problem skin

6 June 2021

The 2021 Free From Skincare Awards Finalists are Announced
It's been a bumper year for the Free From Skincare Awards with around 250 products making it through to the Final stage. The Finalists were decided by a team of independent testers, each with sensitive or problem skin, or with an interest in non-mainstream skincare products, who have been putting entries through their paces.

I'm a supporter of these awards because they are dedicated to celebrating cosmetics 'free from' ingredients which consumers, such as myself, choose or need to avoid. You'll spot some familiar brands on the list of Finalists, their products often feature on my blog - Annwyn, Balmonds, BAO, Eden Days, Ermana, Lily & Rabbit, Lucky Cloud Skincare, Lyonsleaf, Maison Meunier, Minimalist Skincare, Odylique.

Never in ten years have we had higher average scores in the Awards than this year,” says Awards director Alex Gazzola. “The vast majority of products performed well or exceptionally well, and it has been an almost impossible task to narrow the field down. All finalists deserve their places.

Amongst the familiar names are lots of 'new to me' brands which I've included in the photo above - Cacao Pow, Black Palm, Soft Paws Cosmetics, So Natural, The Natural Beauty Pot, Zero Soap

Finalists now go through to judging sessions, with panels made up of leading industry figures, including beauty journalists, bloggers, consultants, brand owners and formulators. Gold, Silver and Bronze winners in all 16 categories — plus additional awards for Best Free From Skincare Brand, Best Free From Achievement, and of course Best Overall Free From Skincare Product — will be announced online at the beginning of July.

If you'd like to browse the List of Finalists it can be viewed at the Free From Skincare Awards site.

Sarah x

19 December 2020

Sukin Spot Banishing Gel for Blemish Control
(Gifted/Unpaid) 

I have the driest skin but even I'm prone to the occasional pimple and I'm noticing a few more now that masks have become a daily accessory. I find the best way to target spots is with a dedicated product and so I've been using Sukin Spot Banishing Gel.

Before I continue with this review just a little mention to the fact this product contains Limonene and Linalool. The latter allergen (linalool) I avoid but for small pimples I can get away with using this product without causing irritation. As long as I'm free of eczema in the affected area then I'm usually OK. I'm using the gel in small quantities for only a couple of days rather than long term daily applications which also makes a difference.

I've been a fan of Sukin for as long as I can remember. It's affordable and these days easily available online and in high street stores. Sukin Spot Banishing Gel contains active ingredients of willowherb, quince and salicylic acid. This combinations helps soothe skin, control bacteria, limit pore size and prevent shine. This also sounds impressive but does it actually work? My answer is YES and I've been VERY impressed at how quickly my spots seem under control and less painful. The gel has a cooling sensation which I think alleviates any heat, redness or pain associated with a pimple. When applied in the evenings by morning my skin is looking much better. I then let nature take its course and pretty much forget about my spot, I only re-apply if it's a stubborn pimple that needs additional treatment to clear.

If you are prone to oily skin and blemishes you can compliment the Sukin Spot Banishing Gel with their Blemish Control range which includes face wash, toner and moisturiser. These products are available individually or boxed as a 4-step Blemish Control Kit, perfect for gifting.

Sukin Spot Banishing, Blemish Control products and other dedicated skincare ranges are available to purchase through online retailers.

Sarah x

7 July 2018

Winners announced in seventh Free From Skincare Awards
Thursday afternoon I was in London for the Free From Skincare Awards Winners Announcement and Networking Event. Long time readers will know this is an award I'm very passionate about and for the past six years I've assisted with judging. I'm not a full time blogger so I book time off work every year to take part, that's how enthusiastic I am about the Awards. Also may I just say I declare any conflict of interest if a brand I have worked/working with ends up on the judging table.

12 May 2015

Natural Skincare for Oily, Combination and Teen Skin
There are many natural & organic skincare ranges that are targeted towards oily, combination and teenage skins. Typically, teen hormones are likely to contribute to oily/combination skin with pimples or acne. The mistake many seem to make with this skin type is to treat it harshly and expose it to ingredients which strip natural oils. If you are trying to manage oily and problem skin, my tips are -

- Avoid products with alcohol, SLS and perfumes
- Cleanse twice a day and remove every trace of makeup. 
- Skincare should not make your skin sting or burn, if it does this is likely to be a sign of irritation. 
- Don’t fall for the marketing hype. You have to be in it for the long haul and maintain your routine, miracles do not happen overnight.

Digging into the archives I did write a post in 2011 in which I mentioned four free from brands aimed at teens - Amie Skincare, Young & Pure, Oy! and Good Things. These brands are still available but let me point you in the direction of some new suggestions.  Whilst my focus today has been teenagers, don't shy away from this list of brands if you are older with problematic skin, there are some suggestions for you as well.

Conscious Skincare - the Neutralize range caters for oil/problem skin as I have experience of testing the Gentle line I am more than happy to recommend this brand.

Lulu & Boo - I have always been a fan of this brand and they have four products in their problem skin/teenage category.

Living Nature’s Natural Being - When I started my “green journey” I was using products from this range and enjoyed them. Manuka honey and manuka oil have healing properties which makes them ideal ingredients for problem skin. 

Odylique - you all know I love this brand so they have to get a mention. The lemon & tea tree purifying wash and Spot On serum are suitable for teens or those with combination, oily or spot-prone skin.

Salcura - I have used and recommend their Derma Spray for Eczema but the Antiac range is targeted to “overcome a flare-ups or persistent moderate/severe acne”

Problem skin is the opposite of my own but I do get readers looking for recommendations so I hope this list has been helpful. 

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