So I'm back from my little (I say "little" in inverted commas of course) blogging hiatus and I'm feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and raring to go - and so is my skin. Growing up, I've always been that girl: that girl who never needed braces, that girl who didn't have to deal with fluctuating weight issues, and yes, even that - annoying - girl who miraculously dodged teenage acne. I say annoying because now, at the ripe age of twenty, I'm all too familiar with that girl, and boy are there a lot of them. Most often than not, I'd see her on my tube journey home from work on a particularly humid day, sitting down on one of the last available seats, her makeup perfectly intact with no oiliness in sight. Meanwhile, I'd be pressed up against the sliding doors, sweating profusely and trying to (discreetly) blot away shine from my nose with my sleeve. Classy, I know.
So what's changed? Well, although puberty didn't hit me then, it sure as hell hit me a couple years down the line (minus the tantrums and mood swings that is). My skin went from spot free, even and smooth to spotty, hyper-pigmented and bumpy in the span of a few years. I've taken the liberty of writing up before and after 'skin profiles' just to help you get a visual. I wish I had photos but I don't, at least, I don't have any I care to share. (Let's be real. I'd rather avoid my very cringe-worthy childhood photos being broadcast to strangers on the internet).
Skin profile #1: Then (ages 12-16)
Type: Oily. Actually, oily would be an understatement. I had the whole 'strobing' thing locked down circa 2008.
Colour: Medium deep/ tan. (I include this because, strangely enough, my skin tone has changed since).
Texture: Predominately smooth aside from my nose, an area that has always been the bane of my life, even to this day. Grr. *shakes fist*
Problem areas: Hereditary dark circles, the odd breakout on the forehead, little white under-the-skin bumps on the nose, an oily t-zone and darkness around the mouth.
Skin profile #2: 6 months ago
Type: Combination. I still battled with shine, albeit a less oily t-zone (thank God) and dry patches on the cheeks, brows (?) and, occasionally, the eyelids. (Again ???)
Colour: Medium (that's nc30-35 for you M.A.C buffs out there).
Texture: Visible pores on the fleshy part of my cheeks and dry flakes on the tip of my nose.
Problem areas: A lot more hormonal spots claiming permanent residence along my cheekbones and chin, leaving very, very dark scarring that even concealer couldn't fix.
And now? After being introduced to the La Roche Posay line, and trying their two best sellers on a Boots buy one get one half price offer, I've managed to correct 'surface level' imperfections without it taking a toll on my skin type. For a combination skin gal, if that isn't a hallelujah moment, I don't know what is. Other blemish-busting, scar-smoothing skin treatments, natural or otherwise, have always left my skin feeling tight and uncomfortable - but not this one. The La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+ does more than prevent breakouts and fade spots; it left my skin feeling supple and hydrated, successfully erasing all of my dry patches. Although my cheeks appreciated this new surge of moisture, my nose sure as hell didn't. Luckily, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat moisturiser had me covered, toning down the shine factor without mattifying my skin to the point where my face would look flat, lackluster and sorta'... blah.
And let me tell you, your skin will look anything but blah with these two tucked under your belt.
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