The Skin Series Issue #1 | Cleansers for Oily & Blemish Prone Skin

When it comes to problematic skin I think we can safely say I’ve got it down. After recent chats with my good friend Zoe (zoenewlove.com) I’ve discovered a few new important bits of information about my skin and how I should be looking after it – honestly this woman is some sort of god and is certainly worth investing in if you’re looking for a skin consultation.

So – remember me raving about Cetaphil my absolute life saver of a product? Yes, it was fantastic and my spots were pretty much non-existent and my oil was hugely controlled but after stumbling across a worrying review I quickly realised that there is absolutely no ‘goodness' in it whatsoever. I won’t go in to detail here, so read that review if you’re wanting to understand it more, but basically I am hugely changing up my skincare, get yourself ready for a few posts relating to this.

SKINTYPE: Oily t-zone and chin, normal cheeks, blemish prone, scarring prone.

The 'Skin Series' will feature my must have products for controlling the above. And first up on the ‘can you fix megan’s face’ podium is cleansers! I’m not one for saying something works until I’ve used it for a good couple of weeks. I find that after months and months of use my skin becomes immune, but after a week or two I will know if it’s right for me. 

After lengthily chats with Zoe and reading the amazing cheat sheet from Caroline Hirons routine section it became apparent that just one cleanser isn't going to do the job of controlling my skin all on it's own. No no, it is in need of much much more - so I have invested in some serious skin care and currently have 3 different 'types' of cleanser on the go.

AM cleansers:
In the mornings I like to use a cleanser that is acid based, perhaps that isn't the best way but as obviously this makes skin more sensitive to UV rays but long as your skin is protected from the sun that's the main thing! These are my current go-to's...

Environ B-Active Sebuwash c/o Beauty Times Therapies

Environ's Sebuwash is my first ever gel cleanser so I don't have much to compare it to however, it's already a winner in my book. Containing salicylic acid and tea tree oil it helps to remove skin cells from the upper layer of the skin and work as an anti-inflammatory to help towards a clearer more controlled complexion. This is a foaming facial wash but it's so gentle there's no frothing or annoyance. I wet my face and apply a pea sized amount to my hands, rubbing together quickly before applying all over my face and neck. It leaves the skin feeling fresh and completely oil free and with little fragrance it's not overpowering. My skin is quite sensitive but I don't feel like this dries it out whatsoever. Winner winner chicken dinner!  

Jurlique Purifying Foaming Cleanser

This baby is just filled to the brim with goodness. Again, it’s a foaming cleanser and I’d say this one is a little more frothy. I dampen my hands before applying this to a dry face, this helps to keep the foaming to a minimum. It's definitely my favourite of the two acid cleansers – containing lactic acid (an AHA) to help brighten the skin, witch hazel to rebalance oiliness and rose extract to soften it’s an absolute dream. It’s approaching a higher end product with a retail of £27.50 but it’s been drummed in to me that skincare is an investment and if your skin is something you’re constantly battling this is a product for your shopping list. One pump does the job which means the 200ml will last a while and with the clear bottle you can clearly see when you’re running low. Plus pump applicators are always best – can you tell I love this product? 

Since introducing both these acid based cleansers to my daily routine I’ve seen a huge improvement in my acne scarring. Marks that have been on my face for nearly 9 months are starting to fade which to me is so amazing and definitely something worth investing in. 

PM Cleansers:

This is when my skin calls for some juicyness, and by that I mean oil. But first of all Micellar water...

Etat Pur Micellar Cleansing Water 

Bioderma was my first introduction to micellar water and I still can’t fault it however, I don’t live in France and I don’t always want to spend over the odds for a product that, let’s face it, doesn’t last all that long. You can imagine my excitement when I discovered Etat Pur, with a price tag of £6.40 – jees I might even buy two in one go ;). I use this cleansing water every couple of days to remove my make-up and treat it as my first cleanse. It’s so delicate on the eye area and melts away make-up like a dream. It doesn’t contain soap either, so there’s no dry skin here ladies!

Nude Perfect Cleansing Oil

I’m not going to babble on about my Nude cleanser too much as I went in to a huge amount of detail in this post here, so if you fancy a read hop on over there. Right, so oil plays a huge part in rebalancing your skin and yes oily people I’m looking at you too! There’s no sulphates or mineral oils in this just beautiful ingredients such as sunflower seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, soy bean and jojoba, so the blend won’t strip the skin – it will simply remove (even the stubborn-est) makeup and deeply clean. I use this once or twice a week, instead of my Etat Pur to remove all my make-up, again as my first cleanse of the evening. I find 2 – 3 pumps does the trick on to dry skin and splashed with a little water turns to a milky consistency ready for washing off. 

Shu Uenmura Classic High Performance Balancing Oil 

The Shu Uemura works in exactly the same way to Nude and is my alternative oil cleanser to switch up my skincare, so basically I just switch between the two - although I have to say I am feeling a lot of love for this bad boy, it may just be my new favourite. It’s super soothing on the skin – it almost feels like honey and with depsea water and licorice root derivative it helps to keep nasties away from the skin barrier and also, as with nude, supports collagen production. So both products are brilliant for anti-ageing purposes. I only need one pump of this as it seems to go a lot further in terms of coverage than the Nude. Again, it is applied to a dry face (with dry hands) and quickly melts away makeup and dirt for a squeaky clean finish.

Since using both the oil cleansers I've started to see an improvement in my oil control. Usually my face is dripping by lunchtime - these products combined are definitely helping to keep my face intact a little longer and not to mention making my face feel like a babies bum.

To round up...

AM: 

• In the morning I will use either the Sebuwash or Jurlique cleansers

PM: 

• I will remove my makeup with one of the three following cleansers: Etat Micellar Water, Nude or Shu Uemura. 
• I then use Jurlique for a second, more thorough, evening cleanse. 

So ladies (and gents) if I managed to hold your attention ;) that concludes my current cleansing routine! It may seem a bit OTT, but I have to admit that spending money on skin care isn't something to be sniffed at and if you suffer with oily, blemished prone skin then this routine may just work for you too. 

Next up you in the Skin Series you can expect posts about toners, moisturisers, serums and masks. I hope you enjoyed this (massive) post and found it helpful - I'd also be really interested to know what works for you!

NOTE: I am not a specialist in skincare, so please don't take this post as gospel - it's just what works for me!