Elemental Herbology Facial Glow

Zelens PHA+ Bio Peel Resurfacing Facial Pads

I love a good chemical exfoliant, I have done ever since I stopped using scrubs a few years ago, they're much gentler on the skin yet still get the job done without damaging any delicate areas. I genuinely think they're better for everyone. That said, they're not all created equal, I've definitely tried some that are better than others. The Zelens PHA+ Bio Peel Resurfacing Facial Pads are up there as one of my favourites, they're great for all skin types, even those who are very sensitive. 

So why do I love them so much? Well, because they're so much more than just a exfoliating pad. They also hydrate the skin and contain antioxidants which protect skin from environmental damage. So they leave the skin feeling very comfortable rather than tight and stripped of moisture. They also contain two of my favourite ingredients, Lactic and Salicylic acid, both exfoliating acids that just seem to work very well on my skin. Salicylic acid is particularly good for those who are prone to blocked pores and blackheads and Lactic is great for brightening and fading pigmentation. They also contain PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) which are the next generation of exfoliating acids, which is where the hydrating and antioxidant properties come from. 

The directions advise that you use them twice per day but I just use them once or twice per week, I find that's enough for my skin as I tend to also use an exfoliating mask a couple of times a week. Obviously you can tailor how often you use them to your skin's needs, more blemish prone skins would definitely benefit from using them more often, as would those who want to see results a bit quicker.

At £65 for a pot of 50 pads they're not exactly cheap but in my opinion they're definitely worth the splurge. If like me you only use them once or twice a week they'll last you at least 6 months. They're definitely a product I'll repurchase again and again, my skin has definitely been brighter and smoother since I started using them!

What do you use to exfoliate?

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La Roche Posay Effaclar 3 Step Anti Blemish System

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of La Roche Posay's Effacer Duo+ I spoke about it in great detail 1 tube in here and 2 tubes in here. When I heard that they were bringing out a 3 Step Anti Blemish System containing a much hyped toner I was very excited to give it a try. Here's what's in it and what I thought!

First up is the Purifying Foaming Gel, I have to be honest and say I haven't even tried this. I'm not a fan of foaming cleaners at all, they just don't agree with my skin so I passed this along to the boy to try and give me his verdict. Suffice to say he loves it! He said it doesn't foam too much but still leaves his skin feeling clean but not dried out (he has combination/oily skin). Since using it for the last couple of months he hasn't had a single spot in spite of having a terrible cold. He said he likes that it's an unfussy product in practical packaging and that he'll continue to use it and repurchase it indefinitely! 

The Clarifying Toner is only available as part of this set and it's the product I was the most excited about. It contains lactic and salicylic acid in a glycerin base so it's exfoliating but also moisturising. I've been using it for a couple of months twice a day and really like it although it doesn't tingle the skin as other exfoliating toners do. I'd definitely recommend it, particularly to those who have never used an exfoliating toner before. 

Last up is the Effaclar Duo+, I won't talk about this one too much as I've spoken about it in detail in previous posts, make sure you check those out if you want more info. In a nutshell it's a cream - serum hybrid that can be applied all over the face or just to specific areas. It's incredible at taking down spots in record time and also helps fade any scars they leave behind. A brilliant product that I'll always have at hand just incase!

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Indeed Labs Pepta-Bright

I've mentioned IndeedLabs Pepta-Bright a few times here on the blog now in various favourites posts so I thought it was about time I did a full review. I've been using it for a couple of months now and it has very quickly become my favourite skincare product! It claims to be a good product to help fade dark spots, even skin tone and brighten skin, as I had quite a few areas of pigmentation on my skin I was keen to give it a try and I'm so glad I did! It has faded all my dark marks dramatically, they're nearly invisible leaving my skin tone looking much clearer and more even. I was quite shocked to see such drastic improvements so quickly, I really wish I had taken some 'before' photos so I could do a before-and-after. 

The texture of the product is lovely too, it is a light cream serum that's also quite moisturising. Those with oily skin could possibly even get away with not using a moisturiser on top. It sinks into the skin quickly and easily and works well with other skincare products. I've been using it both in the day and at night as makeup sits very well on top of it.

If you have any problems with pigmentation, dark spots from either acne or sun damage or just a general unevenness of skin tone I would highly recommend this! It really has worked so brilliantly for me! 

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Current Skincare Loves

I seem to be on a bit of a skincare roll at the moment. My skin is by no means perfect but it does look the best it's looked in years. I think it's mostly down to the fact that I've been more compliant with my skincare routine and I've found some products that have been working really well for me. Here are a few of my favourites!

Good Things Manuka Honey Radiance Face Mask full review here 

A really great 3 in 1 mask that decloggs, exfoliates and moisturises. I've been using it twice a week and my skin always feels clean, fresh and moisturised afterwards. 

The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil full review here

This has been my cleanser of choice for the evenings, particularly when it comes to removing makeup. It's easily massaged on and rinses of as a milky liquid taking all the day's grime and makeup away with it. It also leaves my skin feeling super soft and nourished.

Rodial Dragon's Blood  Hyaluronic Night Cream full review here

I absolutely love this night cream, it's definitely the best I've ever tried. It leaves my skin feeling so plumped up, soft and just generally very healthy. It's expensive but very much worth it, I opened this tub 3 months ago and I still have over half left!

REN Clarifying Toner full review here

A toner that contains glycolic and lactic acid which exfoliates the skin and helps improve skin radiance. I've been using it every night and loving the results, my skin looks brighter and my pores less noticeable.

IndeedLabs Pepta-Bright

I've yet to review this one in full as I haven't been using it quite as long as the others. Don't worry, a full review is in the works! This stuff is truly amazing, I've only been using it for a month and my dark marks and pigmentation have almost completely disappeared! I honestly can't quite believe the results! My skin looks so much clearer and even toned, I really wish I'd taken some 'before' pictures!

Are there any skincare products you've been loving lately?

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REN Clarimatte Clarifying Toner

I've been using the REN Clarimatte Clarifying Toner for about a month and a half now and as I mentioned in my August Favourites, I love it. Of all the exfoliating toners I've tried (so far) this is my favourite. It's gentle enough to use everyday, I use it in the evenings, but it's still strong enough to actually make a noticeable difference. 

It contains a combination of exfoliating acids which break down and remove surface dead skin cells and increase cell turnover. This means any pigmentation or uneven skin tone fades quicker than it otherwise would. In the relatively short time I've been using it I've definitely noticed an improvement in dark spots and skin tone, plus I've still got just over half the bottle left! 

I've been using Indeed Labs Pepta-Bright for the last few weeks which has helped too, I think the combination of the two are working really well for my skin. I also think this toner would work well for all skin types (apart from maybe super sensitive skin), rather than just for combination to oily skin. It doesn't strip the skin or leave it feeling tight and contains lavender so it smells lovely and relaxing and is a pleasure to use. Definitely a product I'd recommend!

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REVIEW: Botanics Ionic Clay Mask

I feel like I've been raving non stop about the Boots Botanics skincare range as of late, but hear me out, I promise it's worth it! Their products are really well thought out and made with good ingredients so they're great value for money. Their Ionic Clay Mask is no exception, I've been using it for the last few weeks now and it's great for congested and clogged up skin that just feels like it needs a good clean. 

The consistency is a lot thinner than other clay masks I've tried, which means it dries a lot faster so there isn't so much waiting around. It rinses off really well without dragging or pulling the skin and leaves it feeling cleaner and fresher but not completely stripped and screaming out for  moisture. 

I've been using it anywhere between once a week, as a skin maintenance product, to every other day during times when my skin is oilier or more congested than usual. It's really great and speeding up the lifecycle of spots or just getting skin back to normal.

What are your favourite face masks?

REVIEW: Botanics All Bright Cleansing Toner

Ever since I ran out of my La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro Exfoliant Astringent Toner (full review here) I've been using the Botanics All Bright Cleansing Toner. It's a lot cheaper and I've been pretty impressed with it. It's another one of those AHA toners that chemically exfoliates the skin without the need for grainy particles. Since using it I've given up scrubs altogether and find it still keeps my skin feeling smooth. I don't think it's quite as effective as the La Roche-Posay but it doesn't feel a lot gentler on the skin, none of that unpleasant stinging! I'd say it's a great option if you're looking for and AHA toner on the cheap!