Now Serozinc is a much hyped and coveted skincare product that was almost impossible to get for years, but alas, recently it more readily available to Irish skincare die-hards!! So what exactly is La Roche-Posay Serozinc?
It is a Zinc Sulphate solution mixed with the heavenly soothing La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring water that is targeted at oily, blemish-prone skin. This is an absolute God-send for blemish-prone skin, as Zinc Sulphate helps heal minor breakouts but also mattify and help regulate oiliness. But furthermore, its healing properties make it excellent for razor burn or any skin concern like dermatitis or eczema and because it's so gentle it can be even used on a baby's bottom.
I personally don't use Serozinc daily, but I do use Serozinc when I get a breakout, either large or small. I find that it helps heal my skin more quickly but also it reduces the redness, soreness and flakiness of said spots. I spritz or spray it directly on my face and let its goodness soak in. But alternatively you can apply it to a cotton pad and swipe it across your face.
Now I got my can from Escentual.com at the start of this year. So I have used Serozinc for a nearly five months and I can see how good it is, but I waited until now to write this post as you can now actually buy Serozinc IN IRELAND, That's right, in Ireland! You can pick up your little blue can from your local pharmacy that stock La Roche-Posay product or you can get it from Sam McCauley's, Boots and CH Chemists for €10.
This is an excellent hydrating and restoring mask; GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Mud Treatment.
This is a multi-use mask and that is pretty marvellous. But what exactly is the point to moisture mask? Easy. Its instantaneous results. I've never seen anything add moisture and hydration to the skin as quickly and effectively. Also the wide variety of applications; bearing in mind that with each, you don't need to use much:
Nighttime Mask (What I use it for)
After cleansing your face in the evening, apply an thin layer to the skin which you'll notice it will sink in pretty quickly. You don't apply loads, like a normal mask, just apply it like a moisturiser! As you'll only just waste it. And by morning my skin looks more uniform in complexion (I think it helps heal acne scarring and hyperpigmentation) and my skin is glowing and healthier looking in general.
Post-Shave Repair
After shaving, apply and massage gently a small amount into the shaved area to feel immediate comfort and reduced redness from shaving. I personally think this is too expensive and frankly too good to use a post-shave balm. But if you had razor rash right before something important, this is your saviour.
In-Flight protection
This is a new and clever use; to use GlamGlow ThirstyMud to protect and heal your skin from the awful effects that the dreaded airplane air can have
on your skin; Apply a thin layer (it's invisibile when on) you'll rehydrate your skin whilst preventing dehydration and protection from any airborne offensive.
What's it's secret ingredients
But what are the key ingredients? Dewdration™, GreenEnergy™ and Botanimoist™, do I hear you go "eh … what?", so let me explain
Dewdration™
Is Acid Hydration and is actually a combination of citric acid and hyaluronic acid. Citric acid helps to brighten the skin by increasing exfoliation but also acts as a protective antioxidant. Hyaluronic acid then bonds to the newly exfoliated skin cells, filling out intercellular spaces with oil-free moisture, locking everything in without leading to congestion and spots. In fact, Hyaluronic acid can hold 1,000 times its wait of water, so you're adding a hell of load water to your face!!
HydraPack™
The real hydrating power of GlamGlow ThirstyMud comes predominantly from the following ingredients: Apple extracts which work to hydrate and further bond moisture to the skin,
as well as oat extract whilst HydraClay™ locks in moisture with its ability to carry its own weight many times in hydration. All of this works without heavy oils and remains suitable for all skin types.
GreenEnergy™
Instant Hydration - these ingredients provide GlamGlow ThirstyMud with that wack of hydrating and healing while the previous working towards long term benefits. These natural extracts include coconut oil, orange blossom honey and ginger root (this is what gives it smell). They provide antioxidant benefits, surface hydration and calming comfort.
Teaoxi™
And … phew … finally, the feature ingredient that appears across the entire GlamGlow range, Teaoxi™ technology, composed of hydroxytyrosol – a potent antioxidant; oleuropein – an antioxidant and moisturiser; tyrosol – also an effective antioxidant. It's a very high impact ingredient that's one of the main contributing factors to the instant brightening and clearing effects of the GlamGlow products.
I've been using it about once a week as an over-night mask for about a year and I love the smooth way it sinks in without a trace and leaves the skin incredibly glowy. I find it exceptional for calming redness, preventing spots and restoring moisture and smoothness.
GlamGlow ThirstyMud relieves dehydration without loading your skin full of fatty oils meaning it's perfect for ALL skin types, even those that are acne prone (like mine) and in fact I'd recommend this to calm blemishes and acne.
The GlamGlow ThirstyMud is a total winner. I am still on my first pot and I bought another at Christmas, in a special boxset which also included 15ml of SUPERMUD and YOUTHMUD.
GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment is available direct from GLAMGLOW UK, Feelunique, Sam McCauleys and I again got mine in my local pharmacy for €56.00 (deep breaths).
I know that La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Duo [+] has received countless reviews, but I am going to add another to the mix!!
Firstly, I should describe my skin. I have combination-normal skin but I do suffer from cystic acne. My T-zone is quite oily but my cheeks are normal (at least that's something, right?). When I first got the cystic acne, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. Was it normal to have these HUGE RED SWOLLEN deep-under-the-skin spot that hurt so so so much? This was my first foray into the world of skincare to help cure what ailed me. I first used benzoyl peroxide but this dried out my skin and the cystic spots always seemed to rear their heads again. This led me on a quest to find other ways to tackle my cystic acne and its subsequent scarring.
Thus I found Effaclar Duo [+]. It claims were actually exactly what I was looking for.
It is specifically formulated to target the key signs of oily, blemish-prone skin.
Proven efficacy on:
- Clinically proven to correct the appearance of blemishes
- Unclogs blocked pores
- Helps to refine skin texture
- Controls the appearance of shine
- New - Fights against the appearance of marks.
Unique formulation including NEW ACTIVE INGREDIENT ProceradTM [a patented Ceramide]
Niacinamide – a powerful anti-inflammatory
Piroctone Olamine – kills off the spot causing bacteria
LHA /Salicylic Acid – gently exfoliates skin reducing blocked pores
Linoleic Acid – anti-inflammatory that hydrates and helpsaids the healing process
So I tried it. This was the first skincare item that I actually used properly. Now it's no miracle worker but it helps keep skin clear, reduce acne scars and most importantly it helps reduce the redness and soreness of active breakouts. I use this every day and I'm on my third tube, in like 18 months. Which makes it excellent value. At the start I did use it morning and evening but for the last year, I only use it in the mornings. The texture is a dream for men's skin, its light and absorbs instantly and there is no fragrance.
Sounds pretty impressive, right? I've definitely been loving this over the last year. I think that if you suffer from blemishes of any kind, be it from a small pimple to colossal monstrosities, that La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] is a safe bet and well worth giving it a try and you can find it here for €17.99.
