How to Battle a Bad Skin Day?

It's no secret that my skin is rather temperamental at times. Despite my best efforts, a bad skin day is inevitable for me. Whether it's due to stress, the environment you're in or hormones - I think we can all agree that battling bad skin days can be difficult and make you feel quite self-conscious and crappy at times. Whenever my skin flares up, I feel like all eyes are directly on me (my skin flaws and spots to be exact) and all I want to do is run and hide away. But thanks to my 'go to' guru that is Caroline Hirons, I've learnt from great tricks and tips along the way. 

Over the years I've learnt that some things help, whilst others hinder the quality of my skins complexion. I think I have probably tried most of the products out there that say 'prevents acne' or 'reduces blemish and remove blackheads' - both high-end and high-street skincare products - but truthfully the products I use depend entirely on whether my complexion is fresh and glowing, dull and bumpy or a mixture of oily and dry. Skin changes all the time. But one of the key things that I've learnt over the years is... what works for one person, may not work for you - all skin types are different. 

Here are some of my 'go to' skincare products and top tips for when I'm having one of those days (my battle plan, so to speak):  

Daily Skincare Regime 

My daily skincare regime is simple but effective (and a little costly at times). I do it daily - day and night - and I never miss a step. There are a few things like spot treatment, face masks and exfoliating that I don't always do on a daily basis because I don't always need to do but I've listed them below anyway. 

1. Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish
   I heard a lot about this brand, and in particular this cleanse and polish before I thought I'd give it ago. But without a doubt, I wouldn't be without it ever again. 
2. La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo CreamAhh, here's to my blemish fighting bestie - without you, I'd be nothing. 
3. La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra Fluide Cream
   Finally a moisturiser that doesn't hate my skin, that actually isn't greasy and just is incredible for combination skin. Where have you been?! You can't go wrong with La Roche Posay, you pay a little more but well worth it.

Added Extras to my Daily Regime 

So I don't use these everyday, some when I need to, others I use once or twice a week depending on the product. 

1. Origins Face Mask - 10 Minutes to Rescue Problem Skin
   My lifesaver. My everything. If I need quick skin rescue this is the face mask I wouldn't be without. I tend to use this after holiday when I've been slapping on suncream left, right and centre or if I've been wearing make up for a long period of time. Highly recommend. 
2. Origins Face Mask - Retexturizing Mask
   Definitely an all year round, and one that I use if my skin has decided to be my best friend rather than my enemy. It gives you a healthy glow, and really refreshes your skin. You really notice the difference when using on your sun-kissed skin! 
3. IT Cosmetics - Your Skin But Better CC Cream
   I've thrown this in as a bit of an extra - no make up than skincare - but again something I wouldn't be without. My friend put me onto this and I haven't looked back, it's lightweight, glowing, really refreshing and just builds on coverage! It's a little more expensive than most foundations, but a little goes along way. 

Twelve Ways to get Clear Skin and Battle Bad Skin Days!

1. Know your skin type and properly treat it. Don't just buy products because they're popular or your friends use them, choose them because they're right for your skin type. 
2. NEVER go to bed without taking your make up. You're asking for trouble. 
3. Wash your make up brushes and sponges on a regular basis.
4. Try not to keep touching your face throughout the day without washing your hands first {just think how much bacteria and dirt is on your hands that you can transfer to your face and clog your pores with, resulting in breakouts}. 
5. Don't touch or pick. Apply a bit of tea tree oil to the inflamed area for a natural spot treatment to quickly dry it up. 
6. Keep your skin hydrated, not only through moisturisers, serums and oils but by drinking plenty of water as well. I noticed a huge difference to my skin by just drinking water. 
7. Limit your intake of sugar and caffeine. According to research out there, sugar and caffeine can trigger breakouts; I'm not saying cut it out all together but instead of having four coffees a day, have two - I notice a huge difference doing this. 
8. Don't use old make up past their expiration date. Throw them away and buy new; normally make up last between six - twelve months. 
9. Sleep your hair out of your face. Platt it, tie it up in a bun, clip your fringe up - whatever is easiest for you, just as long the oil in your hair is out of your face. 
10. Once or twice a week, use a clay face mask to draw out any impurities from your skin. 
11. Gently exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to remove any dead skin cells. 
12. Don't scrub your face when you're cleansing, toning, exfoliating etc; make sure you apply all products gently.

Do you have any tips and tricks or products to help achieve a clear complexion and battle a bad skin day?