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 comfortable skin without irritation. If you know about my skin "journey" and hypersensitive history, you'll understand why I am very cautious and selective about what skincare I invest my time and money into.
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 unique probiotic drink that appeared 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 used an app that helped me become more mindful of my gut microbiome health through my food choices in recent years. 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 makeup 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.
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 and link directly to my storefront on Amazon or other websites where I have 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…
pH/LOCK® Eczema Relief Face & Body Cream ~ I don’t have eczema, but I use this for its pH factor. I spent 14 weeks trialing various products from Soteri. See my Soteri skincare review here. Then, the brand discontinued the daily face cream I had subscribed to and launched newer products, including this one. The product’s ‘pH/LOCK’ technology is meant to focus on ‘locking’ the skin’s pH level at 4.7, which is believed to be optimal for skin health. Since recovering from that horrendous staph infection, I’ve been trying to keep my skin in a healthy pH zone to help inhibit the 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. 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.”
Get 20% OFF at the Soteri website checkout with code HEALTHHACKERS20 .
I spent 14 weeks trying out Soteri’s initial consumer range for a review video, now I use Soteri every day
Soteri Skin Bebe Skin ~ Another Soteri formulation with ‘pH/LOCK’ that I used as a hand cream and on any dry patches my baby had. It’s very gentle and left my skin feeling rather silky after application. Use code HEALTHHACKERS20 for 20% discount.
Alloy M4 Face Cream ~ Entering my 40s, 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. 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. I’m not talking about systemic hormone replacement therapy used in the treatment of menopause symptoms. A clinical study, commissioned by Alloy, found “no statistically significant change in estriol levels in the blood” after using M4 Cream for 12 weeks. I used M4 cream for the same time period when I made this video review that includes my before and after photos. Note: M4 is a prescription cream and Alloy’s doctors take care of that for you once you complete some essential medical questions online. FYI: Something I learned after finishing my review is that it’s thought estrogen can increase melanin production, which could exacerbate or trigger melasma in some people.
Kabana Organic Skincare SPF 31 Tinted Sunscreen ~ I first heard about this organic sunscreen when reading a comment on Mamavation’s ‘Non-Toxic Sunscreens’ blog post. I ordered it from Amazon and was pleasantly surprised when it arrived as a two-pack. It’s described as broad-spectrum, fragrance-free, chemical-free, vegan, biodegradable, and uses 25% non-nano zinc oxide. I honestly suspected it wouldn’t be as great as it turned out to be on my skin. In the past, I’ve tried organic sunscreens and they didn’t live up to my expectations. This one though, has been impressive in terms of how the subtle tint blends well with my skin and almost adds a little glow. I bought the color ‘nude’ and I’m very happy with how it looks. I also exercise wearing this sunscreen and no matter how much I sweat, it does not cause irritation or stinging in my eyes.
Gladskin Eczema Cream ~ Feels soothing and reduces tingling or itching skin fast - even though I don’t have eczema. The Micreobalance® ingredient impressed me with its claim to support good bacteria on the skin. See this post for my likes vs dislikes about this brand. Get 10% off your first Gladskin purchase using code HEALTHHACKERS10 when you use this link to shop
Gladskin Eczema Cream ~ Feels soothing and reduces tingling or itching skin fast - even though I don’t have eczema. The Micreobalance® ingredient impressed me with its claim to support good bacteria on the skin. See this post for my likes vs dislikes about this brand. Get 10% off your first Gladskin purchase using code HEALTHHACKERS10 when you use this link to shop.
Gladskin Biome Care Body Wash for sensitive skin ~ Minimal ingredients. Gentle enough to use on my face. Then, Gladskin launched a face wash (see below), which I began using on my face instead.
Gladskin Face Wash ~ I’ve been using this as a face wash after removing make-up with Bioderma - Sensibio - H2O Micellar Water - Makeup Remover Cleanser - Face Cleanser for Sensitive Skin. It doesn’t dry out my skin, or make it felt taught and irritated. I also like it because there are no tree nut ingredients (allergy), it is described as hypoallergenic and microbiome-friendly. I pay full price for my Gladskin purchases these days, but you can get 10% off your first Gladskin purchase using code HEALTHHACKERS10 when you use this link to shop.
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 used the body wash and the Kids Eczema Cream on my baby, too. I pay full price for my Gladskin purchases these days, but you can get 10% off your first Gladskin purchase using code HEALTHHACKERS10 when you use this link to shop.
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 first thing in the morning - or whenever I want to lower the pH level on my skin’s surface.
Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted SPF 30 - a sunscreen foundation that carries the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance. I would sweat buckets while working out; yet this sunscreen still didn’t cause my skin to feel irritated. However, I later discovered it contains salicylate, a chemical UV filter. That matters if you are solely looking for mineral/physical UV protection. My preference is a physical SPF, so I have paused using this product until I know more about salicylate.
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 proved 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 said to be good for retaining moisture and creating a slight plumping effect. Especially now I have more wrinkles than ever!
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. I use this cream about 10 times per day!
Vanicream Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 - I turned to Vanicream as an alternative to my previous fave, Biossance SPF 30, after Biossance unexpectedly pulled its 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, which 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 with those other suncreams. 🤷♀️
EltaMD UV Elements SPF 44 Tinted Moisturizer for Face with SPF, Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer for Dry Skin ~ this didn’t irritate my skin and I like a bit of a tint given that I’m so pale. I stopped using it when I decided to opt for products with a more optimal EWG score. But this SPF seemed to serve me very well at the time.
EltaMD UV Restore SPF 40 Anti Aging Face Moisturizer ~ same comments as per the Elta UV Elements.
BLDG Active Skin Spray ~ I have four bottles of this around my house and in my little one’s diaper bag. It is mostly Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) 0.012%. It’s calming and helpful 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, irritations, 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.” It’s sting-free, too!
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 anyway! 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 or avocado oil to help cleanse it off first. If I’m in the shower, I use Gladskin’s Body Wash on my face as a gentle cleanser.
Alida Pure 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 is among my go-to options. I bought a five-pack and keep them around the house and in my toddler’s diaper bag.
CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream ~ I do not use this hand cream on my hands. Instead, I use it as a barrier for adhesive allergies! I have an allergy to the sticky stuff that’s used on bandaids and surgical dressings. 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 the hospital when having my C-section. The nurses applied it before sticking the IV ports into my veins. It appeared to work! No allergic rashes afterward.
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.
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.
Handzies wipes 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 when I reviewed them for a video on my Amazon Storefront did not leave my hands feeling dry, tingly, uncomfortable, or smelling of strong fragrances or chemicals. The brand gifted me my first bag - see the video. These wipes are on the pricier side, in my opinion, which I didn’t fully appreciate while making my review 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.
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'm not a doctor, of course, but if seeing a medical expert or functional practitioner familiar with the gut-skin connection isn't an option for you, here’s something to consider: It’s possible to look up the probiotic strains that have been studied for specific skin concerns, and find reputable, third-party-tested probiotic or nutritional supplements that contain those evidence-backed strains and ingredients. Ultimately, what you decide to do is up to you! 😊
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 knowledge in my second pregnancy to find and consume a probiotic with the specific strain found to cut the risk of eczema in babies.
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), and also the reported potential for synthetic fabrics to shed microplastics (who knows whether it’s really something to worry about though?) - I’ve been trying to wear organic cotton, or at least plain cotton, whenever possible. PACT has become a favorite clothing brand. I have their camisoles, leggings, knickers, and bras in multiple colors and love them. I have a section on my Amazon Storefront with some cotton faves here.
Phew, that’s all for now! Thanks for reading!
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