For International Women’s Month, we wanted to highlight some of the amazing women that work at Evolve Beauty. They have kindly shared their skincare journey with us in our Skinshare series.
Read below to find how some of the Evolve Beauty team overcame their skincare concerns and their top product picks!
KATE (SALES INTERN)
SKIN TYPE: dry, sensitive, acne-prone
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SKINCARE?
In my early teenage years, I noticed areas on my face that would break out with acne. I used to panic as I had very little idea on how to treat the skin and deal with issues like this!
HOW DID HAVING SENSITIVE AND DRY SKIN MAKE YOU FEEL?
It was quite early on in my life that I became conscious of issues with my skin and kind of obsessed with the idea clearing my face of any imperfections.
However, it was during my final year at University that I really started to notice issues such as acne and dry skin getting me down.
ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR INGREDIENTS YOU FOUND WORKED WHEN YOU DID YOUR RESEARCH?
As my skin started to affect me more and more, I began researching skincare products that would specifically help issues with acne and dry, sensitive skin. I found certain products and ingredients that were meant to be beneficial.
I also began understanding that a lot of skin related issues are also affected by lifestyle choices. As I began to educate myself, I also began making better choices for my skin, avoiding harsh products, ensuring to drink enough water and keeping a healthy balanced diet.
I found that retinols were highly beneficial for my skin in terms of texture and glow and have recently started using the Bio-Retinol + C Booster, as I am very keen to use a natural alternative to synthetic retinol.
I love having the Hyaluronic Serum 200 in my routine for hydration and a good, rich moisturiser for my dry skin.
WHAT IS YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE NOW?
I stick to a solid routine of cleansing, applying retinol and moisturising. I also make sure to avoid harsh ingredients that could hurt my sensitive skin.
I have started using the Daily Defence Moisture Mist at the end of my skincare routine for both morning and night as I feel it provides that extra boost of hydration which is amazing for someone like me who suffers with dry skin! I even use it throughout the day if i start to feel as if my moisturiser isn't doing enough!
HOW DID THE PANDEMIC CHANGE HOW YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN?
I definitely like to give myself a few pamper days within the week! The pandemic has meant I have been able to focus on giving myself that down time and allowed me to keep up with new skincare products that may help my dry and sensitive skin type.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT SKINCARE ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE?
Stop touching my face so much and make sure to research products before just whacking them on your face!
I think it is always good to bear in mind that perfect skin doesn't exist, but better skin does. So, be proactive in research. Better your lifestyle choices and ask for help. I think these are all factors that will benefit not only your skin but also how you feel about your skin.
ZAINAB (CREATIVE CONTENT ASSISTANT)
SKIN TYPE: dry, eczema, sensitive
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SKINCARE?
I probably started my own skincare routine when I was in secondary school. I developed acne around year 8 so I invested in cleansing pads and toners, which were really inexpensive.
Because I have quite sensitive skin, I use a "less is more" approach to the amount of products I use on my face.
HOW DID HAVING SENSITIVE AND DRY SKIN MAKE YOU FEEL?
My whole life has revolved around my eczema - I've suffered with it from birth. I also had acne briefly in my teens but my eczema has always stuck around.
I noticed my skin was different from others in primary school. Once I began interacting with other kids I could see that my skin wasn't the same. I even had a few comments which made me feel very insecure. I used to always try to hide my hands, and always wore long sleeves, regardless of the season, to hide my arms.
There were times my skin did get better, but it was always in the back of my mind that I had bad skin and felt others could see.
ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR INGREDIENTS YOU FOUND WORKED WHEN YOU DID YOUR RESEARCH?
Growing up, the only information I had about my condition was from my doctors and sometimes their advice didn't help me.
Luckily now, the internet is such a great place for reading people's experiences and journeys. I've found that sharing my own story gives others like me confidence to feel okay with their skin, instead of feeling ashamed.
I've come to realise that a lot of what the doctors had told me growing up wasn't always true for me. I had to find ways to cope with my skin that made ME comfortable. One example is that if you have eczema you shouldn't have hot baths... But they are the number one thing that can ease my skin if it's itchy! Warm or cold baths just don't do the trick for me.
One thing I also felt was missed was the topic of hyperpigmentation and scarring which is common on people with darker skin. I've learnt that over time, scars can fade and that sometimes conditions can present themselves differently on different skin tones. When I was younger I felt that my skin was abnormal because of my scarring, but now I know that's not the case!
My skin responds well to hyaluronic acid to help it stay moisturised so I try to use it often to help my eczema. I also need to exfoliate to help the products sink into my skin so scrubs are great for me.
DID ANY MAJOR LIFE CHANGES AFFECT YOUR SKIN?
I started a Youtube channel in 2016 and through talking about my experiences with my skin and the mental aspect of dealing with eczema, I found an online family of other eczema sufferers.
In 2017, someone commented on one of my videos and asked if I was using medication to keep my skin under control. At that time, I had been on topical steroids for 27 years, so the answer was yes. After hours of research I came to a decision to stop my medication.
There were many factors that led to me making this decision but the main one was I was on these drugs for too long. Steroids creams are directed for use for 2 weeks, but here I was almost 3 decades later, still on them!
Their effect on my skin had also reduced. So, I was using stronger creams with little to no effect and it was just an endless cycle. In November 2017, I began a Topical Steroid Withdrawal journey.
The first few months were brutal. My whole face was flushed, swollen and flaking - my skin had never been so dry but it was all part of the process. Within about 6 months, my face was almost normal again and I felt more confident in living life without medication. I am now over 3 year steroid free and haven't looked back!
WHAT IS YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE NOW?
My current skincare routine is very simple, especially being in lockdown! I use only hot water and a face towel to wash my face. I stopped using soap on my face back in 2017.
After, I apply Hyaluronic Serum 200 and then the Daily Renew Facial Cream and a thick lip balm on my lips.
Since the pandemic I feel I have more time for face masks, I never used to bother before! I also wear a lot less make up which I think is a nice break for my skin.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT SKINCARE ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE?
Mine would be "Stop panicking! It doesn't look that bad!"
I was always very insecure about my skin and felt people could notice. In reality, I think I was my own worst critic and most people barely paid any attention to my eczema and it always appeared worse to me.
I could have saved myself a lot of time, stress and tears if I just accepted my skin rather than try and hide it.
Eczema is a common condition so don't think you are the only one, even though at times, it can feel that way. Although it is a skin condition, it can affect you physically, mentally, emotionally (and sometimes financially!) so don't bottle up your frustration about it.
Find someone you feel comfortable with to talk about it - vent! You are allowed to feel upset when you're having a bad skin episode. Join an online community for eczema to find others like you that you can relate to. Instagram is a great place.
Also, treatment for eczema is not a one size fits all. Do what makes you feel comfortable, regardless of what the "experts" says - your skin, your condition, your rules!
CATHERINE (SALES DIRECTOR)
SKIN TYPE: dry, mature, rosacea, sensitive
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SKINCARE?
When I was a teenage, all my friends were jealous of my skin because I never had a spot on my face. And sometimes when I had one, my friends and I were celebrating that I was a normal teenager. It helps me to embrace my imperfections.
HOW DID HAVING SENSITIVE AND DRY SKIN MAKE YOU FEEL?
While pregnant, I started to have pigmentation spots or ageing spots and they would get darker under the sun. I started to use more SPF cream to avoid tanning and increasing the pigmentation. My skin was also dry and I started to have redness and mild rosacea. I was happy to be pregnant but there was a lot to adjust to. My whole body was changing and expanding. My face also did not experience the 'pregnancy glow' that everyone talked about!
ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR INGREDIENTS YOU FOUND WORKED WHEN YOU DID YOUR RESEARCH?
I asked my friends mostly. They gave me advice on what they were using.
On top of that, you have to be more selective on the products you can use when pregnant or breastfeeding. I felt that it was difficult to make the right choice for my health, the baby's health and whilst also getting results.
That's when I turned for more natural products. I now have a better routine.
I cleanse with Deep Clean Micellar Water and Gentle Cleansing Melt, then tone with Liquid Radiance Glycolic Toner. I moisturise with Multi Peptide 360 Moisture Cream and Miracle Facial Oil. Twice a week, I'll also exfoliate with Radiant Glow Mask.
My skin has improved a lot because of it! Since the pandemic, I’ve been able to do more mask at home in between video calls.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT SKINCARE ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE?
Be happy with your skin. It doesn't get any better with age!
AMBER (SALES AND EDUCATION MANAGER)
SKIN TYPE: combination, oily, sensitive
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SKINCARE?
As a girl I was a dancer and in shows. We would have the brightest make up to be on stage. Removing it was one of my favourite parts!
HOW DID HAVING SENSITIVE AND DRY SKIN MAKE YOU FEEL?
My skin became sensitive and inflamed. I was conscious about my skin as I was already suffering from teenage blemishes.
A lot of my products for the blemishes were too harsh and aggressive for my sensitivities which I didn’t know at the time.
ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR INGREDIENTS YOU FOUND WORKED WHEN YOU DID YOUR RESEARCH?
Being the age I was, poor diet and alcohol contributed massively to my flare ups.
And unfortunately, I didn't research much about my skin condition so I kept using products that weren't suitable for a long period of time. I was then very fortunate as my parents would pay for me to have facials to help with my skin this is when I started to understand more about skin.
Anti inflammatory products are really helpful for my skin. I also really like using Salicylic Acid, and oil-free formulations and products that aren't high in congesting ingredients.
WHAT IS YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE NOW?
My regime is now focused on strengthening rather than highly purifying ingredients. My skin is a lot clearer now due to not traveling into London. Here is my everyday skincare routine.
Step 1: First cleanse using the Gentle Cleansing Melt.
Step 2: Double cleanse with the Daily Detox Facial Wash.
Step 3: I tone using the Liquid Radiance Glycolic Toner to gently exfoliate.
Step 4: I use a targeted Vitamin C serum in the mornings and in the evenings, I love using the Bio-Retinol + C Booster as a nighttime oil!
Step 5: I always apply SPF in the morning. Climate Veil SPF 20 is my go-to!
Every week I’ll also use the Miracle Facial Mask.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT SKINCARE ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE?
DO NOT PICK.
Be patient! Do not focus on fixing your skin. Focus on strengthening your skin!
Look at your diet and make your internal match the products you are applying externally.
SARAH H (SALES COORDINATOR)
SKIN TYPE: dry, mature, sensitive and eczema
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SKINCARE?
When I was very small and my skin was always red and sore.
Before the internet, I would look things up in library books or ask the doctor. After the internet came about, research became much easier.
ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR INGREDIENTS YOU FOUND WORKED WHEN YOU DID YOUR RESEARCH?
I have tried so many things for my skin including homeopathy, reflexology, hypnotherapy, kinesiology, Chinese herbs and exclusion diets.
Since I have been using Evolve Beauty products, there are various ingredients that I know help me. Hyaluronic acid is one as well as Rosehip oil and sea buckthorn.
My eczema got better during pregnancy. But I am affected by changes in the weather. Snow is particularly bad for some reason. Stress also makes it worse (shock!)
WHAT IS YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE NOW?
In the morning I use two serums. I follow this with a thick eye cream and the Multi Peptide 360 Moisture Cream.
If I have a hormonal spot I will apply the Rainforest Rescue Blemish Serum to it. In the evening I use the Evolve Beauty Bio-Retinol + C booster along with a moisturiser and eye cream. For cleansing I use Gentle Cleansing Melt which I emulsify with Daily Defence Moisture Mist.
Once a week, I’ll use the Radiant Glow Mask as a little treat!
Since the pandemic, I find that I take more care in my evening skincare routine as I don't go out and I go to bed earlier. Also, drinking less wine means I remember to look after my face.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT SKINCARE ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE?
I don't know that I would. Eczema is a medical condition. I might be a bit more assertive with the doctor and ask for more support. When I was very young, there were not many skin care choices. It was either Olay or Nivea!
I would also say to ask for advice. Treat yourself to a few minis to see what your skin likes. Everybody's skin concern is unique to them so what works for me might not work for someone else with eczema.
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