I Messed up My Skin When I Went Overseas, This Is How I Returned It to Its Former Glory
Madison is Adore Beauty's Videographer. When she's not directing and editing skincare, haircare and makeup videos for the Adore Beauty YouTube channel, you'll find her rocking a bold eyeshadow look, usually with matching statement earrings.
Travelling really effed up my skin.
The multi-hour flight in musty, dry, cold aeroplane air is definitely the thing a lot of people blame for skin issues during travel, but that was only the tip of the iceberg for me.
The general stress of travel and the minimised skincare routine definitely impacted my skin.
And I’m pretty sure the seasonal change from summer to winter confused the heck out of my body.
The main culprit, however, was the fact I accidentally left my cleanser behind at the first hotel, so for two weeks after I was relying only on my micellar water, and whatever random cleanser samples hotels offered.
I know that we always say “Don’t rely just on micellar water” but wow … Now I really understand why.
Without my usual cleanser, I wasn’t properly washing off the makeup and sunscreen I was applying every day, and my oily skin was (for lack of a better word) festering in its oiliness.
When I got back and had a close look in the mirror, I realised the mistake I had made.
The symptoms: Pimples in places I don’t usually get them (i.e. cheeks), blackheads, irritated skin, patchiness and an extra greasy layer of oil.
So how did I fix it?
By returning to my consistent, daily, multi-step skincare routine.
I made sure to double cleanse every night and added an exfoliant a few times a week.
You’d be surprised just what consistency can do for you (curious? Here’s an article I prepared earlier on this exact topic).
It’s been a few months since I got back and my skin is looking good as new! The breakouts are gone, the texture has softened, my skin is calm and I feel hydrated but not overly oily.
Below you’ll find the products I’ve been using.
First Cleanse: AB LAB Dewy-C Enzymatic Cleansing Balm.
My first cleanse is always AB LAB by Adore Beauty Dewy-C Enzymatic Cleansing Balm 100ml with Vitamin C and Fruit Enzymes to remove the day’s makeup.
It melts so beautifully when you massage it into the skin. But as an oily gal, I always find it best to follow with another cleanser.
Get acquainted with our in-house brand AB LAB with this exclusive behind-the-scenes video.
Second Cleanse: Aspect Purastat 5 Cleanser.
The Aspect Purastat 5 Cleanser 100ml is a new addition to my routine and low key I’m obsessed with it!?
My skin has cleared up so much since I started using it upon arriving back in the land of Oz.
It’s a cool, gooey, green gel that foams up when you apply it with water and gently exfoliates the skin with citric and lactic acid.
It leaves my skin feeling super clean but not stripped - I reckon I’ll be buying this again!
Exfoliant: Alpha-H Liquid Gold.
You all know it and love it, I don’t need to give you the spiel.
I will say that adding a chemical exfoliant like Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment 100ml into your routine is a good idea if you’re suffering from breakouts and rough texture.
I use it two to three times per week at night (on a damp, reusable cotton pad) and my skin always looks so revitalised the next day.
For more on this cult liquid exfoliant and other Alpha-H products, tune in below.
Moisturiser: Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Moisturiser.
The Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser 50ml is packed full of incredible ingredients.
Amino acids, peptides, ceramides, collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, niacinamide, vitamin B12 and panthenol. Phew!
It leaves my skin feeling so fresh and hydrated, with a dose of calming as well.
She’s bougie, but oh my lord she is so worth it.
First Serum: BOOST LAB Vitamin C.
Finally, we’ve got our affordable pick, the BOOST LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum.
This serum aims to even out skin tone and reduce dark spots, however, I’m mainly using it in the morning as a preventative measure to help protect my skin from free radical damage.
It has a creamy texture and can leave your face a little dry so make sure to follow with a moisturiser!
Second Serum: Alpha-H Vitamin E.
Now this is not a necessary part of the routine but if you need something to help calm and soothe the skin, vitamin E is the ingredient for you!
The Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum with 1% Ceramide Complex 25ml has a silky, glossy formula.
It also contains one per cent ceramides, so your skin will be hydrated, soothed and protected.
Sunscreen: AB LAB Dewy-C Facial Sun Milk.
The best SPF for you is the one you will actually wear!
As long as you put any broad-spectrum SPF 50+ on your face, I’m a happy writer.
AB LAB by Adore Beauty Dewy-C SPF50+ Facial Sun Milk 75mL is from our in-house brand.
It has hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe vera) so it can double as a morning moisturiser.
The fewer products the better, hey!
Final Thoughts.
If you take anything from reading all of this, please use a proper cleanser if you’re applying makeup and sunscreen every day.
Micellar water just doesn’t cut it alone!
Take the time to take care of your skin and it will take care of you back. And maybe pack a few extra skincare products if you have space in your bag ;)
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