Problematic skin

The problem with problem skin care ranges is that they are usually too irritating to be of benefit. "Non comedogenic" products only have to be tested on the backs of volunteers in order to make this claim, not on blemish-prone faces, and often contain substances that can cause or exacerbate acne.  Moreover, washing twice daily with a harsh, drying, anti acne cleanser or soap may leave your skin feeling so dry that it needs a richer moisturiser to compensate and … too much moisturiser can in turn clog pores. These cleansers wash away the acid mantle which protects your skin from the very bacteria that cause acne in the first place!

Instead of fighting the problem, dare to be gentle ...

Instead of fighting the problem, Mir focuses on strengthening your skin’s defences, helping it to help itself. Try a Mir trial pack and use the Moisturising Lotion as your twice daily moisturiser, applying only when and where necessary. Use Skin Silk Lotion as an eye cream and on any dry patches. Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser can be used twice daily or alternated with Cleansing Gel, using one in the morning, the other in the evening.  Skin Refresher is a cleanser, soother and toner all in one and very handy for freshening up oily t-zones throughout the day. Refill the little bottles and jars from your Trial Pack and keep them with you in your handbag or briefcase. Argan Beauty Oil will help to soften the crusty tops of spots and many Mir users use it to help with acne scars.

People with blemish-prone skin or acne are often tempted to scrub their skin until it's squeaky clean. Day in and day out, we are bombarded with advertisements for anti-acne face washes, which often leave the skin feeling dry, sore and raw. Again, fighting the problem only makse matters worse. Your skin is a living, functioning organ and if you over-dry it, it will react by producing more oil to compensate.  If you constantly slough off the top layer, you may be leaving it more vulnerable to the bacteria that cause acne.

Less really is more, even with problem skin and Mir users are often amazed how their skin changes just by using gentle products and techniques. Do not scrub when you use Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, just follow the usage instructions and massage gently. 

If you are a teenager please remember that this is a temporary phase you will grow out of, it will soon be a distant memory. Talk to your parents and doctor if necessary If you are an adult and your acne isn’t clearing up, it could be rosacea.

Unlike problem skin ranges, Mir contains no irritating or drying chemicals, so it's kind to the skin. It contains no comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients whatsoever so is ideal for anyone who has acne or blemish-prone skin.

Do read my Skin Care guide and Skin Facts in Section 1 as the information there applies to all skin types and problems. Check the ingredients lists on other products you use - makeup, haircare etc - for comedogenic (pore-clogging) substances, see Section 4 of this Guide. 

Do whatever you can to stop picking and squeezing as this could leave long-lasting scars or pitting. Avoiding sugar and eating more fruit and veg will definitely help too. If you don't like veg then buy a book on smoothies and try to get some in that way.  Whenever I feel like something sweet I have some dried fruit, Mejdool dates kept in the freezer (preferably pitted) are deliciously sweet and satisfyingly chewy.

If your skin isn't overly sensitive, you can add a drop or two of grapefruit seed extract to your evening face wash, just apply Mir Cleansing Gel in the usual way but with dry hands on dry face then apply a drop of GSE to the fingertips and massage gently. Rinse well. (Trade name of GSE is Citricidal.)  Try spot-treating blemishes using a cotton bud (Q Tip) to apply a little Tea Tree oil to the head of blemishes in the evenings or, if you can't stand the smell, try lavender.  Other than this, do avoid using essential oils as they are very irritating to the face and irritating your skin will undermine its ability to heal itself.