Operation Fix Face FT Radical Skincare Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads and Balance Me Radiance Face Oil

Over Christmas and the start of the New year my skin was terrible! I wasn't feeling well which usually results in the fine lines under my eye's being more apparent but this time I developed what can only be described as a beard of dry skin. My whole face was dry but I was able to keep it in order to a certain degree, halfway down my cheeks to my chin though, I looked like lizard girl. The usual mixture of removing cleanser with a flannel, using a mechanical scrub and my beloved Gatineau Radiance Enhancing Gommage aka a chemical exfoliator wasn't doing anything to help. Even after cleansing with a balm my face felt tight and the flaky skin was still there. I couldn't use foundation without it looking 10x worse. The only skin bases I could use were extremely moisturising BB creams and tinted moisturisers that would usually slide off my face. Hydrating masks did nothing to help but there are two things that did..

Radical Skincare Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads*: These are AHA and BHA multifruit acid based pads. They exfoliate, encourage cell turnover, tighten pores, reduce lines and have a firming effect on the skin. The pot contains 60 pads which are drenched in product, each pad has a textured side which I use first after cleansing and toning then turn over to the smooth side as the pad is drying out. There's an instant tingling sensation, I found the tingling to be more intense in areas where my skin was very dehydrated but once the tingling stops you're left with skin that doesn't feel stripped, it feels as if I've applied a light hydrating serum. I use one pad each night and the main difference I've noticed is how bright my skin looks in the morning. It's one of those products that makes your skin look like you've applied a gradual tanner to the face but the product is completely colourless. The texture of my skin has also improved, my lizard face is on it's way out and it's an extra step in my PM skincare routine that I really look forward to. If you like to avoid parabens, you'll be pleased to hear that the exfoliating pads are paraben free but they are quite costly. If purchased from Space N.K they'll set you back an eye watering 65 quid! Bought directly from Radical Skincare, the Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads are a slightly easier to swallow 45 quid plus free P&P and free samples. Not sure why there's such a big difference in price but I know where I'll be ordering my next pads from.

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil: A face oil is a face oil, or so I thought. This 100% natural oil has now taken the place of my night time moisturiser plus I apply it to the lower half of my face if I'm in the house and don't really need to go out anywhere. It's available in a 30ml bottle, 30 quid, or a  handy 10ml rollerball, 15 quid directly from Balance Me. This is magic in a bottle for anyone with dry skin, not only does it hydrate and plump the skin, it loosens and dissolves dry patches (TMI?) when you take your time and really work it into the skin. I leave it for around an hour then apply more and keep doing this throughout the day. 

The skin on my face is far from fixed but with the help of the dream team it's getting there.

Do you have any recommendations for dry skin fixes?

Have you tried either of these products?

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*PR sample