taryn k.

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My name is Taryn. I'm in my twenties. I come from the land down under. I'm married. I work full time. I like pretty things. My favourite food is watermelon. I hate dancing. I like to talk. I tend to contradict myself. I hate snails. I like you for reading my blog.

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16 May 2012, 4:39 PM

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Range

A couple of months back I posted a haul video that included some products from The Body Shop Tea Tree range - namely the face wash and the toner. Since then, I've finished a bottle and am halfway through my second of the face wash, am about to finish my first bottle of the toner and have added the exfoliating scrub to my collection.

The feedback? All positive.

The Background

It's been a while since I've been this happy with a skin care range. Just to give you a bit of background - I've struggled with acne and oily skin since I was around fifteen, although I've never attempted to seek medical advice or been to a dermatologist. When I started taking contraceptive pills at around 18, my doctor did prescribe me one specifically for problem skin, and I did notice some positive changes at the time, but eventually I started having problems again.

In case you're interested, I've listed the ranges I've used in the past - this isn't a definitive list, I've sporadically used other products over the years, but these are the ones where I've used the entire range and stuck with it for over three months.

Clinique 3-Step System (used the Skin Type 3 with Blemishes line)
Biore Complexion Clearing (quite like the Warming Anti-Blackhead Cream Cleanser and I still use the face wipes at night)
Dr Lewinn's Puressence (used this when my breakouts were very minimal, so wasn't seeking acne solutions - I loved the Purifying Masque in this line)
Proactiv 3 Step System (fast but not longlasting results)
Garnier Pure (this was one of the first lines I used, back when I was travelling and didn't have a very large skincare budget. Got me through, but no outstanding results)

Now, onto my current routine.

The reason I stopped using Proactiv and other Benzoyl Peroxide based products was because of their harshness and the fact that they aren't recommended for use during pregnancy. Even so, although I had quick success with the Proactiv when I started on it, I found that in the few months before I found out I was pregnant, I wasn't getting the same results. And although my skin had improved, it never did clear up completely and I still suffered regular (albeit less regular and less horrendous) breakouts and constant congestion. Then I got pregnant and it all went to hell.

I had breakouts everywhere - all over my cheeks and chin, some that were whiteheads, others that were blind and extremely painful and my entire face was slightly pink. I stopped using any skincare for a month or so while I was suffering the worst of my morning-extended-throughout-the-day-sickness, and skin psycho-ness is a common pregnancy side effect, so I wasn't too surprised. But it still sucked.

I received a gift certificate for The Body Shop from one of my friends for Christmas last year and since I don't usually shop at there, I had to have a good look around the store before I settled on my purchase. I'm not really a fan of body butters, lotions or pot lipglosses (although The Body Shop does have delicious scents) so I bypassed all those options and went for skin care. I'd used a tea tree spot gel years and years ago before I really had a problem with acne, and remembered that my skin had responded well to it, so I thought I'd give it another go, a good ten years later.

The Products

My first impression was that the face wash was SO refreshing. It didn't make the skin tingle or anything like some products do, but it just felt cooling and invigorating. There are no scrubbing particles in the wash, it's a gel consistency and lathers just enough. The scent is definitely not my favourite, and I did find it quite overpowering at first but as time went on I started to find it less offensive.

The toner requires shaking before use, as there is a sediment that sits at the bottom. I apply with a cotton pad, usually using only one to swipe over my entire face. Again, this doesn't make my skin tingle and is quite cooling. When I first started using it I did get very mild stinging on the active and broken breakouts that I had, but nothing uncomfortable. Now that I am fresh-pimple free, I get no stinging at all. I find my skin also feels quite taut after use - not tight and dry, just mattified. I also usually try to wait a minute or two before I apply any moisturiser.

I use the face wash and toner every single morning - without fail - maybe three times a week at night (usually I just use a face wipe to get rid of my make up, which I know is really naughty) and I reserve the scrub for just a couple times a week when I remember.

I'm not such a fan of the scrub as I am of the other two products. While it's not a bad product, I do find the exfoliating granules are a little too large and harsh. I usually try to only buff it into my chin, nose and temples, as this is where I get the most congestion, avoiding my cheeks and forehead.

The Results

My skin now still has some scarring and hyper pigmentation that is still dying down from the past trauma it suffered through, but it is easily covered with a little concealer and for the first time in a long time my face isn't sore. The texture is no longer bumpy and oily, but smooth to the touch and neither dry nor oily.

Sidenote: I don't generally use moisturiser any more. I have been using the Garnier BB Cream under my makeup as a sort of primer, but I don't moisturise at night and I don't feel that I need to.

My blackheads aren't really an issue any more - I still get them, and I still have larger pores than I'd like, but they're probably really only apparent to me.

I still need to try a couple of the other products in this line - I particularly look forward to the face mask as I do enjoy a good face mask.

The Advice

My only real advice for those of you struggling with acne and less than perfect skin - no one cares about the state of your skin as much as you do. While you may be feeling self conscious about a break out, no one else will really be taking any notice - they'll be too caught up in their own imperfections to care. And while I understand your frustrations and heartache - believe me, I've shed a tear or two over the appearance of my skin - the best thing to do is to try and remember not to worry about what other people may or may not be thinking - chances are they're not even thinking it.

I do apologise for the length and wordiness of this post. Probably not the most thrilling thing you've read today, but I wanted to get the word out there. Let me know if you have tried this range, especially what you think of the other products I've not yet tried.

stock images from Polyvore.com

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