Review: Banish Skincare

These products were kindly sent to me, without obligation.

When I was first asked if I wanted to try Banish skincare*, I hesitated as I don't have acne, however the more I read about the range, the more intrigued I was, because the products also deal with scarring and texture, both of which are issues that I deal with. I have never had professional micro needling (although I have a voucher for a facial, which I'll use whenever lockdown is lifted and we can visit salons again!), but it has always intrigued me. I was kindly sent the complete Banish Starter Kit* to try, without any obligation, which I have been trialling since October, and I want to share my thoughts with you today. Just to add, you don't need to buy the whole kit, you can purchase the products that you think will suit your skin best, individually.

The kit contains six full size products, which are based around Vitamin C, acids and fruit enzymes, as well as the Banisher 2.0*, which is the micro needler. Given that my skin is not acne-prone, I have used all of the products, but some more than others, depending on what my skin needed, however I can rgive you my thoughts on all of them.

All Clear Mint Cleanser*: I've made no secret of the fact that I'm not the biggest fan of foaming cleansers, but this is gently foaming and non-drying, it doesn't contain sulfates and doesn't strip the skin at all. It feels very refreshing, due to the mint, however it also feels soothing, which I assume is due to the cucumber extract and aloe vera juice. Chamomile reduces inflammation, whilst also soothing the skin. It is the ideal morning cleanse, due to how refreshing it is, and a little goes a long way with it. Those with oily or combination skin would love to use this daily. Due to my preference for cleansing balms, I use them most days, however there is no reason that I couldn't use this daily, as it truly doesn't dry my skin out. I can imagine that I will really enjoy using this in the warmer months, in the mornings. A (surprising) thumbs up from me!

Vitamin C Beauty Elixir - Facial Mist*: I love face mists and I love the effect that Vitamin C has on my skin, but I was curious as to whether this would have the sticky texture that I associate with some Vitamin C products - it doesn't! Not only does it contain Vitamin C, it also contains tea. tree oil, aloe vera and organic bilberry extract. I use this as part of my skincare routine (not daily, as I can't overload on Vitamin C products), but if you are trying to improve the overall appearance of acne-prone skin, you will enjoy the benefits of Vitamin C, in conjunction with the soothing properties of Aloe Vera, and Tea Tree Oil will help reduce breakouts.

The Banish Oil*: This oil is actually a serum, recommended to be used at night. It's a pretty potent serum, with L-Ascorbic Acid,  and glycerin, Vitamin E, Rosehip oil and Aloe Vera, which balance, and help to nourish the skin. I have been using this regularly since receiving it in October, and am happy to report that it hasn't oxidised, which is a real risk with Vitamin C serums. For my dry skin, this leaves it feeling super soft and even in texture. I would imagine that scarred skin would benefit even more from it, as it's pretty potent, without stinging or drying the skin.

Vitamin C Creme*: This moisturiser contains 20% Vitamin C, in the form of Ascorbic Acid, and also contains balancing and soothing ingredients, such as aloe, rosehip oil and other seed oils. It has quite a dense texture in the pot, but I take a small amount and warm it between my fingers, which then makes the texture lighter, and it absorbs easily into the skin. It has an immediate brightening effect and also plumps and hydrates the skin. With consistent use, skin is firm with an even tone, refined pores and an overall, more radiant look.

Pumpkin Enzyme Masque*: I can't decide if this mask or the Vitamin C Creme is my favourite product, because I adore the immediate effects that they give my skin. If you are familiar with the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Mask, you will know that it can burn, but this one gives the smoothing benefits of being an enzyme mask, without the tingling effect and red/pink skin after-effects. It also contains glycolic acid, so that combined with the enzymes, leaves skin smooth and soft to touch, bright, firm and with refined pores. It can be used up to three times weekly if your skin is very scarred and textured, and then reduced to once weekly, in order to maintain the skin. A 10/10 product for me.

Fighter Gel*: This is the product that I have had the least use from. It's ideal for irritated and inflamed skin (which acne-prone skin often is), however when my husband had an eczema flare up, he tried this and it greatly reduced the irritation. I do have skin that can be easily inflamed, and I tried this on it - whilst it was soothing, it just wasn't nourishing enough for my skin. I would need to use an oil over it, but oily skin would probably love it.

Banish 2.0*: Finally, the product that most people want to hear about! This product has to be used for a few months to make any real difference to the skin, but with consistent use, there is a definite improvement in texture and scarring. It should only be used once weekly, by pressing onto the skin (don't drag or rotate it on the skin) - it's almost like stamping the skin. It does feel tingly and a little uncomfortable initially, so I recommend starting gently and then following up with the oil/creme, or both. I personally wouldn't recommend using this on active breakouts, but it definitely improves the appearance of old scarring and texture. 

I would recommend buying one of the kits*, to reap the full benefits, and then deciding if you want to replace all of the accompanying products, or only some. If you have a special occasion, like a wedding, coming up, and your skin texture bothers you, yet you can't afford salon treatments (pricey at an already expensive time), then I would highly recommend this as an alternative. They even offer a money back guarantee on most of the products, which is pretty much unheard of and shows the confidence the brand has in the products!

I would love to hear your thoughts? Does this sound like a brand/kit that would interest you? Have you ever had micro needling done before? I'd love to hear!

Thanks for reading!

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All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. Anything marked with a * has been kindly gifted, without obligation. I don't do sponsored posts. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links may be used.