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I tried an AI skincare routine – and it completely changed my skin
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There’s no denying the beauty industry is oversaturated, with too many products and confusing messaging about what your skin actually needs.
Viral trends come and go, and only add to the overwhelm, but aren’t always best suited to you and your needs. As a beauty journalist, I know this feeling all too well – I have oily skin with hormonal acne and mild rosacea, and despite my years in the industry, I’m often left feeling frustrated with the excessive amount of products that promise to ‘fix’ me.
If that’s something you’ve also experienced, Noli could be the solution to simplifying things. It’s an AI-driven platform, backed by L’Oreal, that uses dermatologist diagnostics to take the guesswork out of beauty shopping.
The setup is simple; complete the questionnaire to discover your profile – or what Noli calls its BeautyDNA – and it will analyse your skin type, concerns, budget preference, and more, to recommend the products best suited to your needs.
So I did exactly that, and have plenty of thoughts. My personal needs are to clear up blemishes, tackle dehydration and smooth uneven tone and texture. I told Noli I have no preference on fragrance, want my skin to feel soothed, and I’m happy to spend a little more on products if they’ll work.
Here’s exactly what Noli said I needed, and my verdict on the four-product skincare routine it built for me.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Iso-Biome Cleansing Cream
Noli advised using this as my first skincare step, as it’s gentle enough to cleanse my skin without being too harsh or removing too much oil, which can only lead to increased oil production.
It’s specifically formulated to soothe discomfort from harsh acne treatments, which can be very drying, and is well-tolerated with Isotretinoin (a prescription acne treatment).
The formula is packed with niaciamide, mannose and glycerin, which, combined, hydrate and reduce the appearance of pores and inflammation.
I love how rich and creamy it feels when lathered with warm water, and I found it surprisingly effective at removing my makeup too.
It rinses off easily, is fragrance-free, and leaves my skin feeling immediately softer and smoother.
So far, so good.
SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective
Next up was a targeted serum, and Noli’s top pick for me was this SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective. Gel.
It’s a blend of hyaluronic acid, cucumber, thyme and mulberry that contains lactic acid, a gentle exfoliant, that unclogs pores, reduces blemishes and hydrates without adding oil.
It’s incredibly lightweight, with a watery-thin texture that absorbs in seconds, which I love.
There’s nothing I hate more than spending ages rubbing a sticky solution on my skin.
It has a slight medicinal scent, but it disappears very quickly, and I found that when I had bouts of period-induced breakouts, it calmed my skin and left it feeling soothed and comfortable, even when I had painful cysts on my chin.
It’s expensive, but a worthwhile investment.
IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Gel Cream
Next is an oil-free moisturiser that can tackle blemishes, hydrate and balance oil production.
Noli’s pick was this from IT Cosmetics – a refreshing, cooling gel cream that contains a mix of niacinamide and lactic acid, both proven ingredients for reducing inflammation, regulating excess oil and unclogging pores.
Everything I need, basically.
I love the texture of this; it’s like a drink of water for my skin, without the stickiness or greasy residue I often experience from thicker, richer traditional creams.
I use it day and night, and it creates a smooth, even base for my makeup and SPF to be applied on top.
Kiehl’s Better Screen™ UV Serum Sunscreen
I know all too well the importance of SPF, and having been sunburnt as a reckless teenager, I’m well aware of how damaging a lack of sun protection can be.
Noli recommended this new sunscreen from Kiehl’s, which provides SPF 50 and a silky-soft texture that leaves a glowy finish.
It’s a non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t block your pores, which inevitably leads to breakouts, and doesn’t leave a white cast behind that could leave my skin looking ghostly.
I love the radiant finish, which isn’t dewy, but just enough to make my skin look healthier with one use.
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