When it comes to improving skin health, there are a few basics that make all the difference, including: drinking plenty of water, ensuring you get 7+ hours of sleep, washing your bedding regularly, avoiding touching your face with your hands and eating a nutritious, vitamin rich diet.

Post Christmas, it can be normal for your skin to need some extra TLC. You may have eaten outside of your regular diet, drank more alcohol than usual or neglected your usual skincare routine. If you’ve found that your skin is presenting more blemishes or that more problem areas are arising, then January is the time to line up your skincare routine saviours and tackle those problem areas.

Blemishes and problem areas can be a follow on effect from many things, they can occur due to dry skin clogging up your skins pores, external stressors like pollution and also from your skins pH level being off – when it comes to picking skincare products that are right for you, it’s important to bare this in mind. This week, we asked the team to share their tried and tested, SOS skincare saviours for tackling blemishes and problem areas and have listed them below to get you well on your way to clearer skin.

Balance Me Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum

This Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum from Balance Me is packed full of anti-oxidants and has an instant anti-pollution effect on the skin. With 100% plant based ingredients, this serum works as retinol alternative, it enhances collagen production and hydrates the skin immensely.

As a result, after using this serum for a few days you’ll notice that your blemishes start to clear up and your skin will be hydrated, smooth and under control.

Cos RX AC Collection Ultimate Spot Cream

Tackle blemishes at the source with this Ultimate Spot Cream from COS RX. Packed full of three skincare hero ingredients, otherwise known as CentellAC-Rx Complex – this formula includes Madecassic acid, Asiaticoside and Asiatic Acid, all of which balance out your skins PH level and nip blemishes in the bud.

Other key ingredients in this cream include Zinc Oxide, Calamine, CentellAC-RX Complex and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, all of which dry out blemishes at the source and work overnight to get breakouts under control.

UpCircle Coffee Face Scrub Citrus Blend Pot 100ml

Buff away dead skin cells with this naturally exfoliating face scrub from UpCircle – often, the cause of blemishes is a result of dead skin cells building up and blocking pores, that’s why adding an exfoliator into your skincare regime is really important.

This face scrub from UpCircle works hard to reveal a radiant, smooth complexion. Formulated with coffee grounds, this scrub has a rejuvenating, plumping effect on the skin and whilst it works hard to exfoliate and clean, it also provides moisture and hydration to the skins surface with Shea Butter and Jojoba Oils.

CeraVe Blemish Control Gel with AHA & BHA for Blemish-Prone Skin 40ml

Developed by Dermatologists, when it comes to skincare Dermalogica is a tried and true brand that you can rely on, every time. This none greasy, none drying Blemish Control Gel effectively fights blackheads and blemishes. With daily use, your skin texture will be improved and the appearance of pores will be minimised.

Formulated with three ceramides and a blend of of alpha and beta-hydroxy acids (AHA and BHA) including Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid & Salicylic Acid, this gel improves the skins texture, while protecting the skin’s natural barrier & providing you with all day hydration.

Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash 177ml

Dead skin cells, dirt and excess oil can clog pores and cause breakouts on the skin. This Foaming Wash from Dermalogica, formulated with Salicylic acid, penetrates deep into skin, delivering an exfoliating action to help prevent flare-ups.

Whether you choose to use it on your face, neck or back, wherever your skin needs a deep cleanse, this foaming wash delivers. Dermalogica formulated this foaming wash for teenagers suffering from acne, so if you’re after a face wash that really gets your breakouts under control then this is the wash for you.

Institut Esthederm Osmoclean Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser 75ml

Brighten and even your complexion in a heart beat with this gentle, Deep Pore Cleanser from Institut. This grain free scrub can be used as a cleanser or a face mask, whatever you choose. This pore cleanser soothes and reduces flaws on the skins surface and will brighten up your complexion.

Formulated to respect the balance of our skin flora, this cleanser will clear your skin without upsetting it. Given that it can be used as an exfoliator or a face mask it’s definitely a must have to keep in the cupboard for when your skin needs some extra help.