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.
There is still some hyper pigmentation and a large cyst remains on my jawline which will need to be treated by a dermatologist.
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 am relieved and happy to report that after 6 months of continuous use of the Face Theory Acne range and Odylique Maca Mask my skin has improved.
The texture of my skin is visible, I can see the size of my large pores has improved and the redness and hyperpigmentation flare ups occur less often.
I have worked hard everyday and have religiously used these products on a daily/weekly basis.
I have also changed my diet, reduced dairy, decreased my red meat intake and eat a gluten free diet. I try to drink more water and eat less chocolate and sugar.
I hope to start exercising again once I have the energy.
I would definitely encourage other individuals who struggle with hormonal acne to try the this combination.
Living with adult acne is challenging, frustrating and painful, but I would like to offer hope to anyone struggling with cystic acne.
You are not alone and help is available to you.
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.
Your Acne does not define you!
For those struggling with acne please be kind to yourself, find your tribe and those who love you and help you to achieve your dreams and ambitions.
For my fellow acne heroes, you are brave and beautiful, don't give up to find a skin care range that suits your skin and please don't struggle with your skin in silence.
Thank you so much for reading and I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2021!
Love, peace and blessings
Sabeena
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.