Regardless of skin type, texture is something that most of us deal with, whether through dry patches, acne scarring, blackheads, ageing skin, pores, milia etc. Because I have dry skin, my skin is prone to dullness but I would say that the issue I work hardest (or expect my products to work hardest) against, is texture. It may seem like a never-ending battle but with a few simple changes or additions to your skincare routine, improvements can be seen quite quickly and as a result, makeup applies more evenly, less makeup is required or you may even choose to go makeup free - I know that leaving the house without makeup is something I wouldn't have even considered for a number of years but I do it without even giving it any thought now (not every day as I love makeup too much but because I feel more confident in my own skin, I sometimes choose to do it!). There are a number of ways to treat texture and I want to share them with you today (I'm talking products rather than tools or procedures) - there is something for everyone, no matter how much or how little time you have on your hands. With products starting at £6.30, there is sure to be something for all budgets. This is going to be a long post, so grab a snack! I also have a Cult Beauty discount code to share with you too if you want to treat yourself to any of these products although it can be used site wide with some exceptions, listed at the bottom of the post. The code is CBBLMSKIN which will give you 15% off orders over £20, valid until midnight on Sunday 24th.
Toners: A daily toner is an easy and quick way to treat textured skin and is probably the best place to start if you are new to acids. Pixi Glow Tonic is a great introductory product, which is perfect for everyday use. It contains 5% Glycolic Acid, which is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid, but it also contains Aloe Vera and Ginseng, which soothe and heal the skin. It can be used daily but if you are brand new to acids, you could try every second day initially. This tonic lifts the dead skin cells to reveal radiant, smooth and soft skin. REN Ready, Steady, Glow is another daily toner but this one contains Beta Hydroxy Acids as well as AHAs, which is Lactic Acid in this case. Lactic Acid is gentler than Glycolic Acid, which means that even those with sensitive skin should be able to use it. BHAs penetrate the pores more deeply than AHAs and are oil soluble so they are particularly useful if you have congested skin. This product reduces breakouts, while also revealing glowing skin. Again, if you are new to acids, I recommend introducing it slowly - every third day initially. Another option is Pixi Retinol Tonic, which is the ideal introductory retinol product as you won't experience any peeling or flaking with it but skin will gradually feel firmer. The original glycolic toner is Alpha-H Liquid Gold. This product receives so much hype because it resurfaces the skin, reduces the appearance of pores, helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines and also helps to fade hyperpigmentation - a great all rounder, suitable for all skin types. If you have dry skin (which I do), I would recommend following with a moisturiser but for normal or oily skin, this isn't necessary.
Pads: Pads are very convenient for travelling and also for those who don't like to touch cotton wool or who don't always remember to have it in their home. Pixi Glow Tonic To Go are pre-soaked pads with Pixi Glow Tonic, which I mentioned above. They are convenient but you have to be sure that the lid is closed tightly or they will dry out. Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads are what I call texture erasers! I love that they are individually packed so they don't take up much room in my travel bag, also they won't dry out as they are all sealed. There are three strengths available - gentle, regular and extra strength - something for everyone. Step 1 is the acid pad, which contains lactic, glycolic, malic, citric and salicylic acids. This combination of AHAs and BHAs means that not only is the surface of the skin exfoliated, the pores are deeply cleansed too to reveal bright, clarified, refined, smooth and soft skin. I find that I need to use this pad quite vigorously in the areas that are most textured - for me, that is along my jawline and I also concentrate around my nose. These pads also work wonders on spots - they pretty much erase them overnight. After using the first pad, I leave it to work for 2 minutes so I will either tweeze any random brow hairs or brush my teeth before using the second pad, which balances and hydrates the skin. I honestly cannot rave about these pads enough.
Physical scrubs: I know that some people prefer a physical scrub as the result can sometimes seem more instant, so I wanted to include some in this post. The first is Lixirskin Soft Clay Rubber, which combines a physical scrub with a chemical scrub. It can be used as a mask or a scrub or for a real treat, use as a scrub first and then reapply as a mask. It's gentle so there is no risk of your skin tearing and it's unusual in that it is applied to dry skin, massaged and patted into the skin, then when it's completely dry, you rub it off with your fingertips and then rinse with warm water. If using as a mask, apply and remove in the traditional way. Another product that is perfect for sensitive skin but still very effective in terms of results is Omorovicza Refining Facial Polisher. Regular readers will know how much I love Omorovicza products because of how gentle they are - they all contain thermal water, which is soothing on the skin. This product contains moor mud, green algae, copper and fruit extracts, which combine to create an exfoliator that reveals bright, smooth and soft skin without any irritation or redness. For a more intensive exfoliation, Kate Somerville Exfolikate is the one to use! Again, this combines physical and chemical exfoliation but it isn't abrasive so you don't need to worry about it ripping the skin. Fruit acids combine with lactic acid to remove dead layers of skin, whilst aloe vera soothes the skin and honey and vitamin E heal and soften the skin. This is a brilliant 'quick fix' product as it is massaged into the skin and then left for a maximum of two minutes before rinsing to reveal smooth, bright, refined and soft skin.
Serums: If you want to tackle textured skin on a daily basis, you might like to do it with a serum. Sunday Riley Good Genes is one of my long-standing favourite serums. It combines glycolic and lactic acids with prickly pear and lemongrass and I find that this product is particularly brilliant at helping to diminish the appearance of fines lines, brightening the skin, refining pores and healing scars. Another option is Tata Harper Resurfacing Serum, which is a 100% natural serum containing BHAs, AHAs, oils and extracts. This serum packs a punch in terms of exfoliation but it doesn't leave the skin looking red or feeling irritated. It is one of those products that gives very fast results - if I use it at night, I will wake to smooth, bright skin. With consistent use, skin is soft, firm and radiant with refined pores and diminished fine lines. My final serum option is Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum. This is one that I recommend for those with under the skin bumps, a lot of congestion and enlarged pores. The BHA & AHA mix will also work well for wrinkles and fine lines but I find that it works particularly well on blemishes and congestion.
Masks: Masks are a great way to get instant results - perfect for a night out or when you have a special occasion where you want to look your best and want your makeup to apply evenly and last well. I like to use masks 2-3 times weekly but the frequency depends on your skin type and how textured your skin is. A gentle introductory mask, which will brighten the skin and help to create an even skin tone is Milk Makeup Watermelon Brightening Mask. Because it is in stick form, it's perfect for travelling and it is so easy to use as you apply it from the stick directly on to your face. After 5-10 minutes, you rinse it off and skin looks instantly brighter and feels hydrated, due to the Vitamin C and antioxidant enriched watermelon. One thing to mention is that the mask is a bright coral colour so try to do it when you know you won't have any deliveries or knocks on the door! The same applies when wearing The Ordinary Peeling Solution as it basically looks like your face is covered in blood - think of the photos you've seen of vampire facials! This mask combines AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate the top layer of skin, ridding it of dead skin cells, but also to penetrate the pores to clear congestion. If you are unused to acids, build up slowly from 2/3 minutes with this mask, up to a maximum of 10 minutes before rinsing to reveal clear, glowing, smooth skin. One of my favourite ever skincare products is Oskia Renaissance Mask, which combines fruit acids with lactic acid and prebiotics. It has a balm texture and peach colour that turns white when massaged into the skin. After 10-15 minutes, it's removed with warm water and a flannel to reveal super soft and smooth skin. I love this mask so much because it gets rid of under the skin bumps and leaves my skin looking radiant, feeling hydrated and feeling smooth. The next step up from this in terms of strength of acids and one that delivers very quick results in terms of texture is Ecooking Peeling Mask. This is a fast-acting mask comprised of lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids in addition to Vitamin E. This mask should be removed after around 4 minutes the first time you use it and can be built up to a 15 minute use. When it's removed, skin looks a little pink but it isn't burnt or sore and soon calms down but for this reason, I recommend using it during a pamper evening rather than before a night/day out. This mask makes skin baby soft and smooth! I love to use an over night mask because I love waking up to better skin and also the product and ingredients can really get to work as they don't have any other products to compete with (SPF or makeup). Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is soothing and healing but it also refines and clarifies the skin overnight. One of the most effective products that I have ever used is Omorovicza Midnight Radiance Mask. This mask guarantees a better skin day the morning after use - skin looks translucent, pores are less visible, skin is plump, fine lines are diminished and blemishes calm down. Regular use will see scars become less visible, hyperpigmentation fade and skin become firmer.
Oils: When you are introducing retinol into your routine, it is advisable to start with an oil form as in my experience, there is less chance of peeling. The two that I recommend are Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil and Disciple Dreamy Skin Oil. Luna is the perfect way to introduce retinol to sensitive skin because it contains Blue Tansy, which is anti-inflammatory, avocado oil, chia and grape seed, which combat the peeling and dryness usually associated with retinol products. Used regularly, this oil improves elasticity, appearance of pores and the texture and tone of the skin. The Disciple Oil contains Rosehip Oil and Vitamin A in the form of Retinyl. With regular use, this oil firms the skin, improves elasticity and texture.
Creams: To treat texture on a daily basis, it is worth using an acid based moisturiser. Kate Somerville Exfolikate Glow Moisturiser contains glycolic and lactic acids with fruit enzymes and with daily use gently exfoliates the skin whilst also hydrating. It's gentle enough to use daily as it doesn't irritate the skin but definitely brings the glow. For night time, I have three options: Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream, REN Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial and Alpha-H Liquid Gold 24 Hr Moisture Repair Cream. I have a full review of the Drunk Elephant cream here but, in short, this cream will cause peeling initially but it is worth sticking with it because fine lines will all but disappear, pores will be refined and skin will be smooth, soft and glowing. The REN product can be used on clean skin as a standalone product or it can be used after serum and before moisturiser. It is comprised of glycolic and lactic acids, tocotrienols and omega 3, all of which combine to eliminate dead skin cells and reveal a bright, smooth and even complexion. The Alpha-H cream gives the exfoliating benefits of Liquid Gold but it also moisturises the skin so if you have dry skin and worry that Liquid Gold toner might dry it out further, I recommend trying this cream as it contains glycolic and lactic acid.
Textured skin is something that needs consistent treatment. You certainly don't need all of these products but if you incorporate even one or two types of products mentioned into your routine, you are certain to see results. Some work more quickly than others but even those that give fast results need to be used consistently to keep texture at bay. The result will mean that you are happier in your skin, going bare-faced won't be so daunting and makeup will apply more evenly.
If you've made it to the end - thank you! I hope that this guide will be of benefit to you. Has anything here caught your eye?
Don't forget about my Cult Beauty discount code with you - from now until midnight on Sunday (24th), you can save 15% on orders over £20 by using the code CBBLMSKIN at the checkout.
Toners: A daily toner is an easy and quick way to treat textured skin and is probably the best place to start if you are new to acids. Pixi Glow Tonic is a great introductory product, which is perfect for everyday use. It contains 5% Glycolic Acid, which is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid, but it also contains Aloe Vera and Ginseng, which soothe and heal the skin. It can be used daily but if you are brand new to acids, you could try every second day initially. This tonic lifts the dead skin cells to reveal radiant, smooth and soft skin. REN Ready, Steady, Glow is another daily toner but this one contains Beta Hydroxy Acids as well as AHAs, which is Lactic Acid in this case. Lactic Acid is gentler than Glycolic Acid, which means that even those with sensitive skin should be able to use it. BHAs penetrate the pores more deeply than AHAs and are oil soluble so they are particularly useful if you have congested skin. This product reduces breakouts, while also revealing glowing skin. Again, if you are new to acids, I recommend introducing it slowly - every third day initially. Another option is Pixi Retinol Tonic, which is the ideal introductory retinol product as you won't experience any peeling or flaking with it but skin will gradually feel firmer. The original glycolic toner is Alpha-H Liquid Gold. This product receives so much hype because it resurfaces the skin, reduces the appearance of pores, helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines and also helps to fade hyperpigmentation - a great all rounder, suitable for all skin types. If you have dry skin (which I do), I would recommend following with a moisturiser but for normal or oily skin, this isn't necessary.
Pads: Pads are very convenient for travelling and also for those who don't like to touch cotton wool or who don't always remember to have it in their home. Pixi Glow Tonic To Go are pre-soaked pads with Pixi Glow Tonic, which I mentioned above. They are convenient but you have to be sure that the lid is closed tightly or they will dry out. Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads are what I call texture erasers! I love that they are individually packed so they don't take up much room in my travel bag, also they won't dry out as they are all sealed. There are three strengths available - gentle, regular and extra strength - something for everyone. Step 1 is the acid pad, which contains lactic, glycolic, malic, citric and salicylic acids. This combination of AHAs and BHAs means that not only is the surface of the skin exfoliated, the pores are deeply cleansed too to reveal bright, clarified, refined, smooth and soft skin. I find that I need to use this pad quite vigorously in the areas that are most textured - for me, that is along my jawline and I also concentrate around my nose. These pads also work wonders on spots - they pretty much erase them overnight. After using the first pad, I leave it to work for 2 minutes so I will either tweeze any random brow hairs or brush my teeth before using the second pad, which balances and hydrates the skin. I honestly cannot rave about these pads enough.
Physical scrubs: I know that some people prefer a physical scrub as the result can sometimes seem more instant, so I wanted to include some in this post. The first is Lixirskin Soft Clay Rubber, which combines a physical scrub with a chemical scrub. It can be used as a mask or a scrub or for a real treat, use as a scrub first and then reapply as a mask. It's gentle so there is no risk of your skin tearing and it's unusual in that it is applied to dry skin, massaged and patted into the skin, then when it's completely dry, you rub it off with your fingertips and then rinse with warm water. If using as a mask, apply and remove in the traditional way. Another product that is perfect for sensitive skin but still very effective in terms of results is Omorovicza Refining Facial Polisher. Regular readers will know how much I love Omorovicza products because of how gentle they are - they all contain thermal water, which is soothing on the skin. This product contains moor mud, green algae, copper and fruit extracts, which combine to create an exfoliator that reveals bright, smooth and soft skin without any irritation or redness. For a more intensive exfoliation, Kate Somerville Exfolikate is the one to use! Again, this combines physical and chemical exfoliation but it isn't abrasive so you don't need to worry about it ripping the skin. Fruit acids combine with lactic acid to remove dead layers of skin, whilst aloe vera soothes the skin and honey and vitamin E heal and soften the skin. This is a brilliant 'quick fix' product as it is massaged into the skin and then left for a maximum of two minutes before rinsing to reveal smooth, bright, refined and soft skin.
Serums: If you want to tackle textured skin on a daily basis, you might like to do it with a serum. Sunday Riley Good Genes is one of my long-standing favourite serums. It combines glycolic and lactic acids with prickly pear and lemongrass and I find that this product is particularly brilliant at helping to diminish the appearance of fines lines, brightening the skin, refining pores and healing scars. Another option is Tata Harper Resurfacing Serum, which is a 100% natural serum containing BHAs, AHAs, oils and extracts. This serum packs a punch in terms of exfoliation but it doesn't leave the skin looking red or feeling irritated. It is one of those products that gives very fast results - if I use it at night, I will wake to smooth, bright skin. With consistent use, skin is soft, firm and radiant with refined pores and diminished fine lines. My final serum option is Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum. This is one that I recommend for those with under the skin bumps, a lot of congestion and enlarged pores. The BHA & AHA mix will also work well for wrinkles and fine lines but I find that it works particularly well on blemishes and congestion.
Masks: Masks are a great way to get instant results - perfect for a night out or when you have a special occasion where you want to look your best and want your makeup to apply evenly and last well. I like to use masks 2-3 times weekly but the frequency depends on your skin type and how textured your skin is. A gentle introductory mask, which will brighten the skin and help to create an even skin tone is Milk Makeup Watermelon Brightening Mask. Because it is in stick form, it's perfect for travelling and it is so easy to use as you apply it from the stick directly on to your face. After 5-10 minutes, you rinse it off and skin looks instantly brighter and feels hydrated, due to the Vitamin C and antioxidant enriched watermelon. One thing to mention is that the mask is a bright coral colour so try to do it when you know you won't have any deliveries or knocks on the door! The same applies when wearing The Ordinary Peeling Solution as it basically looks like your face is covered in blood - think of the photos you've seen of vampire facials! This mask combines AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate the top layer of skin, ridding it of dead skin cells, but also to penetrate the pores to clear congestion. If you are unused to acids, build up slowly from 2/3 minutes with this mask, up to a maximum of 10 minutes before rinsing to reveal clear, glowing, smooth skin. One of my favourite ever skincare products is Oskia Renaissance Mask, which combines fruit acids with lactic acid and prebiotics. It has a balm texture and peach colour that turns white when massaged into the skin. After 10-15 minutes, it's removed with warm water and a flannel to reveal super soft and smooth skin. I love this mask so much because it gets rid of under the skin bumps and leaves my skin looking radiant, feeling hydrated and feeling smooth. The next step up from this in terms of strength of acids and one that delivers very quick results in terms of texture is Ecooking Peeling Mask. This is a fast-acting mask comprised of lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids in addition to Vitamin E. This mask should be removed after around 4 minutes the first time you use it and can be built up to a 15 minute use. When it's removed, skin looks a little pink but it isn't burnt or sore and soon calms down but for this reason, I recommend using it during a pamper evening rather than before a night/day out. This mask makes skin baby soft and smooth! I love to use an over night mask because I love waking up to better skin and also the product and ingredients can really get to work as they don't have any other products to compete with (SPF or makeup). Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is soothing and healing but it also refines and clarifies the skin overnight. One of the most effective products that I have ever used is Omorovicza Midnight Radiance Mask. This mask guarantees a better skin day the morning after use - skin looks translucent, pores are less visible, skin is plump, fine lines are diminished and blemishes calm down. Regular use will see scars become less visible, hyperpigmentation fade and skin become firmer.
Oils: When you are introducing retinol into your routine, it is advisable to start with an oil form as in my experience, there is less chance of peeling. The two that I recommend are Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil and Disciple Dreamy Skin Oil. Luna is the perfect way to introduce retinol to sensitive skin because it contains Blue Tansy, which is anti-inflammatory, avocado oil, chia and grape seed, which combat the peeling and dryness usually associated with retinol products. Used regularly, this oil improves elasticity, appearance of pores and the texture and tone of the skin. The Disciple Oil contains Rosehip Oil and Vitamin A in the form of Retinyl. With regular use, this oil firms the skin, improves elasticity and texture.
Creams: To treat texture on a daily basis, it is worth using an acid based moisturiser. Kate Somerville Exfolikate Glow Moisturiser contains glycolic and lactic acids with fruit enzymes and with daily use gently exfoliates the skin whilst also hydrating. It's gentle enough to use daily as it doesn't irritate the skin but definitely brings the glow. For night time, I have three options: Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream, REN Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial and Alpha-H Liquid Gold 24 Hr Moisture Repair Cream. I have a full review of the Drunk Elephant cream here but, in short, this cream will cause peeling initially but it is worth sticking with it because fine lines will all but disappear, pores will be refined and skin will be smooth, soft and glowing. The REN product can be used on clean skin as a standalone product or it can be used after serum and before moisturiser. It is comprised of glycolic and lactic acids, tocotrienols and omega 3, all of which combine to eliminate dead skin cells and reveal a bright, smooth and even complexion. The Alpha-H cream gives the exfoliating benefits of Liquid Gold but it also moisturises the skin so if you have dry skin and worry that Liquid Gold toner might dry it out further, I recommend trying this cream as it contains glycolic and lactic acid.
Textured skin is something that needs consistent treatment. You certainly don't need all of these products but if you incorporate even one or two types of products mentioned into your routine, you are certain to see results. Some work more quickly than others but even those that give fast results need to be used consistently to keep texture at bay. The result will mean that you are happier in your skin, going bare-faced won't be so daunting and makeup will apply more evenly.
If you've made it to the end - thank you! I hope that this guide will be of benefit to you. Has anything here caught your eye?
Don't forget about my Cult Beauty discount code with you - from now until midnight on Sunday (24th), you can save 15% on orders over £20 by using the code CBBLMSKIN at the checkout.
Please note that the Cult Beauty Box and Goody Bags are exempt from ALL offers and promotions, and are not eligible for free samples.
Some brands have elected to be excluded from all discounts. Unless otherwise stated, the below brands are excluded from all promotional codes:
Anastasia Beverly Hills' Norvina Eyeshadow Palette
Charlotte Tilbury
Hourglass
Huda Beauty's Obsessions Palettes
Huda Beauty's New Nude Eyeshadow Palette
Josh Rosebrook
Kypris
Morphe's James Charles Artistry Palette
NYX Professional Makeup
OUAI Haircare
The Ordinary
Too Faced
Vintner's Daughter
ZIIP Beauty"
Some brands have elected to be excluded from all discounts. Unless otherwise stated, the below brands are excluded from all promotional codes:
Anastasia Beverly Hills' Norvina Eyeshadow Palette
Charlotte Tilbury
Hourglass
Huda Beauty's Obsessions Palettes
Huda Beauty's New Nude Eyeshadow Palette
Josh Rosebrook
Kypris
Morphe's James Charles Artistry Palette
NYX Professional Makeup
OUAI Haircare
The Ordinary
Too Faced
Vintner's Daughter
ZIIP Beauty"
More info here: https://www.cultbeauty.
Don't forget to enter my Pat McGrath Gloss Trio giveaway here!
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All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. This is not a paid ad. The following products were kindly sent to me: Pixi tonics, Dr Dennis Gross Pads, Kate Somerville products, Ecooking mask, Omorovicza Mask and Ren Wake Wonderful. Most are products that I previously bought myself. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links are not used.
All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. This is not a paid ad. The following products were kindly sent to me: Pixi tonics, Dr Dennis Gross Pads, Kate Somerville products, Ecooking mask, Omorovicza Mask and Ren Wake Wonderful. Most are products that I previously bought myself. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links are not used.
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