WARNING: Be prepared to read a pretty hefty post here – and by hefty I mean of epic proportions. Continue...
You may remember a few months ago I wrote about actively making a change with my skin. No more waiting around trying every product on the market, wishfully thinking something would change, when we all knew it wouldn’t. I spoke about the potential of trying out some treatments, like skin peels or microdermabrasion – which, I’m sure you’ll agree is pretty damn scary actually. Do I really want to have my face peeled off? No I don’t. But what I do want is to feel happy and I’ve been learning that I’m the only person who can really change that.
Some sort of skin god must have heard my prayers as an email from a rather magnificent lady – Laura-Jane Williams landed in my inbox a few months later. Being a blogger I’m fortunate enough to be contacted by PR’s and brands alike with the view of striking up a relationship and potentially collaborating. There are so many that get it wrong, haven’t done their research and give the same spiel of how ‘wonderful’ they think you are. Not that you aren’t, but hey, I probably don’t want to review electric cigarettes on my fashion blog, y’know? Laura was certainly the opposite and if you want to find out why, just have a look at her blog here. I’m not shy to say that I’m obviously now in love with her, and I’m sure you will be too.
I digress (sort of), because Laura was contacting me about Courthouse Clinics and their acne guide - yep that’s right, an Acne Guide. Reading up on your health issues is a major thing in this day and age, you know the one, self diagnosis? But what is difficult to come across is something you can truly understand, find relatable and actually want to read more of – and that’s exactly what this guide did, it had me from beginning to end, crying with laughter and nodding my head in appreciation. You must go and read it! Just click here (and make sure you scroll down to about halfway) – when you’ve read it, come back here and we’ll continue.
Done? I know. It’s good right? After reading it I knew that I wanted Courthouse Clinics to be the people that helped me and my skin. It’s probably the best thing I’ve ever read relating to acne issues, why? If not for the relaxed, abrupt and hilarious writing style that instantly puts you at ease; it’s for the insanely informative nature and the reassurance that something can actually be done – and of course, the positive message it sends: we should love ourselves!!Pimples or not, we deserve to feel wonderful and if Beyoncé champions it, then it’s gospel that we should be too.
So, like the guide promises I made my way to Courthouse Clinics for my free consultation. I felt sick on my journey down – having someone look at my naked face and tell me what’s wrong with it was daunting to say the least, but it was something I knew I needed to do. Situated on a quiet street in London I instantly felt calmer and on arrival, so welcomed. My consultant, Buntie, was the friendliest lady who sat me down and asked me how I was feeling and what my skin concerns were. We then went through a very detailed questionnaire so she could determine what my thoughts were on my acne and also to try and help discover what it actually was that was causing it. The word ‘hormones’ reared it’s ugly head and after seeing the panicked look on my face she reassured me that all I needed was a simple hormonal balance test – a what now? I didn’t even know that existed, but it’s something that you can have done at your local GP, taking blood samples basically just to see if there’s an imbalance causing your skin to go crazy. After that, Buntie told me that pretty much all my skincare was rubbish – which we laughed about – and that although there might be an imbalance in my hormone’s, causing my constant breakouts, the products I was using probably weren’t helping much with my oil control.
We removed my make-up to take a look at the damage we’d been talking about and it was clear that scarring was my main issue - apologies for the GROSS photo's but I wanted you to have a clear understanding of my skin and what we're trying to get rid of. (Only 4 of those 'spots' are actually live - the rest is scarring).
Buntie advised that I have the PIRORI Advanced AHA skin peel – a highly effective skin exfoliant that causes dead skin cells to peel and flake off (yummy), making room for healthier, new skin to grow. AHAs also work to stimulate collagen and elastin production helping to counteract signs of ageing beneath the skin. And although this peel isn’t hugely invasive, i.e. no actual skin peeling and minimal irritation – it is penetrating beneath the skin so it still requires some preparation...meaning you can’t just whack it all over your face, you’ve got to get it used to the AHAs first!
Buntie advised that I have the PIRORI Advanced AHA skin peel – a highly effective skin exfoliant that causes dead skin cells to peel and flake off (yummy), making room for healthier, new skin to grow. AHAs also work to stimulate collagen and elastin production helping to counteract signs of ageing beneath the skin. And although this peel isn’t hugely invasive, i.e. no actual skin peeling and minimal irritation – it is penetrating beneath the skin so it still requires some preparation...meaning you can’t just whack it all over your face, you’ve got to get it used to the AHAs first!
That’s when the new skincare came in...Buntie suggested hat I try out four new products, Vitage Revitalising Daily Cleanse and Vitage Skin Defence SPF 30 to help balance my skin and the PRIORI AHA Barrier Repair Complex and PRIORI AHA Perfection Gel to prepare my skin for the peel. I’m going to be doing a full, separate blog post on these because they’ve completely changed my life – I’m not bluffing – and deserve sole recognition! So, I’ll leave you in suspense regarding those babies, because, you know, I’m good like that ;)
Buntie then gave me a little facial, using all the products above and advising me along the way how I should be using them. She finished off with a mini PRIORI CoffeeBerry Natureceutical peel, to give me a taste of what a treatment might be like. This particular peel is less intense than the AHA, and has a high level of antioxidants, including plants enzymes, salicylic and malic acid to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles whilst also improving skin tone. It tingled and stung a teeny amount, but smelt lovely and felt reallllllly good.
My appointment had been early in the morning and by the time I’d got home from London almost 6 hours later, my skin was still completely free of excess oil and smooth as a babies bottom (FYI it’s usually swimming within an hour or two). I couldn’t actually believe it, my skin felt incredible. It was SO free of oil that I even made Daniel stroke my forehead, because obviously it’s something he is going to appreciate fully.
Needless to say, I am completely stoked to go back and have my treatment. I’ve been using my new products every day leading up to it and this weekend, the deed will be done! Keep your eyes peeled for a post coming soon that will cover the peel itself and the results it achieves. Let's hope the 'after' pictures are show an improvement!
Oh, I also went to the doctors about my hormone's, and guess what? There was an imbalance, so I’ve changed up my contraceptive pill which should help to sort it out (potential post on that coming up). It just goes to show, if you don’t ask you don’t find out and it's worth remembering that even when you think all hope is lost, there’s still a light at the end of the tunnel.
I couldn’t recommend Courthouse Clinics anymore if I tried. From amazing customer service to treatments that actually make a difference it’s been such a fantastic experience so far. I’m really so excited to have my peel, and share the outcome with you guys.
If you’re having concerns with your skin like I was, make sure you read the acne guide, take a trip, have a free consultation (in their many practices over the UK) and just see what they have to say. It’s incredible what a difference it can make to your life. It’s been such a confidence boost for me and I’m hopeful that it’s going to help change things for good.
Thank you, Courthouse. My face and I love you, very, very much.
*Although this post was sponsored, all thoughts are my own and I am so grateful for the experience*
First of all, credit to you for putting up those photos! Takes guts! But it is refreshing to know that other girls struggle with their skin, as we all hide under foundation way too often.
ReplyDo you find makeup triggers your breakouts?
Looking forwards to reading your reviews on these products, they sound fab. That comment on your skincare being rubbish made me laugh - it's true, most of the stuff we buy is tosh!
www.champagnetote.blogspot.co.uk X
Hello Hannah, thank you. I was quite nervous to post the photo's but I wanted people to see to be able to understand.
No I don't find makeup triggers it at all, I've tried a whole month without make-up and it did nothing.
I can't wait for the weekend and will definitely write up my review on the skincare soon :) xx
I'm so glad you've finally found something which works for you Megan! I can't wait to see your updated post & see you to continue to kick acnes butt!!! :) xxxx
ReplyThank you Chels, lots of love xxx
Agree with comment above, naked face pics are brave! I can't wait to read about these products, I know a few people with skin problems so I'll recommend the site for them too. Thanks!
Replyxxx
www.maisymeow.com
Thanks Maisy, it took a lot for me to do it, but glad I did!
Hope it helps your friends :) xxx
Loved this post! I suffer with acne too, very similar to you most of mine is scarring. Cant wait to hear how it goes as this would be something I am very interested in getting done. Thank you for putting this post up xxxx
ReplyYou're very welcome Lauren. I'm really excited for the peel this weekend, and can't wait to share my experience with you all! xxx