Weekly Facial Treatments

While my previous skincare post addressed my everyday morning and night routine, here I'll go into a few of my current weekly treatments. I rotate these according to how my skin is feeling on that particular day. But I try to each of the below at least one per week in no particular order.




REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask: Apart from the Clarisonic (which I'll get into later), I really never use any abrasive scrubs on my face. In my head, its just doesn't seem right to literally scratch your skin off just for the sake of clear bright skin - sounds aggressive, but that's what you're essentially doing. Instead, I like to use masks that dissolve the skin, which is a little bit of a gentler approach in my opinion. The REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask does just that through its natural fruit acids and extracts. Its claims include "removes dead skin cells to renew the complexion" and "skin looks brighter, healthier and more radiant", among other things. I have to say that when it comes to these two statements, it definitely delivers. Also, I should mention it smells so fruity and delicious. It almost feels like you're putting jam on your skin when applying this, which -actualy-I really don't mind at all. The packaging comes with a cloth to be used when removing the mask. A splash of cold water  to finish it off and hello bright new skin!

Guinot Masque Essentiel Nutrition Confort: I purchased this product a while back after an aesthetician used it on my skin as part of a facial treatment. I remember having this on my skin and loving how it felt while it was applied (super cool and soothing), while it was on (still cool and soothing) and after it was removed (tingles, beautiful little tingles).It's essentially a hydrating mask that contains essential oils. A whiff of this stuff can immediately transport you from your home bathroom to the most luxurious spa you can think of. Good stuff.

Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque: Ok, this stuff is just great. I won't bang on too much about it because there's really not much to say. It feels lovely to apply and smells so naturally spa-like (just like the Guinot masque). Cleanses so nicely and leaves you feeling like you're skin emerged from the depths of gunk and nastiness and can finally breathe. Lovely if you feel like you're pores are clogged or if you're looking for a weekly thorough skin cleansing. Staple product and suitable for everyone, really.

Clarisonic Mia 2 (with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser): You may be wondering what Cetaphil (a daily cleanser) is doing in the picture above. Well, for one, I love the stuff. I always have. My love affair with this bad boy started years and years ago, when stresses over exams and term papers drove my skin nutso and it was the only thing that could manage to save it. Keep in mind, there are two types of Cetaphil cleansers that frequently get mistaken for one another. The one you'll want to go for is the "Gentle Skin Cleanser" and not the "Daily Facial Cleanser". They look quite similar, so be wary of that. The reason why I prefer the Gentle Skin Cleanser is because it applies like a gel, feels quite nourishing, cleanses like a charm and doesn't sud into a foam - that's key. You don't need foam on your face people. Want to know why? See point number 4 in Carolin Hirons' page listing her skincare mantras here. BUT because I seem to gravitate to my Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm for my daily cleanser, I use my Cetaphil with the Clarisonic Mia 2, twice a week to make sure my skin properly cleansed and evenly exfoliated staying bright, smooth and clean. If you've got a Clarisonic or any other skin cleaning tool contraption (which are seeming to pop up everywhere these days), I recommend you use it with Cetaphil. Added bonus? Its really inexpensive, so you don't have to worry about post-purchase-depression.