This month I continued to heal from surgery and
reviewed Facetheory's Acne Range and attended World Pulse Thrive Thursday webinars.
For those that don't know I was admitted to hospital after a few weeks of excruciating pain in my left ovary and required urgent surgery.
My cyst was removed 17th March 2020.
My consultant informed me that the cyst had ruptured and had welded itself to my colon and left ovary. He removed the white ruptured cyst cleaned me up. but could not see any signs of Endometriosis or PCOS due to inflammation.
I was in two minds about attaching photographs of my ruptured cyst and decided against it.
Thank you to all my friends and family who sent get well messages.
Facetheory are a successful skin care company based in Sheffield, United Kingdom
Facetheory is a brand on a mission to make products affordable.
The company prides itself on promoting their vegan and cruelty free ethos and specialise in treating sensitive, reactive acne prone skin.
After 30 years of cystic, hormonal acne and reactive and sensitive skin.
I have endured 3 years of upsetting and painful cystic and hormonal acne.
Below is my honest account of trying the Facetheory Acne Range.
DISCLAIMER: I have not been paid to review these products and have purchased the Facetheory Acne range with my own money.
I purchased the range mid November 2020 and have been using it alongside the Odylique 3 in 1 Maca Mask and Balancing Super Citrus Tonic.
Facetheory products, love the sustainable recyclable box
Facetheory Acne Range
Products I tested November 2020 include the following:
Clarifying Cleanser C2 with Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid
Porebright Serum N10 with 10% Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid and
Supergel Oil Free Moisturiser M3 for Oily and Acne prone skin
Product: Clarifying Cleanser C2 with Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid and
Lactic Acid
I was worried and sceptical about using a new skin care range. I have acne prone sensitive reactive skin. I was only convinced to purchase when I read positive reviews by other cystic acne sufferers.
My skin produces excess sebum which blocks my pores creating black heads which often become inflamed painful blind cystic acne.
I've been using this cleanser for the past 6 weeks. The cleanser is fast acting I can actually feel it working deep into my pores. It does have a tingling sensation if you are using it for the first time, but don't worry it will gradually reduce once you include this as part of your daily skin routine.
Super effective it has helped to reduce my inflammation on new hormonal acne and has helped to smooth my skin especially those unsightly white bumps the dermatologists said would never reduce in size.
My hormonal cystic acne has reduced 75%, my acne hasn't disappeared but it has helped to reduce the cysts in size.
I don't like the smell and I can only use it once a day, I hope to build resistance slowly so that I can use the cleanser twice daily.
Love the sustainable packaging and the fact that there no parabens, phthalates, other sulphates used to produce this cleanser.
DIRECTIONS: Apply it on wet skin and let it absorb in the skin for a minute.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
AVOCADO Easily absorbed and high in antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids.
GLYCOLIC ACID 4%An alpha hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate skin cells by breaking down their bonds.
LACTIC ACID 1%An alpha hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate skin by breaking down the material that binds together skin cells.
SALICYLIC ACID 2%A beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid helps regenerate skin cells and resurfaces your skin to leave it soft and bright.
SWEET ALMOND OIL This non-volatile, non-fragrant, non-irritating oil is extracted from almond seeds. A rich source of triglycerides and oleic, linoleic, and myristic fatty acids.
Clarifying Cleanser C2 is specially formulated for oily and congested skin and doubles as a glycolic face peel. A powerful triple blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids purifies pores and minimises redness while gently resurfacing your skin. Available scented or unscented. The scented option contains cold-pressed mandarin essential oil.
Source Face Theory website
Product: Porebright Serum N10 with 10% Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid
I've been using the Porebright Serum N10 sparingly and only on acne breakouts, scars and blind cysts. The serum has a sticky consistency and reduces inflammation especially during your menstrual cycle. Its like MAGIC!
I was worried about using the serum on my very sensitive reactive skin, I used a tiny amount on my cystic acne, acne scars and large pores. It did sting on the first few occasions, I feel the active ingredients were working on my skin. It was slightly unpleasant but the sensation disappeared over the following days.
The only slight drawback was I could not use the serum on a daily basis and had to leave a gap of a day or two before reapplying.
6 weeks into the regime I feel my skin is clearer and I love to use this serum on problematic areas before I go to sleep.
Highly recommended for acne/cystic acne sufferers.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
ALOE VERA Nature’s astringent clarifies excess sebum while soothing and hydrating skin.
CHAMOMILE EXTRACT A potent antioxidant that soothes tired skin. Contains an amazing range of flavenoids including quercetin and apegenin.
GREEN TEA EXTRACT Green tea contains a range of polyphenols, which have proven anti-oxidant effects in protecting skin. The extract we use is a super-pure grade, giving a high percentage of epigallocatechin.
HYALURONIC ACID Protects skin’s water balance and maintains its moisture level, which aids absorption of active ingredients and keeps skin soft, supple and hydrated.
LACTIC ACID An alpha hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate skin by breaking down the material that binds together skin cells.
SALICYLIC ACIDA beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid helps regenerate skin cells and resurfaces your skin to leave it soft and bright.
VITAMIN C (SODIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE) Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that helps defend skin from free radicals and reduces environmental damage. This product contains sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a stable salt of l-ascorbic acid associated with less sensitivity than its counterparts.
Product: Supergel Oil Free Moisturiser M3 for Oily and Acne prone skin
Once again I was apprehensive to use the moisturiser. I needn't have worried.
The gel is gentle, absorbent and leaves a healthy fresh dewy glow.
My skin has felt clean, nourished, soft and has been glowing in the morning.
I would highly recommend all three products to those who suffer from adult cystic acne, sensitive and reactive skin.
The photographs below are an honest reflection of my cysts and acne.
I started to use the Face Theory range mid November 2020.
A cyst healing on my right cheek and lots of white bumps on my lopsided chin
Awful embarrassing angry cysts caused by a combination of stress and viatex
Six Weeks of Using Face Theory - the cysts on my right cheek have decreased somewhat but not completely
I will upload photographs over the next few months to show any further improvement in my skin especially the cysts.
I'm really pleased that I ordered the Odylique Maca 3 in 1 Mask and the Facetheory range. The reduction in breakouts has been noticeable and I feel my skin has improved in texture and my pores have decreased around 50%.
My blind cysts have reduced in size but the hyperpigmentation is frustrating stubborn.
Its been a rough three years struggling with cystic and hormonal acne.
Due to my sensitive skin it has only been possible to use the Facetheory range once a day.
I'm incredibly impressed with the Odylique 3 in 1 Mask which has helped to clear and clean my clogged pores.
I am relieved to find two skincare product ranges that help prevent cystic and hormonal acne and have not caused major contraindications.
I hope to continue with my new skin care regime, dairy and gluten free diet and start exercising to improve my circulation and stamina.
A few trips to the dermatologist may help with my stubborn cystic acne.
I hope to write an update next year.
As a lady in her mid 40's I've never used makeup due to my acne prone skin.
I truly admire all the ladies on social media who show their acne with pride and are gifted to use make up like magic. I truly wish I was that talented.
Over the next few months I will be researching the best vegan, organic, cruelty free and fairtrade ranges for my skin and hope to write a blog next year.
Wishing all my fairtrade friends and producers a very happy New Year!
Love, peace and blessings
Sabeena
This year I have decided to make a conscious effort to attend as many World Pulse webinars as I can.
This webinar took place January 28 2021
Living with Endometriosis, PCOS - Sabeena Ahmed
This month my right shoulder is still very painful and I have struggled to record this vlog and type this blog.
This month I supported fairtrade fortnight 2024 and celebrated Fairtrade's 30th Anniversary.
Here is my Easy Fairtrade Cocoa and Fairtrade Bananas Recipe which I baked for Fairtrade Fortnight 2024.
I have tried my best to translate this recipe in Urdu.
یہ ہے میری ایزی فیئرٹریڈ کوکو اور فیئر ٹریڈ کیلے کی ترکیب جسے میں نے فیئر ٹریڈ فورٹ نائٹ 2024 کے لیے پکایا تھا۔
میں نے اس ترکیب کا اردو میں ترجمہ کرنے کی پوری کوشش کی ہے۔
This month I supported fairtrade fortnight 2024 and celebrated Fairtrade's 30th Anniversary.
Sign up to get the latest on fair trade fashion.
I'm Sabeena Ahmed owner and creator of The Little Fair Trade Shop. I've been an individual associate member of the World Fair Trade Organization since 2011 and together with my artisans I bring you a bespoke collection of ethically sourced fashion & gifts.
© 2024 The Little Fair Trade Shop. “We love to listen to our customers and for this reason we would be delighted to hear from you if you would like a bespoke fair trade product made especially for you.”
The Little Fair Trade Shop Ltd
Registered in England & Wales
Company Number 08189489
