A fact I don’t advertise a lot is that I’ve been battling chronic dryness, peeling flaky skin and clogged pores on my face since December 2012. I don’t really want to talk about depressing things like weird breakouts and flaky skin especially when I don’t know the cause nor cure. I’m not sure what happened or what I used, but nothing in my regular repertoire seemed to help. One evening, at my wits end, I decided to do something drastic (by my standards).
On my dresser sits a bottle of Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil. Its been sitting there for months. I used it now and again but never really derived or noticed much benefit from it. In fact, I have a feeling it gave me clogged pores. You will notice that its the old packaging that comes without a dropper. By the side is a sample I got of the oil which comes in a miniature of the new packaging with a dropper. I believe the new packaging has been in place for about a year at least now.
The Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil is targeted for those with oily-combination skin and it is supposed to help “purify” the skin while keeping it hydrated. There are 3 versions of the Face Treatment Oil – Blue Orchid (anti aging and dehydrated skin), Santal (dry to extra-dry skin) and Lotus (Oily-combination skin). I was recommended Lotus because its the lightest of the 3 and because it would suit most.
As I said before, I used it off and on without much glowing success but this time, I decided I’d do something a little different. I’d use just this Lotus Oil. Nothing else. Lets see what it can do. I honestly did not have much hope, but I had nothing to lose. Incredibly, I started seeing results!
What I do in the evening after my shower and washing my face, is to mist it with a floral water. I still use the ones from Melvita, to dampen my skin. Then, I pour a generous amount of oil into the palm of my hand, and apply to my face, massaging it in as I go.
For normal use, you are supposed to use maybe just 2-3 drops, warm it up in your palm and apply it to skin. It then sinks in quite quickly without leaving skin looking or feeling oily. I don’t do that. I apply quite a lot and use it like an “oil mask” so I go to bed with a sheen of oil on my skin. It does not bug me because I go right to sleep and I sleep on my back so it does not stain my pillow or blankets.
I did this nightly for about a week and that’s when I started noticing in the morning that my skin was starting to look clearer and better.
I had this terrible cystic pimple by the side of my mouth that was large and hard and refused to go away despite all my ministrations. A week of being doused with the oil and I noticed that it had shrunk. Its been about 3 weeks now, and the pimple hasn’t gone away, but its almost unnoticable now, and the mark is fading.
Marks and uneven flaky skin around my chin area started to go away, and my skin stopped looking flaky and dry. Clogged pores appeared to unclog. Spots that were starting to form subsided and went away without marking the skin.
My skin was starting to heal and look better. Clogged pores and blackheads on my cheeks and nose started to reduce in number. I have a rough before/after below to show you the improvements I experienced after about a week. Its not perfect of course and there are new eruptions (when will this end?!) but I’ve marked out the areas that I experienced positive results.
(1) The large hard cystic pimple has reduced and although still there, isn’t as obvious (2) Clogged pores and uneven skin tone have evened out and are less clogged (3) The pimple mark has gone away (to be replaced by a new one just under but I’m onto it!) (4) clogged and open pores are under control
As I said, by no means do I now have perfect skin. Its just been 3 weeks that I’ve embarked on this crazy idea but it seems to be working for me. The skin on the rest of my face appears smoother and is less prone to breakouts. Areas with clogged pores seem to be less. My skin doesn’t feel as “tough” on the surface and now feels almost softer to the touch.
Its not all perfect though. I don’t seem to derive as much hydration from this as I should so sometimes when I wake up, my cheeks feel a little dry. Yet when I go to bed, I have all this oil on my face that I don’t feel like applying more stuff just on my cheeks. So I’m a little torn as to what to do, so I try to make up for it in the day where I do not use this oil, but I use hydrating products instead.
I must mention the scent. The scent is very strong of essential oils although I can’t put my finger on which, but I find it calming and soothing. Not everyone does so you really have to try it at the counter or get a sample and see if you’d like it.
I don’t recommend this method to everyone though. You have to be quite desperate and be able to tolerate an oily face if you want to give this a try. I derived benefits from it, and I am quite pleased but now that my skin seems to have rebalanced, reset and rebooted itself, I may start cutting back on the oil around my chin area. I suspect that its now starting to clog my pores! I know. You just can’t win! 😛
When I used it before this, in small quantities, I did notice that it did clog my pores a little with regular use. When I was doing my “oil mask” it helped the existing clogged pores but now that my skin is clearer, its start to clog it. So, I may start cutting back to alternate days or twice a week now. But while it lasted, I’m glad I took the plunge, because I was at my wits end and this helped!
In a nutshell
The Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil is a light oil with a strong geranium scent. It is quite oily to the feel, but when warmed and applied on skin, it sinks in quite quickly. I found that when I used it too often, it had a tendency to clog my pores. However, when I used it in generous amounts on my troubled skin like a mask, it helped to calm down my skin, even out skin tone and marks, reduce pimples and cystic acne spots and unclog pores. It almost seemed as if it was giving my skin a reboot! I do not find it hydrating enough but I do have combination-dry skin while this is suited at those with combination-oily skin.
Pros: Used intensively it helped my problematic skin through a difficult patch, Rebalanced my skin, A little goes a long way, I like the scent
Cons: Clogs my pores if I use it too often on normal skin, Scent is strong and may not be to everyone’s liking
Who will like this: Anyone who is comfortable using oil on face, Anyone trying to rebalance their problem skin
Here are the ingredients.
If you want it to absorb more quickly and better into your skin, apply it directly onto damp skin, or mix in some toner (Clarins recommends their toning lotion) and pat it and massage into skin. The liquid will thin out the texture and help it absorb more quickly. Also, be sure to warm it up between your palms before applying to skin. It helps it go on and absorb better.
Have you tried using this Clarins Lotus oil and if you have, did you like it? Have you tried any of the other Face Treatment Oils?
I can’t use this too often now that I’m done rebalancing my skin so I’m keeping to a twice weekly “Lotus oil mask” from now on and slowly going back to my regular skincare routine. I have been toying with the idea of trying the Blue Orchid one for anti-aging and dehydrated skin. Sounds right up my alley!
Paris B
Clarins Face Treatment Oil comes in 3 variants – Lotus (oily combination skin), Blue Orchid (Anti-aging and dehydrated skin) and Santal (dry to very dry skin) Price: RM158 Availability: Clarins counters
santal definitely does not smell as good as this lotus, but surprisingly it only feels slightly thicker and not much greasier than lotus. i want to try out the blur orchid once i am done with santal 😀
Hmm I think I will do Blue Orchid before Santal and see how it goes. Somehow, the “Very Dry” tag for Santal scares me! LOL
You know what!? I am actually encountering the same problem with you, but sadly, mine doesn’t only limit to my chin area (in fact, there’s barely around the chin) and instead, it is around my cheeks and the middle of my forehead. I’m also trying this and that in order to get rid of them but it isn’t work. I guess I have to give your method a try and see if it works then.
Thanks for sharing!
Hmm… could it be stress related? I think mine might have been hormone related because I didn’t have too much problems elsewhere, except the odd spot or two on the cheeks and forehead. If you do have a sample of the Clarins Lotus oil on hand, it might be worth giving it a go. It helped me a lot and I hope it’ll help you too!
Glad that you have fought the old zit. You know the saying, when you are still getting pimples it means you are still young (like teenager). 😀
Haha I know right? You’d think at this advanced age that I’d stop getting spots! >.<
I am sorry to hear about you are battling these problems. A beautician did tell my friend that she envied her for having pimples at the age of 36. So I guess you can take that as a compliment that you are still young. LOL. Hope you skin will improve soon.
The only face oil that I have been using is Kiehl Midnight Concentrate which I bought based on your recommendation. It has worked quite well for me so far and my mom noticed that I have better skin. I read from some beauty blogs that you cannot used it everyday because its too rich? Not sure about though, if I don’t use it everyday, I will use it alternate days.
Haha its a lot better now, thank you Victoria 🙂 I love the Kiehl’s MRC too and I’m on my 2nd bottle! I don’t have a problem with it being too rich and when I use it, I use it daily but again, it is a lot to do with your skin and how much you can tolerate so use it as often or as sparingly as your skin can handle 🙂
I also used fhe midnite oil after reading Paris’ s blog. I’m on my 3rd bottle! I finished my 2nd bottle quite fast cos I realized I also help heal the rashes on my neck n cleavage. They dont scare at all. Its truly my miracle oil. Thx Paris 🙂 now I m tempted to try santal cos anti aging n hydration. It anyone have comments on that would be helpful indeed.
Hi Paris,
I also have only been using Kiehl’s midnight recovery serum. I did receive Clarins lotus oil sample like you just minus the dropper. I did not like the scent at all and doubt if it would be half as nice as the Kiehl’s one.
I will definitely give it go from today! 🙂 Thanks for the info!! 🙂
Hi Chandrika, the Kiehl’s MRC serum is quite something isn’t it? Its really nice and I love the calming scent! The Clarins one is a little different in function, I find. Kiehl’s is more hydrating to my skin whereas the Clarins Lotus oil seems to stop pimples in their tracks but isn’t as hydrating. Perhaps because its targeted at oily-combination skin, thats why 🙂 Hope your sample works for you!
I’m having EXACTLY the same problem as you Paris! EXACTLY. So dry and dehydrated, flaky, texture changed and breakouts too. I’ve never had this happen.
I think my skin is just so dehydrated right now, so I’ve been using one product only too: La Roche Posay Toleriane Rich and it’s helping I think. The breakouts are getting less, and I can feel the texture getting better. I think I’m going to do more research on the La Roche Posay site and just stick to their products.
Hi Tracy for a local help, you might use effaclar duo too!! Just for breakouts, it really helps and doesn’t dry the area! You might consider it saved my live on so many levels 🙂
Gah! I’m so sorry you are going through this too, Tracy! Its so frustrating isn’t it? In my case, I traced the cause to a cleanser that may have been too harsh for my skin so it dried it out to a husk and as a result, my skin rebelled and broke out. Once I stopped that and streamlined my routine, it helped my skin get better. I haven’t really tried many La Roche Posay skincare but I’ve heard that they make very good affordable skincare so I do think its definitely worth trying them. Whatever works, y’know 🙂
Could I know which cleanser that you were using that caused your skin to behave this way? I am looking to try out a new cleanser and just hoping I do not end up buying the same one that has given you so much grief.
I believe it was the Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing cleanser, Victoria. Using it too often dried out my skin and clogged my pores and made me breakout but occasional use feels nice. Gah!
Oh I’ve really been meaning to try this ever since Tine blogged about it. I’m just a little reluctant to stray from my beloved Ren 🙂
I, on the other hand, want to try that REN one! LOL Or maybe the REN Bio-Retinoid serum. Itchy, you know 😛
I have a 30ml bottle from last year BD facial + face oil promo. I’ve only use it as when I feel like it coz the oil tend to sit on my face and won’t sink in, plus it feels too heavy when I apply other products on top of it.
I get cystic acne very often. Guess I should really stick to the oil and see how it goes. Thanks !
Grrr you know what? I missed that promo! *cries* If you find the oil doesn’t sink into your skin, try mixing it with some toner. It helps it penetrate into your skin better 😉 Hope it helps you!
I’m kind of curious as to how the Clarin’s oil compares with Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery one.
Its different 🙂 I find that the Clarins Lotus oil isn’t as hydrating as the Kiehl’s which may suit those with oily skin better because I know some people with oily skin don’t like the feel of the Kiehl’s MRC on their skin. Those who have drier skin as I do, will prefer Kiehl’s for moisturizing purposes. However, I found that the Clarins one seems to have this antiseptic properties especially to stop pimples, which the Kiehl’s doesn’t. So ultimately, it’ll be down to what you want for your skin 🙂
I don’t think I would be able to use this – simply because I can’t stand the feeling of an oily mask on my face (plus being a stomach sleeper, that would cause quite a mess!). 🙁 Kiehl’s MRC or Dermalogica ORS is about as much as I can tolerate for the time being…
You probably don’t need it 🙂 If you use a little, as is recommended, it sinks in quite well. But since I was using it as “treatment” I had to be really dramatic about it LOL!
I use face oils at night all the time. Love them and really, a little goes a long way. If you are having problems with your skin, may I suggest sea buckthorn oil? I use it when I am having an allergic reaction, when I am getting hormonal acne, or when I have eczema. Note: must make sure it’s 100% sea buckthorn oil from seeds and berries and not a blend. Also, a little goes a long way. I mist my face with Vichy or La Roche-Posay Thermal Water (or any mild toner) and use 2-3 drops for my entire face. For dry or mature skin, I also use baobab oil. Do not use it on active acne though. For everyday, I am a huge Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery and Decleor fan!
Face oils can last practically forever! Well, not forever but you get the idea 😀 Thank you so much for your suggestions, Rose. I will try to source the oils that have sea buckthorn (do you have a recommendation?) I love Kiehl’s MRC used as a booster because I swear it works wonders for skin. I haven’t used Decleor but a friend does and loves it so hmm… it looks like I’ll have to give it a try 😉
I love the smell too! 🙂
I’m on the same boat here. While this helped my random acne problem, it doesn’t help with the cold weather here in Oregon. My face still feel slightly dry the next morning. So I stopped, and use only ANR and moisturizer at night. With that, the acne came back. So I’m torn. Sob… Lost lamb. 🙁
Hurrah for loving the smell, Sze Ling! 😀 I personally found that it did nothing to moisturise my skin so I can imagine that you would be needing something more intensive where you are (btw Oregon has 0% sales tax right?!) Have you tried using a little bit of this oil and then seal it in with moisturiser over? It might help with the hydration and the acne!
Do you have Laneige’s Sleeping Mask in hand? You should probably try it every other night and see how it goes? I always resort to this when i’m in desperate need of hydration. Altho, need to mention that I have combination skin.
Ahh, need to use this tonight myself!
Thanks for the suggestions, Sharon 🙂 I did try the sleeping mask but it didn’t work either. I think I had to get my skin rebalanced because once it started looking better and feeling more comfortable, I tried the sleeping mask again and it felt nice again 🙂
The first oil I tried was a generous sample of Darphin’s (I can’t remember the exact name but it was again for oily-comb skin). It didn’t do much, I just ended up using it on my elbows and dry patches on my hand. Then I was given a few Kiehl’s midnight recovery serum, which is I believe essentially oil, and it was again null.. I have oily/comb but dehydrated skin with clogged pore problems but I believe I found the solution with Caudalie. I am now using Vinosource SOS thirst serum and it does quite wonders on my skin. Also using Vinosource moisturizing fluid (for comb skin) if the weather is too cold (for better barrier). Paris you should definitely try Caudalie’s products if you ever get a chance! They are all for hydration!
How opportune that you should mention Caudalie, Casey! I was just learning about the brand recently during their relaunch locally and I’m so intrigued by everything they have! You now make me want to try them so badly >.<
I’m a huge fan of oil, and I’m glad to see this one has been helpful in your ordeal! I am not too sure I want to try this one, because fragrance is pretty high up on the ingredient list. I prefer something that is fragrance-free, or when the smell comes from some kind of essential oil but that’s me 🙂 Aesop’s Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Treatment remains my miracle oil. I use it once or twice a week when I want to look my best the next day. My everyday dry oil for the moment is Pai rosehip oil. I do sometimes layer a lotion (not a heavy one. A good example would be Caudalie Vinosource Quenching Sorbet) on top to push the oil in. I can’t vouch for everyone that a good oil will do their skin good, but I don’t see myself living without it!
Yay for loving oils too, Sunny! 😀 I haven’t tried the Aesop one but you make it sound most intriguing! Another reader has also mentioned using Caudalie and I’m all intrigued to try it now 😀 😀
I love face oils! I had samples of all the Clarins oils and I broke out from the Lotus one as well. From what I could fugure out, I tend to break out from too much hazel oil. I skip this ingredient all together now or won’t use any oil, where the first ingredient is hazel oil. The weird thing is, all the Clarins oils weren’t moisturizing anough for me, my skin still felt dry 🙁 I rotate between my RMS Beauty Beauty oil (amazing, helped my skin texture so much), REN Rose oil, Pay Rosehip Oil and Kahina Argan Oil. Those are my favourite oils and do so much for my dry skin.
Ooh Claire, I’m sorry you broke out from the Lotus oil but OMG you don’t know how pleased I am to know that I’m not alone! 😛 I need to get a sample of the Blue Orchid and Santal – don’t want to spend on them to find out they aren’t moisturizing enough for my dry skin either, thanks for letting me know! I have read many raves for the RMS Beauty Oil but the price does scare me a little LOL So I’ll probably try the REN Rose Oil soon because a friend raves about it. Thanks for sharing your fave oils with us!
i have a sample of this and used it once or twice … for my oily skin I find it little too much … am so much loving Kiehl’s midnight recovery these days … got a sample of that as well but will buy a full size 😀 😀
Happy to know that the Kiehl’s MRC works for you! I love that one and its hydrating for my skin too!
Yay finally clarins oil! I started using it when I was 18 and now more than 10 years later, im still using it but only on my tzone. I use blue orchidee for my face. I love both scents of blue orchidee and lotus oil. I cant stop using them cos they smell too good! Having said that, I oso realised lotus could not work for my skin few years back as it clogged my pores. SA told me maybe I used too much. But when I switched to blue orchid, it soothes my skin. Much better results.
Oh, thank you so much for letting me know that you too found that Lotus clogged your pores! I thought I was going crazy or something when I realised it because I don’t read about people experiencing that! Thank you too for letting me know that Blue Orchid is soothing. I’m going to try to snag myself a sample from somewhere and see how I like it. It looks promising!
Ive read many good reviews about Clarins Blue Orchid oil 🙂 But in a way this one as you wrote is lighter… Now Im testing genifique by Lancome and wondering if not to get Kiehls serum which I read about on your blog 🙂
On my dry flaky skin works wonders elizabeth arden 8h cream, its like a smelly pomade.
I like the Kiehl’s MRC so I’m biased 😀 Genifique broke me out but my Mom loves it! I used to use the Elizabeth Arden 8H cream as a lip balm and for dry cuticles. Works a treat especially in very dry air and strangely, I quite like the smell haha! 😀 But I love your description of it – “smelly pomade” How apt!
I am glad that this product worked for you 🙂 I have oily skin so I am usually not keen on oil skincare. The closest “oily” product that I have tried is Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules. It is quite tolerable. I have tried the Kiehl’s MRC and it was light enough for me. I have read that the Clarins Lotus is likened to MRC. Ever since I started to use proper skincare regime, I have managed to keep flaky dry skin at bay (touch wood).
Thanks Jennifer! 🙂 I think 2 schools of thought abound with regards oil and oily skin. Some say oils work just as well to control oily skin while others prefer to shy away from them in fear of it clogging pores. I personally find the Clarins Lotus oil different from MRC. It feels thicker and more “oily” to me, and doesn’t hydrate my skin as well. However for someone with oily skin, it may help control and rebalance the skin. Hard to say, really but its good you’re now using proper skincare – no need to change what works! 🙂