Like many 20 somethings I seem to be in a constant 'not talking to you' argument with my skin.
I have suffered with blemishes, persistant blackheads, dry flaky patches and generally all round annoying facial skin issues since I was around 14.
I distinctly remember feeling the need to cleanse my face with soap one day and seemingly breaking out in spots the next day - a cycle which I have been stuck in ever since. (I also blamed the soap I used entirely and refused to touch it for years afterwards...haha).
I have never really been able to put my skin into one of the standard classifications - it has never seemed to fall directly under a single category (oily, dry, combination), rather preferring to span all possible definitions, leaving me with spotty, oily nosed, dry, flaky, open pored, congested and frankly unhappy skin.
Nothing I have tried in the past has impressed me immensely, nor sorted out more than one of these issues without amplifying another problem in the process.
Recently, I have become more interested in skincare and more open to trying new brands and more importantly, splashing my hard-earned cash on more expensive products in my quest for great skin.
My research led me to two brands I particularly wanted to try - French skincare brand, La Roche Posay; and British 'clean skincare' brand, REN.
I am now a woman OBSESSED.
Allow me to introduce you to my current skincare saviours.
First up - La Roche Posay
These little beauties have quite literally changed my skin. I was hesitant to try them at first, due mainly to them being targeted at 'oily skin' - a camp which I wouldn't say I fully fall into.
I purchased regardless and I am so glad I did.
My skin has honestly not been this clear since I was 14 - and I can visibly see and feel a vast improvement in the overall tone and texture of my skin.
I did fear that these products would be too harsh and cause already dry areas to resemble the Sahara (or as my good friend puts it - 'Jesus' flip flop'!) but after some initial mild adjustment there has been no problem - less flaky if anything!
I would say that perhaps both products are not necessary - one or the other would probably have the same effect - however I got both on a great '2 for £..' deal. They seem pretty similar products to be honest, with the only differences I can pick out being:
- Effaclar Duo is 40ml where as K is 30ml - they are the same price in the UK however Duo is more expensive in the US.
- Effaclar K seems to be more concentrated as a product overall - in that it seems to be stronger and more effective (although this may be just me).
- The application instructions are more or less identical, stating that they can be used morning and/or evening - I have been using Effaclar K in the evenings before bed and Duo under my moisturiser/makeup in the morning.
Basically, in my opinion you don't need both!
They smell quite strong, a sort of medicinal, clinical smell but nothing off putting - at least I don't think so!
Both have a cloudy, liquid consistency - somewhat similar to a serum.
More pros than cons and a flippin' amazing product! I'm sure I will be picking up more from La Roche
Posay - definitely the Effaclar range and perhaps more - in the future!
If you've tried any of their products and loved (or hated!) them, let me know in the comments below, I love a good recommendation! What are your current skincare saviours?
:)
Tweet me: @alliemac11
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