skincare

Skoon

As I’ve discussed in many posts over the years, my skin has not always been the easiest.  Hormones and sensitive skin have led to many years of breakouts and discomfort, ranging from small bumps to full blown adult acne.
Happily my skin has been pretty clear for about the last year, and I think monthly peels at Laserderm, and perhaps a simmering down of my hormones, have a lot to do with it.  I’m still super wary of using new products, but also want to use products that are ‘high-tech’ in terms of handling the onset of wrinkles and ageing, that are full of natural ingredients, and aren’t tested on animals.
Although I would like to buy local, I have been using Paula’s Choice for the last six months, and I love the liquid exfoliant.  I also use Lulu & Marula’s purifying treatment oil, which smells glorious and really seems to calm down breakouts.
I’ve also recently come across Skoon, a South African bespoke, natural skincare range (with a beautiful website and lovely, minimalist packaging).  I’m thinking White Cloud Manuka and the Purifying Clay Cleanser to start. Their Instagram account is pretty glorious too.

Lulu & Marula

My skin is not my best asset.  It’s troublesome and sensitive and hormonal.  I’m hoping that the oiliness that leads to the trouble will stand me in good stead when it comes to the slow onset of wrinkles, but the way things are going right now, it doesn’t seem all that promising (read: wrinkles and pimples).
I’ve tried just about every product known to womankind, from the exorbitant to the common-or-garden, and a plethora of in-salon treatments and facials.  Some work; most make my skin a zillion times worse.  And I err on the side of not tested on animals, so that makes things a little more tricky.
At the moment I’m on the REN train, and happily I’ve not had any massive negative response.  The products I’m using are in fact lovely.  I’ve also discovered Lulu & Marula – made in South Africa, all natural, and beautifully packaged.   I’m trying out the purifying treatment oil, which smells divine, and although hasn’t given me perfectly clear, sensationally uniform skin (in other words, the skin I never had when I was 21), it hasn’t made me break out, which is a pretty big deal for me.

Purifying treatment oil


I’m going to try the cleansing balm next.

Balancing cleansing balm


You can even shop online.