MY HOLY GRAIL SKINCARE PRODUCTS | ALPHA H & THE ORDINARY

Wow so much has changed since I last posted on my blog.. including my skincare. 

Now that I'm in my mid twenties I thought I really need to start upping the care I give to my skin. Because as I'm sure we all know, the effects really do start to show as you get older.

I've always been lucky enough to have fairly clear skin, with the odd spot here and there when the hormones hit every month, but six years ago I tried my first sun bed. It was definitely one thing I regret doing as after just one six minute stand up (using goggles) I came out with dark pigmentation all around my eyes and cheeks. I then felt uncomfortable to leave the house without makeup on as I looked like I had been badly beaten up. It knocked my confidence hugely. 

I had started to think I would never be able to get rid of it. Countless hours online, reading blogs, watching Youtube videos, praying I would eventually come across something that would help. I did this for years with no luck.

Then around Christmas last year I came across the brand 'Alpha H'. I had received a sample of their 'Micro Cleanse Super Scrub' in an order from Cult Beauty. I didn't have very high expectations, I'm pretty fussy when it comes to skincare, but I can now say that Alpha H is in my top 3 skincare brands. I applied this during my usual evening shower, washing off with warm water. This scrub left my skin feeling completely new, so soft I couldn't stop touching my face and my makeup afterwards applied like a dream but best of all I could already see that my pigmentation had faded after just one use! One use! 

Being so amazed I decided to look further in to the range and purchased the 'Liquid Gold' as it had rave reviews and was rated product of the year. I had also noticed it contained 'Glycolic Acid' which is known for its cell-stimulating and renewal properties. It's a liquid formula which you apply with a cotton pad evenly over the face every night. Within just a few days I again noticed such a difference to my skin. Applying skincare products used to feel like a chore, but now being able to see visible results like these I love applying them.  

Also up there as one of my top 3 brands is 'The Ordinary'. I had heard of the brand before, but when you hear 'beauty oils' you expect them to be costly. In fact they only retail at £9 each! I was given this set as part of a gift from family which contained their '100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil' and the 'Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%'. I apply the Rose Hip Seed oil daily before I go to bed by putting a few droplets on to my face and gently rubbing it in. I find that it really helps to stop my skin from drying out. I could imagine this would be a dream when flying. The Absorbic Acid + Alpha Arbutin I use to contribute to reducing my pigmentation. As I use quite a few products in one go I like to limit using this one in particular to once a week so that I don't over load my skin with acids. The Ordinary range is cruelty free, silicone free, alcohol free, gluten free, nut free and vegan so you really do feel like you're putting pure goodness in to your skin which is a huge bonus.

If you're out there looking for some new skincare products to try out, especially if you have pigmentation / sun damage like me then I highly recommend trying these brands as they have been a godsend to me.

If you already use them, let me know which ones you use.

I am also going to be blogging more regularly, though now that I'm older I feel that this blog will grow with me and take a different direction to what I have posted before. Still expect to see plenty of beauty, fashion, lifestyle & travel posts.. but more 'grown up'.

♡