What I use on my skin and why
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The purpose of this page
Welcome to an ever-updating list of products, gadgets and tools I've been using (or have used successfully in the past) to help maintain healthy skin without irritation. If you know about my skin "journey" and hypersensitive history, you'll understand why I am cautious and selective about what I invest my time and money in.
Read about the rollercoaster skin years and complete recovery here
I get messages from healthHackers® viewers, readers and followers who have learned all about the miserable perioral dermatitis years, my extensive skin patch testing (that revealed allergies to methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, Finacea gel, limonene, linalool, propolis and beeswax), the probiotic drink that seemed to work wonders for my face, the years of fabulously clear skin… followed by the return of an angry rash, additional random hives, the insanely itchy facial staph infection, impetigo, suspected rosacea, and then full circle back to skin clarity again with a calm, smooth complexion that I am grateful for each day. Isn’t skin mind-boggling?
My skin has remained problem-free since the end of 2020. When I am asked about the products I use on my skin, I hesitate to answer. It’s because I believe my complexion recovery was about more than just what I put on my face. Also, I know how different we all are and I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up about some cream or skin tool that I get on well with, but that does nothing for them.
Looking back, I’m convinced that addressing my gut health and nutrition played a major role in my skin clearing up for good. I’ve explained more about this in my original article. I also have an app that helped me become more mindful of my gut microbiome health through my food choices. See my reviews of the ZOE app here.
Believe me, in the depths of my most upsetting skin years, I too, would read articles, blogs, and reviews by people who had suffered and recovered from their skin issues. I purchased products hoping (praying) they would work for me just like they had worked for person X or person Y.
Grateful that my skin is still doing well! Here’s one of my first postpartum photos (taken March 2022, two months after having my baby) with make-up on to hide my major sleep deprivation 😅
I don’t tell anyone what to put on their skin or in their bodies
I do not make claims that any of the below products have ‘cured’ any skin issues. Rather, I see a bigger picture in which many factors may have contributed to my current skin health: gut microbiome optimization, nutrient level optimization, topical skin products- including ones using specific pH level technology, laser gadgets, evidence-backed nutritional and probiotic supplements, stress-management, mindfulness practise, water filtration (both my drinking water and shower water), indoor air purification and more.
My shower water filter at the time of writing this article👆
I am honest and transparent
Given the interest in what I have been using on my skin, and now that I am so happy with its clarity (I’m utterly thrilled it’s been this good since the end of 2020!), I figured I could list my products and tools linking directly to my storefront on Amazon or other websites (some are affiliate links).
What I use on my skin and why:
You can jump straight to my skincare list on Amazon to see a grouping of some of my skincare faves. Or keep reading this article to see more products and tools, plus learn why I use each one.
Here we go, in no particular order…
Soteri Skin Balancing Act ~ I spent 14 weeks trialing various products from Soteri, and this is one lightweight cream that I now use daily. See my Soteri skincare review here. The main reason I started using this brand’s products was the ‘pH/LOCK’ technology the company developed. It focuses on ‘locking’ the skin’s pH level at 4.7, which is believed to be optimal for skin health. The brand says: “Maintaining the right pH is vital for skin integrity, cohesion, and renewal. Elevated pH levels activate enzymes that break down skin cell connections, speeding up desquamation. This disrupts the skin's protective balance and can worsen skin disorders.”
Since recovering from that horrendous staph infection, I’ve been trying to keep my skin in a healthy pH zone to help inhibit growth of unwanted bacteria. It’s why I started checking the pH of my beauty products with mini pH strips from Amazon! I interviewed the Soteri founder in my video review too. Have a watch.
Get 20% OFF your entire Soteri order for one-time purchases, or 20% OFF for the first three months of a subscription. Use code HEALTHHACKERS20 at the Soteri website checkout.
I spent 14 weeks trying out Soteri’s range for a review video, now I use Soteri every day
Soteri Skin Gimme More ~ Similar to Balancing Act (above) but creamier because it contains more oils. Use code HEALTHHACKERS20 for a discount.
Soteri Skin Bebe Skin ~ Another Soteri formulation with ‘pH/LOCK’ that i use as a hand cream and on any dry patches my baby has. It’s very gentle and leaves my skin feeling rather silky after application. Use code HEALTHHACKERS20 for a discount.
Alloy M4 Face Cream ~ After two years of breastfeeding and having no menstrual cycle, it seemed sensible to assume my estrogen levels were lower than optimal. I felt this had taken a visible toll on my skin. I’d learned about a topical estrogen-based cream to help restore estrogen within the skin. I’m not talking about systemic hormone replacement therapy used in the treatment of menopause symptoms. Instead, Alloy’s M4 cream is designed to “address signs of aging like decreased collagen production, increased wrinkles, and dryness” using a local, topical form of estrogen called estriol, which studies have shown “does not increase systemic serum levels of estrogen,” according to Alloy. I used M4 cream for three months and took before and after photos. I’m currently working on my video review of this cream which will explain more. You’ll be able to see my photos then (!). But my conclusion is that I like this cream! It was expensive, but seemed worth the investment given the potential benefits. Read more on those here. Note: It’s a prescription cream and Alloy’s doctors take care of that for you once you complete some essential medical questions.
Gladskin Eczema Cream ~ I like brands that truly cater for ultra-sensitive skin. I’ve found this company’s customer service to be responsive and helpful when I’ve reached out with sometimes difficult questions about their products. This cream feels soothing and helps reduce itch. Gladskin claims its Micreobalance® ingredient restores balance on the skin so that it can heal. I’m a fan of working with the skin’s microbiome rather than stripping it, so I was intrigued to try this product. I’ve used this nightly on my face in the past and was very happy with it. Now I use Soteri on my face and keep this Gladskin cream for my toddler’s dry patches.
After a few months of using Gladskin products: I was so pleased with the way they make my skin feel, I became an affiliate of the brand.
Get 10% off your first Gladskin purchases using the code HEALTHHACKERS.
Gladskin Biome Care Body Wash for sensitive skin ~ my go-to shower gel. Gentle enough to use on my face too.
See my review of Gladskin’s microbiome-focused formulations here
Gladskin Shampoo Bar ~ I bought this but didn’t use it as shampoo. Instead, I used it to wash my face and neck. I pH tested it and felt it worked gently on my skin. I liked that the company claims not to use preservatives, fragrances, or detergents that can disrupt the skin’s microbiome balance or worsen skin concerns. While I enjoyed this product, I switched to the Gladskin Body Wash to mix things up a bit. I use the body wash and the Kids Eczema Cream on my baby too.
Tower 28 SOS Rescue Spray - It’s pH 4.5 and is made with hypochlorous acid. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. I use this post-workout and whenever I want to lower the pH level on my skin’s surface.
Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted SPF 30 - a mineral sunscreen foundation that carries the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance. I can sweat buckets while working out; this sunscreen still doesn’t cause my skin to feel irritated. However, it does contain salicylate, a chemical UV filter. That matters if you are solely looking for mineral/physical UV protection.
PURA D'OR Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil ~ I use this to help loosen up and dissolve make-up after I’ve been filming or wearing foundation. I follow with Bioderma - Sensibio - H2O Micellar Water on these cotton pads, then splash with water before moisturizing. I also use this oil all over my body after showering. For some reason, my skin feels softer after applying this oil than it does after using other coconut oils.
Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream ~ I used this on my face for months following the dreaded staph infection. That may surprise you because it is thick and feels more like a body cream. But it helped when my skin was recovering from such irritation and when I tested its pH level with my mini strips, it came out at a pH 4 to 5. That seemed beneficial because I wanted to prevent another staph infection and “keeping the skin pH within an acidic range is advantageous in terms of keeping the skin microbiome in balance and maintaining healthy skin” - according to this paper in the Journal of Medical Microbiology. By the way, I am not a scientist and I am well aware my test strips may not even be correct. But I’m taking the gamble given that certain products are proving successful for me after testing.
The pH test strips I use to check skin products are acidic enough to potentially avoid bacteria like staph from thriving in a bad way
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer ~ I used this throughout pregnancy. I like that it contains hyaluronic acid, which is good for retaining moisture and creating a slight plumping effect. Especially now I have more wrinkles than ever! My preference for daily moisturizing now, though, is Soteri’s Balancing Act (see above).
Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion with Pump Dispenser ~ I use this as a hand cream and keep it by my kitchen sink. It’s not thick or heavy, so I don’t feel greasy after applying. Tap water and soap (no matter how gentle) tend to dry out the skin on my hands, I’ve found.
Vanicream Moisturizing Ointment ~ thicker consistency than the creams above. I occasionally use this as a nighttime treatment for extra dry hands over the top of other Vanicream layers. It has a better EWG rating than some other Vanicream moisturizers listed above too. In case you’ve never heard of EWG - it stands for Environmental Working Group. Their Healthy Living app is a platform that evaluates products based on ingredient safety and other factors, with lower scores indicating better performance.
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen. Nontoxic SPF 30 ~ this is a physical sunscreen rather than chemical. I liked the ‘non-toxic’ marketing around it. I appreciate that’s a debatable issue and some see ‘clean beauty’ as overhyped but by the time I was using it I just liked it. Blends well with my Elta MD tinted sunscreens too.
Vanicream Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 - I turned to Vanicream as an alternative to my previously mentioned Biossance SPF 30 (listed above), after Biossance unexpectedly pulled their SPF cream from global retailers. Vanicream had some positive reviews and a promising '1' rating on the EWG Healthy Living app—a platform that evaluates products based on ingredient safety and other factors, with lower scores indicating better performance.
What stands out for me with this Vanicream SPF is that it doesn’t cause the skin on my neck to become irritated and itchy, especially when I'm sweating. It has plagued me with some other sunscreens in the past, and despite my best efforts, I haven't been able to pinpoint why it has been isolated to my neck. 🤷♀️
EltaMD UV Elements SPF 44 Tinted Moisturizer for Face with SPF, Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer for Dry Skin ~ this hasn’t irritated my skin and I like a bit of a tint given that I’m so pale. I’ve now graduated to using Vanicream SPF (above) and Tower 28’s tinted SPF, especially due to their gentle ingredients, but this one by Elta was still a good choice for me from a sensitivity perspective.
EltaMD UV Restore SPF 40 Anti Aging Face Moisturizer ~ same comments as per the Elta UV Elements.
Use code HEALTHHACKERS for 10% off BLDG Active here.
BLDG Active Skin Spray ~ this is mostly Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) 0.012%. It’s calming, refreshing and meant to be good for itchy skin. As the brand explains, “HOCl is naturally produced by the white blood cells in our bodies as a natural way to support the natural healing process.” I use it on insect bites, scrapes and sunburn. After using it for some time, I discovered it isn’t as low in pH as I’d like (it’s 6.7 pH) but the brand explained to me that the product is “completely non-toxic while being a powerful antimicrobial… It also allows a very stable formulation of HOCl, where there’s very little variation in pH for over two years.” Use code HEALTHHACKERS for 10% off BLDG Active here.
Biossance 100% Squalane Oil ~ Only one ingredient means less chance of having an allergic reaction! Well, that’s what I tell myself when dealing with my sensitive skin. I sometimes use this oil with my LYMA handheld laser device to increase the ‘glide’ factor on my face. As an oil, it’s an occlusive layer so I use it after my moisturizers. Note: ‘occlusive’ means it acts like a physical barrier on the skin to prevent water loss.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser ~ when I lived in London, my dermatologist recommended this for my skin at the height of the perioral dermatitis saga. I know my skin tolerates it, and felt it was worth a mention on here - but these days I use just plain water after wiping my skin with micellar water on cotton pads. If I have been wearing heavier make-up, I sometimes use coconut oil to help cleanse it off first. If I’m in the shower, I might use Gladskin’s Body Wash on my face as a cleanser.
Alaffia Everyday Coconut Lip Balm ~ after hospital skin patch tests revealed I have allergies to methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, Finacea gel, limonene, linalool, propolis and beeswax - it became a little challenging to find a lip balm without beeswax. But then I discovered vegan lip balms and this one by Alaffia is my go-to.
J & L Naturals Lip Balm ~ hooray for an organic lip balm without beeswax or chemicals that I try to avoid.
CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream ~ I do not use this hand cream on my hands! I have an allergy to the adhesive that’s used on bandaids and surgical dressings and my allergist recommended this cream as a barrier to prevent a rash from developing under the adhesive. Apparently, one of the ingredients stops the allergic reaction from taking hold. I used it in hospital when having my C-section. The nurses applied it before sticking the IV ports into my veins. It worked! No rashes afterwards.
NEOSTRATA Sheer Physical Protection Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Tinted ~ recommended to me by my London facialist years ago. I remember a stranger commenting on how great my skin looked while wearing this SPF once. That definitely felt nice to hear! I don’t wear it anymore because I moved onto Elta MD here and here, and was also impressed by Biossance’s SPF30 but now I mostly use Vanicream sunscreen with an additional layer of Tower 28’s sunscreen foundation.
Bioderma - Sensibio - H2O Micellar Water - Makeup Remover Cleanser - Face Cleanser for Sensitive Skin ~ this is gentle. I like it because the pH level came out as 5 when I tested. I use it before rinsing my face at night.
👆The organic cotton pads I use to remove make-up
Carrington Farms gluten free, hexane free, NON-GMO, free of hydrogenated and trans fats in a BPA free bottle, liquid coconut cooking oil ~ yes, more cooking oil! But, I use it as a body oil. I take it with me when I go for professional massages. It’s safer than risking an allergic reaction to their in-house oils. For some reason, my armpits like it too! Coconut oil is an ingredient I often spot in natural deodorants. I used this oil for breast lymphatic massage when I had a painful case of mastitis too.
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub – Exfoliant for Keratosis Pilaris with 10% AHA ~ I’ve had red bumpy ‘chicken skin’ on my upper arms since I was a teenager. Remarkably, it vanished during pregnancy but then made a comeback shortly after having my baby. This body scrub helps to smooth the skin wonderfully. However, I’m yet to find a solution for bringing down the red coloring on my upper arms from the KP.
Pink Stork Pregnancy Flakes: Bath Salts with Pure Magnesium ~ I used to have lovely relaxing baths with these before I had my baby… now I just haven’t got time for any baths. Also, I try not to spend too much time in water because it dries out my skin. I always moisturize while my skin is still damp after bathing to lock in the moisture.
California Baby Plant-Based Natural Bug Repellant Spray ~ I have had so many bad reactions to bug bites. I even had to take oral steroids at one point when several insect bites swelled dramatically. I bought this spray because it has as fewer synthetic or harsh chemicals than some other bug sprays. I have found it effective at keeping critters at bay, so far.
The Handzies wipes I carry with me for on-the-go handwashing and messy moments with my toddler
Handzies Natural Soap and Water Hand Wipes ~ these were developed by a mom who was worried about using harsh chemicals and wanted a way for her family to wash their hands more when they were out and about. That, I relate to! They are unscented - and for sensitive types like me - that matters. Using these wipes does not leave my hands feeling dry, tingly, uncomfortable, or smelling of strong fragrances or chemicals. The brand gifted me my first bag and I reviewed them for my Amazon Storefront, see the video.
Skin gadgets and tools I like:
The LYMA Laser ~ I reviewed this handheld skin laser device on the healthHackers® channel after my husband bought it for me as a Christmas present. He felt sorry for me after the staph/impetigo/rosacea drama. I tried using the LYMA serum and spray that the company recommends with the laser. But I wasn’t a fan and felt more comfortable using my own skincare products above. I haven’t seen dramatic results from using this laser (see before and after pics in the video I made about it in 2021), so you’re probably wondering why I’ve listed it on this page of products I currently use. Well, when I was researching the laser for my video review, I was impressed with the claims and photographic results that LYMA displayed on its website. I interviewed the founder for my video too, and somehow I’ve been left with a feeling of hope for some beneficial effects this little laser may be having under my skin’s surface. Since having my baby and breastfeeding around the clock, whilst watching my skin lose its pregnancy glow and become more wrinkly that’s its ever looked, it’s not hard to see why I’m keen to use whatever tools I have at hand to attempt some mitigation of this sudden aesthetic change. From a tangible perspective, I like the way the laser makes my skin feel calmer if I use it on any occasional irritation. And don’t forget, my husband spent a lot of money on it, so I’m not going to let it sit at the back of a cupboard collecting dust!
The LYMA laser - watch my review here
AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter ~ I bought this after interviewing hormone expert Dr Carrie Jones in healthHackers® episode 55 ‘Why is your hair falling out?’. Dr Jones told me what a difference filtering shower water could make to hair and scalp health. I have noticed a significant difference in my skin texture since showering with the filter in place. It’s far less dry - so I’m now a big fan.
AquaHomeGroup Luxury Filtered Shower Head Set ~ we bought two of these to replace our Aquabliss ones mentioned above. Not because there was anything wrong with the Aquabliss filters, but because my husband and I fancied trying another brand in both our bathrooms. During the period of a few days when I used no filter on my shower water (between removing the old filter and putting the AquahomeGroup filter on), my skin felt very dry after showering. It confirmed to me how much of a difference these filters make and I always want to have a shower filter from now on!
Foundation Brush,DUcare Flat Top Kabuki Brush ~ when my full-time job was as a UK television news presenter, I had wonderful make-up artists who so patiently helped me to understand why some make-up brushes were causing outbreaks of allergic-type itchy bumps on my skin. It seemed to be from using their most expensive brushes that were made from real animal hair. The make-up team instead began using super-soft synthetic brushes on me. Hey presto! It worked. One less rash to worry about. After I moved to America, I found this similarly synthetic foundation brush on Amazon and it’s been working well for me.
When I was a TV news presenter, with make-up artist Sarah who worked so gently with my sensitive skin
Clothing:
I've switched to wearing more cotton and less synthetic material to give my skin the advantage of breathability, comfort, and reduced risk of irritation. For a taste, here’s a list of a few staple items in my wardrobe that are available on my Amazon Storefront. I’m also a big fan of Pact for its organic cotton range.
Wearing cotton faves for breathability and fewer skin-irritating toxins found in some chemically processed fabrics
Related items worth a mention:
ZOE Nutrition ~ an app and nutritional program for improving gut microbiome health (remember there’s an important gut-skin axis), blood sugar, and dietary fat balance. I created this video and this video about my experiences with the ZOE personalized nutrition program. The process included a gut test, a blood sample, and wearing a continuous blood glucose monitor over a period of time to track my body’s personal responses to foods.
The ZOE program includes a poop test, blood test, and two weeks of wearing a blood glucose monitor.
iRestore Essential Laser Hair Growth System - Red Light Therapy Cap ~ for healthier hair growth. Here’s my video review of this laser technology helmet. I knew there were reported benefits to red light therapy before buying the iRestore cap (for example, see my review of the Red Light Rising Half Stack in-home panel). But I was keen to know if the laser therapy helmet could help make my hair thicker and healthier looking. Whilst I have no scientific ‘before vs after’ photographic proof, I can tell you that my early postpartum hair-loss was short-lived and I’m very happy with my hair growth at the time of writing this article. My husband uses the helmet too and told me he believes it has slowed his hair loss. Get the helmet on Amazon here.
My iRestore laser therapy helmet. Does it work? See my video here.
Want to know more about my haircare? Here’s a list of products I use.
Supplements and targeted probiotics
I was torn over how much to write here. On the one hand, I feel probiotic supplements (specific ones with strains that have evidence behind them for potential skin benefits) have been a key part of my skincare regime. On the other hand, I often switch based on my requirements at the time and any naming of certain supplements would be interpreted as me ‘recommending’ them for you, which no one can do without knowing what your unique case comprises.
I am not a doctor, obvs, and if getting an appointment with a medical expert or functional practitioner who is knowledgeable about the gut-skin connection is not possible for you, then I will say this… anyone can Google which probiotic strains have been studied in relation to a skin issue they have been suffering from. And anyone can then seek out reputable probiotics and/or nutritional supplements that contain those specific ingredients. And anyone can give those supplements a whirl for a period long enough to test for an improvement in symptoms, possibly several weeks or months. That’s on you. Absolving myself of liability here and now! :)
In this episode of healthHackers® with medical researcher Meenal Lele, she told me which probiotic strains are the key ones with evidence for eczema prevention in babies. I used that to cater for my own baby’s probiotic doses.
Clothing
I didn’t think I’d include what I wear in this article, but hey, finding the right fabric has become a bigger deal to me since I heard about the potential impact on the skin biome from synthetic fabrics (like polyester, spandex, and nylon). I’ve been trying to wear organic cotton whenever possible. PACT has become a favorite clothing brand. I have their camisoles, leggings, knickers, and bras in multiple colors and love them.