Hi, I am a visiting england from india for a while, and would be interested in buying some skincare. What brands would you recommend checking out? I can afford the high end stuff if it is truly worth it, but would prefer budget options. I dont like spending a lot of money on skincare as my budget-friendly indian pharma skincare gives me good results. But I like trying new skincare stuff, so i would be open to the high end stuff as well.
I am particularly interested in ceramide based products, barrier healing creams/balms, moisturing toners/emulsions, daily mositurisers, and lip balms. If you can think of any additions to my skincare routine, i would appreciate it! My skincare routine may not mean much to you guys since its like 90% indian products that you havent heard of, but I will share it anyways in case it helps you recommend products.
Skin type: dry, sensitive, acne-prone. But I no longer get acne since incorporating azelaic acid and clindamycin in my routine.
My routine
Day
- cleanser* (himalaya neem facewash)
- prescription clindamycin
- moisturiser (cerasoft imf)
- sunscreen (episoft AC hydrating sunscreen)
Night
- micellar water (Bioderma) if I have sunscreen on
- cleanser (himalaya neem)
- hydrating treatment** (aestura ceramide mist)
- azelaic acid (tues, thurs) / clindamycin (other days)
- moisturiser (bioderma atoderm baume)
* cleanser: I use episoft cleansing lotion most of the year. Its non foaming. But for summer i need soemthing foaming to remove oil. Thats why i use himalaya neem facewash in summer.
** what hydrating treatment i use varies. Currently I am loving the aestura ceramide mist I bought from Singapore a few months back. Have used it daily for 4 months and its my holy grail. Unfortunately its not available in India, so I have to switch to something else when my bottle finishes. Previously I used Biotique Nectar Flawless moisturiser. Its a very lightweight emulsion, so i could use it as a heavy toner instead of a light moisturiser. Loved that too. If I dont find another ceramide containing alternative to the aestura mist, I will have to switch back to the Biotique nectar.
To explain the other products to you: cerasoft cream has 0.3% pure ceramide, azelaic acid and clindamycin are generic from pharma brands, aestura ceramide mist contains 1% pseudoceramide, and bioderma you guys already know.