Clearing up your skin

It seems that through social media, the importance of skincare has really hit home the last few years. During lockdown, vlogs and reels increased in popularity, making it even easier to see real people in real time trying different regimes and products. I often got drawn into trying new creams or moisturisers, and as a result, spent an awful lot of money on products that didn’t give me the results I wanted or longed for.

Then, one day at work (schools were back open again at this point), when I was having a little bit of a breakdown about my skin and how much it hurt, a friend suggested two serums that could really help reduce inflammation and target my acne without it stinging (apparently ‘if it isn’t burning, it isn’t working’ wasn’t the right way to go after all!) She also gave me some advice about adding a second cleanser that would help with sebum control. After embedding them into my usual skincare routine, the difference was astounding. My Mascne disappeared, and I finally felt like myself again.

So, let’s break down these three amazing products in more detail.

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1) Clarifying Cleanser – a foaming enzyme powder, this powerful cleanser is activated with water. Formulated for blemish-prone skin, it clarifies and smooths complexions, whilst being incredibly gentle on the skin. The powder will transform into a soft and creamy foam with just a few drops of water – and as usual with Tropic, a little goes a long way!

It uses two different types of plant enzymes to break down fat-based impurities and dead skin cells. In addition, it also contains blue spirulina, a type of algae, which is great for prompting cell turnover helping to get rid of visible pores and dullness.

To use - shake half to a full teaspoon of the powder into your palm and then mix with a few drops of water to activate. Spread between your hands to create a creamy lather, before massaging into your face using circular motions, carefully avoiding the delicate eye area. Rinse to remove any excess and splash with a little cold water afterwards for ultimate refreshment.

Use once or twice daily on its own, or as a second cleanse after Smoothing Cleanser. I did the latter and preferred to leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

£22

3) Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum – an excellent serum to pair with Ocean Dive, this product works to clarify and clear combination and blemish-prone skin. This naturally blue-hued serum works to regulate sebum production, balance your skin’s microbiome, and clarify your complexion.

Expertly formulated to nurture your skin’s delicate microbiome back to good health, it aims to slow sebum production and refine pores. Hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated, while mineral extracts soothe and nip redness in the bud.

This is great to use before moisturising, but it’s even more powerful alongside Ocean Dive if you suffer from acne. If this is the case, make sure you use Ocean Dive first (after leaving it to set on your skin for about 10 minutes). Once you are ready to use Pure Lagoon, squeeze 3-6 drops into your palm and dab onto freshly-cleansed skin morning and night. Use your ring finger to target particularly oily, blemish-prone areas.

This serum is incredibly light weight and instantly absorbing, and leaves your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. Finish off with your moisturiser, and you’re good to go!

30ml | £44

10ml | £18

Three is definitely not a crowd with this team. Click here to find these fabulous products and get started on your new journey of blemish free skin.

2) Ocean Dive Pore Clearing Serum – this little beauty really saved my skin…literally! Expertly balanced with fine, exfoliating actives, this serum travels deeper into pores, unclogging them for a clarified and clearer complexion.

It has been specially developed for use on targeted areas of oiliness, texture, congested pores and blemishes. Natural, ocean-born ingredients, powerful antioxidants and skin-loving exfoliators, like blue algae, glucosamine and salicylic acid (the all holy of acids!), clarify and reduce redness without any dryness or irritation.

Salicylic acid is the number one beta hydroxy acid when it comes to blemish prevention. It penetrates deep into pores (because it’s oil-soluble), dissolving the skin debris that clogs pores and can lead to blemishes. This also helps to promote cell renewal, so the smooth new skin cells move to the surface and leave your complexion looking fresh.

If you have sensitive or dry areas of skin, Tropic don’t recommend using Ocean Dive on them. Make sure you do a test patch on a small area of your skin before applying to any blemish prone areas.

To apply, rather than dropping the serum into your palm, I would recommend using cotton buds for more control when targeting specific areas of skin. Tropic sells ergonomic Bamboo Buds that are made from sustainable bamboo and cotton, so they’re 100% compostable. However, any old cotton bud will do. Simply dip a bud into your serum and use the tip to pop a little onto individual spots or turn the bud on its side and sweep over larger areas where you may have clogged pores or texture. Do not re-dip the used bud into the serum, otherwise you will contaminate the formula. Leave the product to work for about 10 minutes before applying the rest of your skincare routine.

I cannot stress how wonderful this product is. I would say it’s magic, but it really is just fabulous ingredients working together to create a beautifully clarifying serum. I will always recommend this as a staple in your skincare routine if you suffer from clogged pores and blemish prone skin.

30 ml | £44

10ml | £18