I’ve always been open about my skin struggles. I suffer hormonal congestion and have all of my adult life. Most likely a symptom of my PCOS, I have tried all kinds of medical, homeopathic and beauty regimes and over the years I’ve managed to formulate a system that reduces the lumps and bumps significantly. If you too suffer from congested or acne prone skin, read on.
Skin Care Struggles
Dull skin, open pores or fine lines, whatever your skincare issue is, rest assured that we all have them. It feels like a never ending battle of experimenting with endless skincare brands and products to try to solve our skin type concerns. I dread to think what I have spent on products that have ended up lying in the bottom of a wash bag or drawer. It is my belief that you cannot fully solve your skin issues with products. Yes, they can help improve whatever situation you are battling, but, if they worked, why are so many of us still searching for that one product to outperform all others?

Cruelty Free Beauty
I choose to buy cruelty free products, which limits my options even further. Over the years of trial and error, I have come to discover that there are two cleansers that suit my skin best using the double cleanse system; to remove my make-up I use Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser. It’s a super gentle cleanser that you can take all over the eye area to remove every trace of the day’s make-up without stripping the oils from the skin. I use my hands to really massage the cleanser in and rinse with warm water. The second cleanse is where I incorporate the Clarisonic, using Paula’s Choice Pore Normalising Cleanser. I love this cleanser for the clarisonic as it gently foams, put really deep cleanses without leaving it feeling tight.

The Clarisonic uses micro-massage to unclog pores and supercharges the effect of your skincare. According to their clinical research, skin is brighter, more radiant and removes six times more make-up than manual cleansing. I own the Mia 2 in pink, of course. (Other colours are available)
Clarisonic Mia 2

The Test of Time
When you use a product or system for a long time, you often start to wonder if there are any real effects to using it. There have been a few occasions where I have stopped using the Clarisonic for a few weeks and I really notice the decline in my skin, with pores becoming larger and congestions worsening and as soon as I go back to it my skin is so much smoother, firmer, more even in tone and not to mention the hugely improved congestion. It’s funny really that every time I return to daily Clarisonic use, I get comments and questions about whether I’ve changed my foundation or moisturiser to make my skin appear more radiant. (I use Paula’s Choice Clear moisturiser)

Clarisonic Maintenance
As advised, I replace the brush head on of my Mia 2 twice a year and there are three different brush types available; Normal, Sensitive and Deep Pore Cleansing. I now use the latter, which has definitely improved my congested skin even further. The brush comes with it’s own charger and carry case and is safe to use in the shower too. If you would like to start using the Mia 2, I do advise shopping around from reputable sellers. (There are some very convincing and ineffective fakes doing the rounds.) When I purchased mine, I used Feel Unique which offered a free additional brush head and a £10 off code for my first order, which was really good value, but with that being so long ago, I’d definitely shop around to get the best price.
Do you use a manual or electric cleansing brush? I’d love to know what you think too.
Love,

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