Over the last few weeks I’ve been having some issues with my skin. It all stems from coming off the contraceptive pill and moving over to the patch. Unfortunately, it’s hormone related so there’s not a lot I can do but I have switched up my skincare routine a bit to try to help it. As I’ve had clear skin for so long, it’s been a bit of a shock but I have a few new products that I have been trying out.

I haven’t been wearing much makeup – that’s quite normal for me. When I do choose to wear makeup then I will use a BB cream as a base. Something light with added skincare always works much better than foundation for my skin. I have recently tried out the Bioderma Sébium Global Cover Intense Correcting Tinted Treatment for Acne-Prone Skin, which is lovely.

Even though I’m rarely wearing much makeup, I still have to make sure I use a decent cleanser. It’s so important to clean your face every evening to remove any dirt.

When I’ve worn makeup then I always use a balm or oil based cleanser. You rub these over your face and they melt your makeup down before you wipe it off with a hot cloth. I’ve been using these types of cleanser for years and I’ve found that they’re the best for getting everything off. On the days where my face is makeup free, I’ll just use a micellar water. My absolute favourite is the Bioderma Sensibio H2O – I first bought this on a trip to Paris in 2013. It’s been a staple product in my skincare drawer since then. I just apply some to a reusable cotton pad and wipe it over my face to remove any dirt or grime.

One of the new products that I’ve been trying out a is a face mask. I do use face masks regularly – usually sheet masks which I use for their moisturising properties. However, while I’ve been suffering from breakouts and redness, I’ve been trying out other types of mask. I recently picked up the Revolution Skincare Blemish 2% Salicylic Acid Cleansing Mask. This black mask is to be used a couple of times a week and deeply cleanses the skin, prevents excessive sebum production and tightens pores. So far, after a couple of weeks’ use I have noticed that this has really helped my skin. I need to make sure that I use a good moisturiser afterwards as it can be quite drying.