing stage. You could also use IS Clinical Copper Spray or NIOD CAIS or non at all.

Benzyl Peroxide 2.5% for AM usage

• Benzyl Peroxide 2.5% Topical Solution Duac prescribed from the Dr it's 2.5 BP and antibiotic

You can go into any chemist to ask about leave on BP products but don't go over 2.5%

Non comodogenic Moisturiser to preserve barrier function

•  Obagi Hydrate

• Roche Posay Toleraine Riche

• Cetaphil Moisturising Cream - under £10 from a chemist in the UK but you can also get it prescribed from the DR or Dermatologist.

• Cerave Facial Moisturising Lotion Chock ful of ceramides, Niacinamide, Cholesterol & Hyaluronic Acid. It sounds perfect and IG roadtoglow Natalie has just purchased this, it's cheap and look at those bloody ingredients. My only concern is that it could be a pore blocker.

• Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturiser

Retinoid
There are SO many to choose from, so go skin suitable. A good rule of thumb is if you have 10-15 acne lesions then go medical, I suggest booking a trip to your DR and ask to be prescribed Differin, Isotrex or Tretinoin (gold star one you lucky USA based ones).

If you haven't used a retinoid before then there are lots of over-the-counter ones available with varying price points with varying formulations for skin types and strengths.

• Sunday Riley Luna  - dry oil based, it's pricey and I don't love it, but others rave about it.

• La Roche Posay - recommended by Dr Sam and I believe it's called Redermic

• Medik8

• Skinceuticals comes in three strengths 0.3 0.5 and 1% start small if you are new, but you will have to purchase the other ones as the lowest dose is just a starting point to get the skin settled, personally I would just go in at 1% *insert approapriate emoji*

• Obagi

• Indeed Labs (gentle)

• REN

• Murad

• The Ordinary 2% (gentle) The Ordinary 1% -  I believe the 1% is actually stronger due to the formulation and differing types of retinoid, I think one is retinOID and one is retinOL

• Paulas Choice has a variety

• Dermaolgica (it comes with a buffer serum)

Many options....google is your friend, this is so important that you get this in the correct formulation. Dr Sam say's NO OILS when treating acne, so if your doing this for acne rather than antiaging use a lotion type formula.

SPF 30+
Please DO NOT skip this step, it will undo the retinol work, in fact it can cause accelerated aging. SPF's are a very personal thing we all like different things. Your looking for a plain SPF no antioxidants or added goodies.

You can use a moisturising SPF and skip the moisturiser but Dr Sam recommends using both.

• Obagi

• La Roche Posay

• Paulas Choice

• IS Clinical

• Dermalogica

• Murad

• Vichy

• Heliocare

• Cerave AM

• Skin Medica

• Medik8

Thers are so many SPF's all for different skins and preferences. The above have a lot of different choices of SPF and I cannot reccomend a specific one, just that you use one daily and 30 minutes proir to leaving the house.

Phase 1 Routine

Morning - Cleanse, Spray (optional), Benzyl Peroxide (I will be using Duac and I will not be using a BHA cleanser until my skin is settled), Moisturiser and SPF, don't forget your SPF must go over your eyes and ears taking care not to get in the eye itself.

Evening - Cleanse, Spray, Retinol - do not use retinoid every night, it must be started slowly every third PM 30 minutes after cleansing. Slowly moving up to every other night. You can even start once a week, if you find it a struggle and your skin is sore you can use a buffer serum or moisturise first then wait 30 minutes, or use a lesser amount (end of finger tip is the usual amount see Dr Sams recent PM routine youtube video). Stop for a few days if it becomes unbearable, and always avoid the sensitive eye and lip area, you can protect them first with eye or lip cream or even your moisturiser. On the eveings NOT using retinod just basic cleanse, spray and moisturise.

Another easy way is to get Epiduo prescribed it's adapalene 0.1% (a form of retinoid and Benzyl Peroxide 2.5%) and just use it in the evenings and no BP in the mornings, but build your way up to every other night slowly. Just Cleanse, Spray (optional) moisturise and SPF in the mornings. Personally I am starting with BP in the mornings and Retinod PM's.

You could also use Obagi systems 1 & 2 in place of steps 1 and 2 in this three part series.
There are lots of ways to adapt this to suit you, as long as you follow the Retinoid focus in the first 12 weeks with antioxidants and microneedling in the second part and find your own set of support products.

AM Skincare Routine (current)

This is my using what I have routine, it will be changing as I implement items as it's not suitable really. It's just whatever I could grab together that will do for now.

Cleanse  Eucerin Dermatoclean, Biologique Recherche Lait U, or Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, Dermalogica Clay Cleanser or samples of Dermalogica Ultra Calming Cleansing Gel.

Spray  Serozinc La Roche Posay.

Serum  I used Zelens D today.

Moisturise  Cetaphil (don't shoot me Hirons) Ceramide Booster from a brand I don't mention any more, Tidal by Sunday Riley, Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, Zelens Z Matrix- the last three are to use up and I may use Dr Hashka Day Cream but some of these do have oils in, I am using what I have at the moment.

SPF I have some random Dermaolgica sachets and La Roche Posay, I do have Murad but it has antioxidant in too so thats a no-no! check ingredients.

 My shit that's semi-suitable until replacements arrive!

PM Skincare Routine (current)

Remove make up Garnier Pure Active Micellar Water for combo, sensitive and/or oily skin.

First Cleanse Dermaolgica Special Cleansing Gel or Dermal Clay Cleanser.

Second Cleanse Eucerin DermatoClean or Biologique Recherche Lait U

Spray (toner) La Roche Posay Serozinc

Serum for the moment I will be using Epiduo which is a combo of adapalene 0.1% (form of retinoid) and Benzyl Peroxide 2.5% and nothing in the morning in this stage)

Moisturiser Cetaphil, Zelens 3t, Sunday Riley Tidal, Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream or a ceramide booster.



Below is my ideal skincare routine and what I am working towards

AM Skincare Routine
This is what I will be moving towards when I am able to purchase some items.

Cleanse Ultra Calming Cleansing Gel Dermalogica, Eucerin DermatoClean, Paulas Choice Pore Normalising Gel Cleanser (antibacterial properties) and Eucerin Detox with BHA when my skin settles. It will depend on how my skin feels as to whether I use gel or a cream cleanser in the mornings. *edited to add I am purchasing CeraVe SA Renewing Cleanser for the mornings.*

Spray La Roche Posay Serozinc, Niod CAIS and IS Clinical Copper Mist (sticking with Serozinc for now).

Serum Duac Benzyl Peroxide 2.5% from the doctors

Moisturiser this will depend on my skin state, Cetaphil for when I start using DUAC. I may use an SPF/Moisturising combo. This doesn't need to be a luxury item it just needs to function however ceramides would be a huge bonus, so I'm searching for a no-fuss relatively cheap day time moisturiser or combo. *Edited to add I am purchasing CeraVe AM Cleanser which is also SPF perfect multi-product and cuts out a layer.*

SPF I do not know! truly no idea. As my skin will be drying out I might just stick with the La Roche Posay Anthelios XL 50+ I don't know if its a full spectrum one. Obagi Sun Shield also looks good. But so does Cerave AM Moisturiser. (sticking with CeraVe for now but I do like the Dermalogica ones).


Evening Skincare Routine

Make up removal Garnier Micellar Water Pure Active for oily skin

First Cleanse my first cleanse will be a gel one, either Dermalogica ultra calming cleanser, or a Paulas Choice Pore Normalising. *Edited to add decided to purchase CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for my first cleanse.*

Second Cleanse I am aiming to use a milk/cream cleanser purely for the comfort -Paulas Choice Resist for oily skin Cream Cleanser or Eucerin DermatoClean Cream Cleansing Milk. *Edited to add I have decided on the CeraVe SA Renewing Cleanser for a second and morning cleanse*)

Serum every third night Differin or Tretinoin (or whatever retinoid) applied 30 minutes after cleansing on dry skin, avoiding the eye and lip area, using a very small amount on each facial area (forehead, cheeks and chin) ensuring to cover the whole facial area.

Serum on non retinoid nights You can skip this and just moisturise but I will focus on barrier repair and hydrating my skin. I will be using Ceramide Booster, Jordan Samuel Hydrate Serum, Indeed Labs Hydraulron Jelly or Serum, Niod Multi Moleculor Hyaluronic Complex or Dermalogica Hydrate Booster, Paulas Choice Hydrating Booster, Dermalogica Soothing Booster.

Moisturiser CeraVe PM, Cetaphil, Zelens 3t, Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (simple to start but I also have some items I wish to use up, over the next few weeks is the perfect time. (*edited to add I am going to purchase the CeraVe PM moisturiser as it's full of mega ingredients*).

So basically I will need to go skincare shopping, again. *sigh* *does happy dance*

Shopping for skincare....

Shopping List
Paulas Choice Pore Perfecting Cleanser
Paulas Choice Resist Cleanser for oily skin
Eucerin DermatoClean and Detox
Dermaologica Ultra Calming Cleanser
NIOD CAIS
IS Clinical Copper Mist
Serozinc La Roche Posay
Day time bland moisturiser such as Cetaphil, Neutrogena Oil-Free or CeraVe
SPF - no fuss, no antioxidants or other ingredients
Jordan Samuel Hydrate or other hydrating serums (NIOD, Dermaolgica or Paulas Choice Hydration Booster)
CeraVe PM Moisturiser
DUAC and Retinoid (prescribed)

EDITED
I wanted to add that I have decided on CeraVe as a brand to try and to stick with during the first 12 weeks at the least as long as I have no shitty side effects.
So...
Updated shopping list...
CeraVe SA Renewing Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
CeraVe AM Moisturiser it's also an SPF
CeraVe PM Moisturiser
Acnecide 5%
Avene Triacneal expert
La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+

These sound so so good, the ingredients sound fantastic, and they are so inexpensive.

Dr Sam Buntings Recommends 
Cleansers
La Roche Posay Physiological Gel (discontinued wahhh)
La Roche Posay Effaclar H Mousse
Avene Gentle Gel Cleanser
Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser - this isn't great at make up removing though
Obagi Cleansiderm 2% Salicyclic Acid

AM Treatments
Acnecide 5% BP
Obagi Cleansiderm 5% BP
if BP irritates...
Glotheraputics 10% azelaic acid and niacinamide (helps produce ceramides too)
Medik8 Beta-gel (azelaic acid, niacinamide and salicyclic acid)
La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+ (perfect for inflammed acne) salicyclic acid and niacinamide

PM Treatments
Avene Triacneal - contains diolenyl (antibacterial and anti-inflammatory) x-pressin (exfoliating enzyme), retinaldehyde (vitamin a retinoid)
Medik8 Retinol
 La Roche Posay RedermicR

If your still about, well done haha if you fell asleep WAKE UP.


I bet there are many thinking "OMG I told her this ages ago" or "FFS she never sticks to anything, she's no chance"....see gif below, your welcome. 

Thanks for reading.
Please feel free to ask me questions, join in, suggest changes, give me your imput - it is most welcome.

Dr Sam Bunting - SORT MY SHIT SKIN OUT in three easy steps!

Skincare Club

After reading Dr Sam Buntings blog post when acne and wrinkles co exist  I was intrigued. I have spent the past several years trying to stick to a skincare regime and failing badly.

Why I hear you ask... well I have been trying to do everything at once targetting all my skin concerns with a variety or super expensive serums and potions, not only that but trying to find the correct formulas for my skin and brands, ingredients to use or avoid meant lots of costly errors and far too much choice. I found myself staring into my stash every day wondering which to use which of course meant I used nothing consistently therefore robbing myself of any of the results.  I would fire through all my skincare at an alarming rate never really knowing what my skin did or did not like, getting to the end of a £150 serum only to wonder if I had actually seen any benefits.

 It just left me feeling confused and a lot of the time with damaged over-exfoliated skin from the latest acid serum or a new breakout from a product that caused me to block up or even a purge from a product that was potentialy working but the purge created the "is this a fucking breakout or a purge fear" then I would stop, put ALL my skincare away, write myself a new routine and profess to stick to it dilligently, SHOUT about it on Instagram (again *eye roll*) only to find 3 weeks later everything was back out on my vanity again and I yet again had a face ful of fucking spots!  *sob* I am beyond help as I sobbed into my Zelens Power C and Sunday Riley Luna wondering which was the fucking culprit this time!
Dont get me wrong, the good skincare people of Insta have told me, cajooled me, wiped away my virtual tears as I'm verging on the next huge emotional breakdown while I scream "WHAT THE EFFING HELL AM I ACTUALLY DOING".... Then I would say all my products are shit and buy even more stuff I do not need for a skintype I do not have.

Stressfull and I have had enough....About time I hear you all cry. Yes, it is, It's totally about time for a change. But this change requires will power, a strict very basic regime, and products I don't have I almost said..... I have what I need, not what I want, but I have enough to make a start.

Cue Dr Sam and her amazing blog post titled "What to do when acne and wrinkles so-exist" I literally cried with relief when I read this. I have read this post a few times before, however I did not have the strength, self restraint or will-power to follow it through and as the latest parcel arrived with whatever skincare I had ordered from Cult Beauty I forgot that post even existed. The easy to follow post slipped from my mind as I applied my third mask for dry skin *eye roll* then wondering why the fuck my skin was so shite.

Now, I read this last night in bed, after my latest breakout I decided enough was enough, the newness of being an Instagram skincare account has worn off, I have tried and tested lots of new things and the shininess has worn off now. Now I just want clear, younger skin. There is only one way to do it; one issue at a time in easy to follow steps with basic product recommends and lots of support.

So, I have my Isotrex gel prescribed (again another *eye roll*) I have cleared away my skincare (yes again) and I have out the kind of skincare that Caroline Hirons would shoot me for, but, my friends it's only until my skin becomes used to the retinod. I have Cetaphil for now which I will later change to Zelens 3t and Elemis Marine Collagen.

 As i am using a strong retinod I must have a really good skincare support system. My plans are to use the basics on retinol nights, with maybe something with ceramides on the non retinol nights and Zelens D somewhere in there. Vit C can wait till part 2. This is all about retinoid support, hydration, care and being gentle and kind.

 Planned Purchases

• Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator  Here
•   Jordan Samuels trio: Plie Cleanser, hydrate serum and etoile essential oil free amazingness Here
•  Jane Scrivener OO (over oil moisturiser)  Here 

The last two will be for part 2 of the programme. When I involve antioxidants (etoile) and microneedling.

Dr Sam's List of Needs 
A combination of the following will make a big difference in any acne-sufferer’s skin:
1) A BHA wash (containing 1-2% salicylic acid)
2) A topical anti-inflammatory-2.5% benzoyl peroxide (despite historical associations with the nasty, bleaching products of ones’ teens) works well, and there’s no need to use a higher percentage. Seek out those with a moisturising base, like dimethicone, which will help minimise irritancy.
3) A non-comedogenic moisturiser-to preserve barrier function and to help improve tolerability of the acne ‘actives’ in the early stages of treatment.
4) A non-comedogenic sun protection product (minimum SPF 30)-with broad-spectrum cover, which you’ll need as you must use a retinoid (unless getting pregnant).
5) A retinoid-like Differin or Retin-A. In very mild cases, a more gentle Vitamin A-derivative might be sufficient, like retinaldehyde. But you probably need a prescription product if your spot and comedone count is greater than 10-15 lesions. If pregnancy is an issue, azelaic acid is a safe alternative (and will incidentally help tackle your pigmentation). The acne may well get worse before it gets better-do not stop! Retinoids do tend to push out micro-comedones which weren’t previously visible, a process of cutaneous catharsis, if you ask me. It had to come out at some point, so best to get it over and done with. Always use at night, as the molecule is not stable when UV-exposed.

I am hoping its something other skincare accounts are wanting to join in with, we can support each other, make recommedations, just hold each others hands along the way because god knows... it's going to be hard at times.

I'll be using the hashtag #drsambuntingsway and #skincareclub feel free to join in and tag me @just_claire_page Instagram handle.

I will of course document my journey with pictures and an account of what changes my skin goes through.

So here goes...... (right after I just apply this mask).



Thanks for reading my inane rambles
Skincare Secrets


Dr Sams infamous and slightly sexy finger waggle!

Resources -
Dr Sam Bunting has an interesting Instagram page where she scolds us weekly, for beauty no-no's. Sghe is simply stunning and her I could listen to her beautiful accent all day! The scolds are so interesting and I have learnt so much so far. Well worth following.
Some of the info I have gleamed from Here 
She has a well maintained blog full to the brim with anything you wnat to know about skin and skin issues. She is a world renouned super busy Dermatologist that you can if you wish book to see.

The images are from google.