Skincare Routine for Combination, Sensitive & Breakout Prone Skin | 2017

As someone with sensitive and combination skin, it’s taken me years to find go-to products. I have times where I need to change my routine of course, in the winter I get dry skin, near exams/deadlines I get eczema, in summer I’m oily. All these different problems need different products. Also, I have tried staying natural and not using products, but water doesn’t clear make up properly. Not wearing make up is also a problem… does anyone else break out more when they take a break?

Well, after years of trying different cleansers, toners, oils, serums, moisturisers, gels and creams… I finally found 5 products which usually work. Yes, sometimes I need something a bit different. If I get really dry skin or eczema I will need a better moisturiser, and if I’m too oily I’ll pick up a different cleanser for a few weeks. But on an every day – month by month basis, these are my go-to’s.

Garnier Micellar Water

I’m sure many of you know about micellar water, even if you haven’t tried it. It’s basically soft enough to not irritate my skin or strip it of oil and make it dry. Whilst also being stronger than actual water, as it removes my make up.

Clarins Toning Lotion

I use this toner from Clarins. It was recommended by a friend to make your skin look better, I think I was complaining about oiliness and acne at the time. It worked perfectly, my skin feels softer. It looks less red and less oily. Although I do still get spots, I do think they’re ones caused by hormones and internal factors like stress rather than anything on my skin.

Clarins HydraQuench Lotion

When I bought the toner, I thought I would try a moisturiser as well. I picked this one because it’s specifically for combination skin. I use it pretty much all year round. It also has SPF 15 which is fantastic for my ginger pale skin. Even though I usually wear SPF foundation anyway, it’s to know I have a little bit extra.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum in Oil

I also have this serum in oil which I picked up ages ago and wrote a review about it. I use this after the moisturiser, and I usually use it when I have a particular bad dry patch or eczema. The vitamin E is especially good for my eczema, although I do have prescribed gel if I need it as well.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Spot Gel

For pesky pimples, tea tree is always a go to product. I’ve used multiple gels, creams and moisturisers but this gel is one of the best. After a couple of days, the spot is gone or nearly gone, without too much stress from me. It’s also super handy to throw in my bag to reapply throughout the day.