Problem Skin: is there really a cure for me? Please, LouLouBelle…cast your magic in my direction!

By Lou Locket · On 10th October 2014

For as far back into my early teens as I can bear to remember, I have suffered with spots. Whilst they’ve never been quite severe enough to qualify as acne, they have always been my biggest insecurity. I have had many a friend suffer with relentless, unforgiving acne, and it has broken my heart to see them so hung up on their imperfections. The most upsetting element for me was that these girls were just so beautiful, and despite their poor skin I had always been envious of their gorgeous, feminine features. I found it so upsetting to see my closest friends so down in the dumps because of their appearance, knowing deep down that there was nothing I could do to help them.

Over the years, my friends and I have spent many a long day trawling the internet on a fierce mission to seek out that one remedy that would rid us of our insecurities forever. Luckily for my friends, they found their holy grails pretty early on in the search. For me, the challenge has been far greater. I have tried so many different products from Obagi to Duac. And, might I add, I have spent an awful lot of money in the process. Frustratingly, many of these products were exceptional in ridding me of my burden. However, they left my skin patchy, scorched, dry and unbearably painful. And, whilst I decided to stop using these products, I cannot recommend them enough. Although they scorched my skin, they did what they promised to do. I have always had particularly sensitive skin, and for that very reason I should have known better than to opt for acid-based skincare products. If, like me, you suffer from sensitive skin, I cannot emphasise the importance of selecting a skincare product specially formulated for sensitive skin enough. The pain is just not worth it. In the end, I decided (rather sensibly) that my spots were somehow preferable to the pain of scorched skin.

I have also tried the old tricks of sleeping with a face mask made entirely of Sud0crem, placing pea-sized blobs of toothpaste on the affected areas and even a squeeze of lemon juice on each spot. Nothing has ever worked for me.

As somebody who has always battled with poor skin, I can personally stand testament to the embarrassment and sadness it can bring. For teenagers, young women and in some cases even older women, poor skin is a very real problem that can often lead to other, more worrying conditions such as depression. For women of all ages, feeling beautiful and confident in your skin is just so important. Too many times in life we are made to feel un-pretty, and that we somehow fall short of meeting a particular, unspoken criteria. Unfortunately for us women, we seem to be completely incapable of ignoring those beautifully photoshopped faces on the cover of the most glamorous magazines. Instead, we buy ourselves a copy, sit at home and weep into the pages whilst mentally dissecting our flaws. There is nothing worse than feeling insecure about your appearance. I have always felt, deep down, that I would be far more confident in myself (and far prettier) if my skin was clear, healthy and glowing. This, of course, is precisely where the wonderful Magda and LouLouBelle skincare can cast their magic.

Last week, whilst dreamily scrolling through my Twitted feed, drooling a little over heavenly images of GBBO inspired baking, I received a rather lovely direct message from Magda; otherwise known as the founder of LouLouBelle skincare. Magda had been a regular visitor to my website, and, after reading my woeful problem-skin-related blogs, decided that she’d like to play her part in my journey to perfect skin. She kindly asked me to describe my skin type, to which I responded with quite the novel about having oily yet sensitive skin prone to irritation and soreness. She told me that she’d like to send me some gifts, if I would kindly review her products in return. Of course, I was absolutely overwhelmed by her kindness and generosity, and immediately agreed without a second thought to write a review for her lovely business (of course, my review would be an honest reflection of my experience with the products).

Yesterday, I was absolutely delighted to see a lovely little package awaiting my return from work in my bedroom. Of course, they were my gifts from Magda. My parcel, complete with geranium and tea tree cleanser, lavender and cypress toner and calendula moisturiser, was beautifully decorated in the prettiest packaging…and I was instantly greeted by a heavenly scent.

Each of the three products have been specially formulated for oily/problem skin using only the ingredients that Magda believes are necessary to have the most positive effects on the skin. Each LouLouBelle product is made using specially selected essential oils, plant essences and floral waters. More importantly (and of course, impressively) is that LouLouBelle skincare operate under strict animal friendly guidelines, which is wonderful. Each and every one of their delightfully-scented products are tested on friends, family or Magda herself. They refuse to test their products on animals, and they also avoid bleaching agents, parabens, sulphates or artificial colourings or fragrances.

My first use of these products was this morning. My skin immediately feels refreshed, hydrated and as smooth as silk. Of course, there have been no changes to the appearance of my skin as of yet. However given the passion, dedication and essential knowledge that goes into making each and every one of these pure and nutritious products, I have every faith that I have finally discovered a holy grail of my very own.

My fingers are tightly crossed. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on my blog.

Do you have a favourite skincare product?

Big Love x

Follow me: @_Loulocket.