Sometimes, you just yearn for a quick fix. Let me give it to you.
We all know that ingredients like Vitamin C, retinol in all its forms, and niacinamide are fine and dandy – but they won’t fix your skin issues over night. Then there’re different ingredients like acids, hyaluronic acid, and some others that are more like Usain Bolt: they sprint towards that finish line, and bam! World record skin. Here’re the quick fixes for problem skin – products that I love and have loved for a long time.
Glow
There’re a lot of products promising glowy skin, but Pai’s Rosehip BioRegenerate Rapid Radiance Mask ($60) truly delivers. One of Pai’s hero ingredients is rosehip oil. That one is rich in Vitamin E, which soothes aggrevated skin and, as a powerful antioxidant, helps to defend skin against pollution and other environmental influences that might weaken your skin barrier. The mask is light and pleasant in texture, but packs a serious punch with a plethora of different oils, heavily moisturising your skin. The whole formula is seriously soothing and calms my redness susceptible skin easily. I leave it on for 10 minutes in the evening, rinse it off and wake up with calm and glowy skin next morning. (More reviews here.)
Brightened/even skintone
When I all I see in the mirror is dull skin, I know it’s time for my ultimate weapon: The Ordinary’s 30% AHA + 2%BHA Peeling Solution ($7,20). It packs a serious punch and isn’t for acid virgins (if you are, go for their Glycolic Toner!). We have both AHAs (a mix of Glycolic/Lactic/Tartaric/Citric Acids) and BHAs (Salicylic Acid) in here, which target different concerns: While AHAs help your skin to slough off dead cells and promote a quicker turnover, BHAs will target congested pores. In combination, this is a great mask that targets everything: blackheads, whiteheads, dull skin, and fine lines. Everything will appear smooth and even. Make sure to leave it on for only 10 minutes, rinse it off thoroughly, and apply sunscreen religiously when using this. I always use it in the evening and load up on hydration and moisture afterwards. (More reviews here.)
Anti-spot
If I see spots growing, here’s my tried and true combo to combat them: apply a bit of benzoyl peroxide (get it at a pharmacy) and a cosrx pimple patch (around $5) afterwards. Go to sleep. Wake up with a reduced spot (although you might have to repeat if for a few days if you’re a cystic acne sufferer). Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful antibacterial ingredient that is able to penetrate into hair follicles and kill bacteria there.
Be careful with it – my skin doesn’t tolerate it well, which is the reason I dab it on with a Q-Tip and remove it after 10 minutes with a bit of toner on a cotton pad. It can also stain and bleach hair and clothes. Proceed with caution and start with a product that only contains a low level of BP – 2,5 or 5% are totally sufficient for it to work! (More about my acne regimen here, where both products are mentioned.)
Smoothness
Whenever my skin looks a bit rough, maybe from stress or travelling, I try to give it a lot of hydration. A LOT. Very often, that will take care of the problem. In the morning, I often go for a sheet mask (a simple one like My Beauty Diary’s Aloe Vera or Hyaluronic Acid will totally suffice – it doesn’t have to be the super fancy SK-II).
In the evening, I rather go for an overnight mask /sleeping pack. My love for cosrx Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask (circa $12) is well documented (I find that the propolis does wonders in calming my skin), and the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask ($25) does hydration wonderfully well. Make sure to layer some hydrating essences/toners/serums beneath to reap the ultimate effect!
Anti-outbreak
Whenever I notice that my skin develops a lot of outbreaks simultaneously, I go for a DIY mask made of Fuller’s Earth, yoghurt and honey. Fuller’s Earth gets its name from the textile industry in the 19th century, when workers (‘fullers’) would cleanse wool with it to remove oil and dirt from the fibres. In India, it’s called Multani Mitti and often used in all kinds of facemasks. However you call it, it’s excellent for a deep cleanse and exfoliation.
I mix it with yoghurt because it can be quite harsh and drying on my skin. I add honey for its antibacterial properties when I feel really fancy. It’s really easy to mix: start with maybe two or three tablespoons of Fuller’s Earth and then add the other ingredients until you have a texture that feels right to you – not to liquid and not too dense. Leave it on your face for 15 minutes and rinse very gently. Be prepared for some mess in your sink. It is mud, after all.
Smooth lips
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($20). Best thing for chapped lips ever. Use it as a mask, a balm, a treatment under matte lipstick. Done.
It has an ingredient list as long as my arm, and I’ve no idea what ingredient is responsible for the sorcery it does. Because this is the most moisturising and/or hydrating lip product ever. It locks in moisture very well by forming a protective barrier, and also has some Vitamin C for gently exfoliating flaky lips. It comes in different flavours (I like the unobtrusive vanilla), and has the most pleasing texture – it’s like a smooth balm that’s never waxy. Forget every chapstick, this is where it’s at.
Please note that this review is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods, or money, for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
