Coping with a Skin Condition: My Favorite Skincare Products

A Pretty Imperfect reader emailed me today about her own skin condition and asked if I could share some of my favorite products that I use day to day.

I’ve tried SO many products over the years, to try and find things that suited my sensitive, unique skin, and while many of them have been a bust, some of them have been so good I’ve used them for years.

I’ve decided to split all my favorites into two blog posts; one for all my top day-to-day over-the-counter skincare products today, and another for my beauty and haircare faves, so make sure you look out for that one tomorrow!

Here’s my top ten:

 

1. Aqueous Cream

This is an easy one – if I was stranded on a tropical island and I could only have one item with me, it would be aqueous cream! It’s the most sensitive moisturizer I’ve found for my psoriasis, with no fragrances or colors, it’s just plain and simple, and it works.

It gives my skin a lot of relief, and I love to slather it on right after a shower to lock in the moisture so it lasts all day, without feeling sticky or greasy.

It’s really cheap too!

 

2. Jojoba Oil

I’ve just discovered jojoba oil recently, but it’s a carrier oil in many of the essential oils you’ll find, so I guess I’ve been using it for a while inadvertently! It has been invaluable for me, as it just seems to be incapable of irritating my skin.

When everything else seems to upset it, I reach for the jojoba! I use it as a cleanser and a moisturizer.

 

3. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant

This is seriously a miracle worker. When my skin reacted recently to some mainstream make-up, nothing could heal it – I could soothe it with jojoba oil, but I could not heal it up. That is, until I tried smoothing on some Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream one night, all over the affected area. It was a risky move, but the change in my skin was almost immediate; it soothed, it calmed, and healed.

Within a couple of nights, my skin was almost back to normal after weeks of irritation. Amazing.

 

4. Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector

So, I’ve got psoriasis, but I also struggle with breakouts (probably due to my use of facial steroid ointments!), and I have a issues with uneven skin tone, and scarring because of it. I tried out Clinique Dark Spot Corrector in an attempt to smooth out my complexion, and I was surprised to see it actually made a difference after a few weeks.

I can’t quite get my breakouts under control so it’s kind of pointless, but still, when my skin calms down, I’ll be reaching for this little bottle to erase the damage.

 

5. Biotin, Zinc and Flaxseed Oil supplements

When I take a hair, nails and skin supplement along with a flaxseed oil supplement, I see great results; namely, clearer skin, shiny, smooth hair, and faster growing, stronger nails. All good stuff!

 

6. Cream Cleanser

After years using foaming or gel cleansers, I switched to a cream cleanser about four months ago, and I don’t think I’d ever go back. I use Janesce Rose Cream Cleanser in the evenings (and jojoba in the mornings) and it’s just beautiful. It smells lovely so it’s a joy to use, and it never dries my skin out – it leaves it feeling soft and gorgeous. Harsh cleansers were just irritating my skin more than they were clearing it!

 

7. Palmer’s Olive Butter Body Lotion

Aqueous cream is good for the areas where I have psoriasis, and while my skin is dry everywhere, I don’t need such an intensive moisturizer all over. So, I love Palmer’s Olive Butter Body Lotion – it goes on so smoothly and it feels great.

 

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

So, I put Apple Cider Vinegar in my hair, but I also use it on my face. I dilute it with water and dab it on my face with a cotton pad on areas where I’m breaking out. Because it’s acidic, it’s a great astringent, and it’s not too strong for my skin.

 

9. Facial Hydrating Mist

After I cleanse my face, and before I moisturize, I spray my face and chest with a nice hydrating mist. It’s a really lovely part of my skincare routine, as it feels so refreshing, and the sprays I use usually smell really good! I use the Janesce Rose Mist, and the Sukin Hydrating Toner Mist.

 

10. Bio Oil

I’ve used Bio Oil on and off for yeaaars, but I always go back to it – I feel like it really helps to perfect my skin. I have a lot of pigmentation marks from my psoriasis treatments, and Bio Oil makes me feel a lot better about my skin, giving it a healthy glow, and a more even tone.

 

So – that was a big ol’ list, and I’m sure it’ll get bigger, as I’m always trying new products, and finding new favorites. I’d love to know what products you use day-to-day as well, so let me know if there are any you’d recommend.

Remember to patch test any new products you use if you decide to try out any of my faves; they might suit me, but might not be right for you!