5 products that transformed my skin ⋆ chic everywhere

My skin and I have been at odds since I was a teen. Like most teenagers I suffered from hormonal pimples. Stress and that time of the month were my major triggers. And I was never one to leave them alone. A cystic under the skin painful pimple would turn into a face disaster. I do remember my mom taking me to the doctor to talk about my skin at one point. Obviously it wasn’t perfectly clear skin.

I had come to terms with my skin as I aged. I remember having issues with it when I lived in residence (the bathrooms were gross and going out all the time didn’t help) but the rest of my twenties my skin was ok. Never perfect since hormonal breakouts were always an issue for me, but never a complete disaster.

When I got pregnant my skin hated me. I swear I had small pimples for the entire pregnancy. Even on my neck. My hormones were all over the place and I didn’t really feel like my skin went back to normal until I was finished breastfeeding. But then I got pregnant again.

For the past five years I have been experimenting with skin care. I ditched the Clinique moisturizer my mom introduced me to many years ago and that was the first of many improvements to my skin. Right now my skin feels transformed. It is clearer, smoother and softer than I can remember. Probably since I was a teenager. These are the 5 products that transformed my skin.

5 Products that transformed my skin

Kate Somerville Exfolikate Cleanser – I love this cleanser. I have never before said that because most of the ones I have tried I never felt like they did anything overly well. Most were underwhelming and my skin felt cleaner or just as clean with a bar of soap. Even cleansers that were geared towards acne never really made me think “I love this cleanser”. Exfolikate contains AHAs, a combination of Glycolic and lactic acids. The smell is gorgeous, fruity because of the pineapple, pumpkin and papaya enzymes. It goes on creamy and will lather up when I use my damp face cloth. Before I take it off fully I will use circular motions with my face cloth to get a good lather. I use this daily sometimes twice daily.
C-Firma Day Serum – The smell of this serum takes a bit getting used to (a cross between bonfire and orange juice) but it really does work wonders. I tried this out as part of the Littles pack (read my review here) and I have restocked it with the full size.The antioxidant complex at work in this Vitamin C serum is said to dissolve dead skin cells visibly reducing wrinkles and dark spots. What I see is my skin feels softer and plumper and just generally younger looking. I use this daily in the mornings.
T. L. C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum – This serum is the biggest game changer for me. It can be a bit stingy at first and if you have any breakouts. But it works miracles. This serum is an AHA/BHA blend that lifts and dissolves dead skin cells leaving a smoother more even looking complexion. Fine lines, discolouration, excess oiliness and the appearance of pores are visibly reduced. Soothing plant extracts keep this product from being irritating. I use this daily in the evenings.
Black Tea Instant Pefecting Face Mask – I don’t use this mask every night but definitely a few times a week. I alternate this with another rich moisturizer at night (this or this are great. Even the Marula oil is good mixed with this). This mask is instantly cooling, a bit tingling and leaves my face feeling as smooth as a babies bottom. Basically it is the perfect compliment to the serums used above.
NIOD Eye contour Concentrate – Since having kids puffy dark circles were just a part of life. This is one of the only eye products that I can really say does work to eliminate under eye circles. I talk about my top 5 products for under eye circles in this post. I use this daily. Layering up as needed.

My skin has been smoother and clearer since I started using all of these products. They don’t keep me from breaking out (you know hormones) but breakouts have been minor and clear up faster because of these products. My skin is also softer and smoother. I just love my skin right now and had to share with all of you the products that transformed my skin in case aging or adult acne had you down and were looking for recommendations.