Obviously Skincare

If you’ve heard of salicylic acid, you’ll know that it is the holy grail of ingredients when it comes to congested, oily or acne-prone skin. This solution by Nip + Fab not only includes salicylic acid which works to reduce pore sizes and clear breakouts, but also a few other key ingredients that can completely transform your complexion. Read on to find out our experience with the product, and a few tips to maximise efficacy.

THE PRODUCT

NIP + FAB Salicylic Fix Concentrate Extreme 2% Solution claims to “visibly reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and oily skin, improve uneven skin tone and support in the control of oil production”. This is achieved through the use of salicylic acid, a BHA you’ve most likely heard of, niacinamide, and lotus flower extracts.

SALICYLIC ACID

Salicylic acid works to reduce inflammation, it has non-steroidal anti-inflammatory properties, (or NSAI, something you may have seen on medications such as Ibuprofen). It does this by inhibiting the formation of pro inflammatory prostaglandins¹. As a topical agent (applied to the skin), the chemical causes epidermis cells to shed more easily; preventing pores from clogging and promoting cell growth.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also referred to as nicotinamide is a form of Vitamin B3. Niacinamide, like salicylic acid, possesses excellent anti-inflammatory and blemish clearing properties. Applying niacinamide to the skin can help regulate sebum production, clearing congestion while also helping to minimise the appearance of your pores.

Lotus flower extracts

The addition of lotus flower in this product can work not only to regulate oil production, but also moisturise and condition the skin due to it’s excellent anti-oxidative properties.

READ BEFORE USING

BHA’s increase skin sensitivity to the sunlight and other environmental effects. Ensure you apply SPF 30+ while in direct contact with the sun, as this will prevent UV rays and pollutants from damaging your skin. In general however we recommend you limit sun exposure when using direct acids on the skin.

If this is your first time using this product, we recommend doing a patch test to ensure compatibility. Apply the product to an inconspicuous area before applying directly to the face.

MY SKIN TYPE

I have combination skin, my T-Zone is significantly oilier than the rest of the face. This often means I suffer from dry or flaky skin around the cheek and mouth area, but also from oily, congested skin around the T-zone. This also means I am prone to getting quite a few blackheads on my nose which are quite unsightly, this coupled with large pores takes a significant toll on my complexion. I currently wash my face twice a day with an oil-free non comedogenic cleanser but the inclusion of this product in my routine was with the aim to mitigate this skin oiliness and reduce pore size.

HOW IT’S HELPED ME

DAY 1

Now I’ve used salicylic acid in the past, but using it again after a while brings back the characteristic ‘burning’ sensation. This really is quite normal and no cause for alarm, this burning usually subsides after a few uses of the product while your skin adjusts to the ingredients. Not much after day 1, the product itself is very lightweight and a lovely pink colour making it very pleasant to use.

DAY 3

My skin looks less congested, still a bit of redness associated with use of this product but it it mostly fine at this point. You should be a little wary if you suffer from sensitive skin however. Skin oiliness looks a little more under control, especially at the end of the day where I’d usually have to use blotting paper to get rid of excess shine.

DAY 7

My pores are visibly reduced, likely due to the reduced sebum production. Niacinamide and salicylic work hand in hand in this formulation to deliver fantastic results. No more redness or skin sensitivity either, I still make sure to apply SPF 30+ when stepping outside though, as should you!

DAY 30

A month of daily use has provided the full scope of benefits I was expecting. Not only have my pores decreased in size, the oiliness is mostly under control and there are little to no blemishes visible. My skin tone looks a lot more even prior to starting this treatment. The benefit of using this product over other similar salicylic acid products is the addition of niacinamide and lotus flower, which really have made all the difference.

I definitely vouch for this product if you suffer from acne or oily, congested skin; it’s an essential in my skincare regime.

GET IT HERE. Directly from the manufacturers website.

REFERENCES:

1 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salicylic_acid