A couple of weeks ago I published a blog on masking my scars with makeup. I was absolutely floored by the response, and was so humbled by the many who reached out to share their stories with me. From burn scars to acne scars to everything in between, there are many of us dealing with a variety of things when it comes to our skin.
I don’t want to call these things *problems* either, because that doesn’t seem like the right answer. Sure, they can be inconvenient and difficult to deal with some days but they also make us who we are. And thanks to great beauty products, we can all feel a little better in the skin we’re in. (Speaking of which, there is absolutely nothing wrong with people wanting to use beauty products to make themselves feel better about the skin they are in. It doesn’t make them vain. It makes them human.)
Since that original blog did so well, I decided I’d come back and address some of my favorite products to care for my scars (and skin!). I’m constantly trying new products, so this list could change. For now, though? These are several of the skin products I swear by.
La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water Essential, Soothing Skincare for Sensitive Skin
I love this spray. It’s from the same company that makes the sunscreen I swear by (more on that in a future blog!) and it’s the perfect spray whenever my scars are feeling a little dry/itchy. I’ll just spray a little on my scars after washing my face in the morning and it’s an instant pick-me-up. And it’s also great for my skin and neck, so don’t feel like it’s only meant for scars!
And for $7.39, you can’t go wrong. It lasts forever too.
Neutrogena Deep Clean Micellar Cleansing Makeup Remover Wipes
I realized one day that my makeup removing cleanser doesn’t fully take off all of my makeup, which is a slight issue. I was on the hunt for a makeup remover wipe that would do the job but still be sensitive enough for my skin and scars. Enter the Neutrogena Deep Clean Micellar Cleansing Makeup Remover Wipes.
They smell good. They leave my skin ultra clean and feeling soft. I have no complaints.
Thayers Witch Hazel Astringent with Aloe Vera Original
If you haven’t noticed a theme yet, it’s that I look for products that are specific for sensitive skin. Thayers Witch Hazel toner is one of those products.
I had wanted to find a toner for awhile, but wasn’t happy with what I was finding. Until Thayers, that is. Someone else recommended it to me, and I gave it a try. I tend to use it at night after washing my face. I just use a cotton pad to wipe over my face, let it dry, and then apply my moisturizer as normal. I especially love the product when I notice my face starting to break out.
Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herb and Rosewater
Someone had told me about this product and that it was great for hydration or a little pick-me-up during the day on top of makeup. I couldn’t agree more. It smells good and it always makes my skin feel refreshed when used halfway through the day. I also sometimes spray it on my neck and face in the morning, evening combining it with the thermal spring water spray mentioned above.
Olay Eyes Deep Hydrating Eye Gel
My biggest issue under my eyes are dark circles. I don’t tend to get much puffiness, but the dark circles would have you to believe I never get any sleep. Woof.
I started using Olay Eyes Deep Hydrating Eye Gel at night, and I’ve noticed the dark circles look a little less dark. I won’t lie and say they’re gone completely, but they’ve improved. That’s a win for me.
Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream
Again, the dark circles. They’re especially rough in the morning, so I’ve found Clinique’s Pep-Start Eye Cream improves that quite a bit. It instantly brightens my under eyes, and I appreciate that. Easy to get going in the morning when you don’t look like such a zombie, I say!
Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%
I use a daily moisturizer prescribed by my doctor because I have this fancy thing called keratosis pilaris. According to WebMD, keratosis pilaris is a “condition that causes rough patches and small, acne-like bumps on the skin.” Fun, right?
The moisturizer I use helps combat that, but I’ve often wanted to find other ways to give my skin a boost without losing the benefits of my moisturizer. That’s why I was so excited about Clinique’s Fresh Pressed Daily Booster. You mix it with your daily moisturizer and it just gives your skin a little extra boost. I’ve only started using this recently, but I’m really happy so far.
Milk Makeup Cooling Water
As I’ve mentioned with other products above, my scars are sensitive so I try to find products that soothe them. Milk Makeup’s Cooling Water is one of those products I was thrilled to find. I just swipe it on top of my scars in the morning (and sometimes as night) before I use my moisturizer. It really makes a difference just in how my scars feel.
You can also swipe it under your eyes to help with dark circles. Big win for me.
Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate
The price tag on this is not friendly, but it’s worth it. Plus, it lasts forever. I recommend snagging it on a sale if you can, and I’ll happily pass along any specific deals as I find them.
I received a sample of Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate and it’s delightful. I put a small drop on my forehead and both cheeks and rub it in to my skin. It smells awesome, and it instantly makes my skin feel so much better. I get really dry skin in the winter too, and this helps right away.
I really do believe this product can last a long time, because too much at once will make you look oily. A little goes a long way, and stretches your dollar.
*** *** ***
And done! I hope something listed above can help someone, because I know how hard it is to find products that work for specific issues. Scars are very specific, but I’ve noticed the way I care for them is similar to how others care for their sensitive skin issues.
I plan to keep doing these roundups, and have already planned out reviews of sunscreen, my daily makeup routine, and more.
And if there’s something you’re particularly interested in, let me know. You can email me, tweet at me, or leave a comment below. I’m always up for trying new products and will happily share any feedback I have.
Until next time, friends.
Erin
(P.S. You can get a $5 Target GiftCard with the purchase of any four personal care items from brands you love. Valid 1/28-2/3.)