When I moved here in Dubai last year, I had problems looking for the same skincare products I used in Bangkok. I also didn't want to buy online and pay for expensive shipping. It is only reasonable to find alternatives locally. However, I couldn't really afford the good ones and had to resort buying the ones sold in the supermarket. After few months, I could spend a little extra money on skincare and went ahead and bought the Clean Face line of The Face Shop. Aside from TFS, Skin Food is my other choice for Asian skincare here in the UAE. I tried Skin Food in the past and didn't really like it.
I have used this skincare line from TFS about 4 years ago and had good results. I stopped using it because I had to move to Bangkok and I found cheaper and better brands there. Anyway, since I had good experience with these products, I didn't think twice and bought them right away.
Take note that this line is suited for people with acne. I think it would also work better for those with severe acne than those with milder ones. Another thing I noticed is that this seems to fit with oily and combo skin only. More importantly, these products contain alcohol and mineral oil.
The Face Shop Clean Face Acne Solution Face Cleansing
Only a pea-sized amount of this cleanser is needed to form a nice lather. That's why it would usually last me 6 months to finish a bottle. This cleanser really cleanses my face well especially after removing makeup with a micelle solution. The only thing I don't like about this cleanser is that it is super drying. Thus, you have to apply toner or moisturizer right away. Do not even attempt using this without any kind of lotion afterwards, otherwise you will ruin your face. And since it is drying, I only use this at night before bed. Usually in the morning I just splash my face with water and apply moisturizer.
This cleanser was able to reduce the redness and keeps my acne from flaring up. There are better cleansers out there in the market but if you're looking for a decent affordable one, try this out.
The Face Shop Clean Face Mild Toner
This toner has to be applied with a cotton pad and I only apply it at night. It has a scent of alcohol but not overpowering. I think it shouldn't be called a 'mild' toner because it leaves a tight feeling and dried my face a little bit. But compared with other toners, it is not that harsh. What I like about this toner is that it speeds up the healing process. Whenever I spot an acne on my face, they are gone after a couple of days.
The Face Shop Clean Face Mild Lotion
This moisturizer is watery and very runny. Since it is packaged in a heavy bottle, it is quite difficult to control the amount that will pour out from the bottle. Anyway, this lotion feels smooth and lightweight. But even though it is light, it moisturizes really well. It really stands up to its name: mild lotion. I use this every morning and evening, and I always like how soothing it is and has never irritated my face once.
Since these products contain tea tree oil, they are helpful at killing acne bacteria. They did help clear my face but it does not prevent new acne from forming. Another thing is that I noticed some blackheads appeared on my nose when I started applying these three products and the blackheads don't seem to disappear.
Lastly, I think all products in this line go well together and have to be used at the same time to really make them work. This line also has other products such as acne spot corrector and mask sheet that I haven't tried yet.
Feel free to recommend me skincare products and I will make sure to buy and try them when I get the chance and money :)
