Return to Skincare: Giving Your Skin the TLC it Truly Deserves

It seems like everyone these days is snapping pics of themselves in face masks while lounging around or working from home. It’s no surprise that they’re a popular treatment during this time in quarantine. Imagine that cool sensation from the mask, that tingling feeling and all that instant gratification – it feels like self-care to the highest degree. And it’s not just for show. Face masks can be potent and target a multitude of skincare problems from redness to dryness and acne. However, it’s best to include masks as part of an overall skincare routine and not as a one-time thing.

Try this:

Glamglow’s ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment Mask, $77

We know what you’re thinking — you’re inside all day, so what do you need sunscreen for? You’re right, sunscreen isn’t as important while you’re inside, but you should keep in mind that windows don’t block harmful UV rays. Hopefully you’re getting some sunshine to keep your mood up, and while you do, keep your skin protected. If you already have sunscreen built into your daily routine, it’s a wonderful habit and you should keep it going, even in isolation.

Try this:

Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, $18

Spending long amounts of time in dry air, heated mostly by radiators, is sure to suck the moisture right out of your skin. If you were using a rich moisturizer during the winter, you might want to stick with that going forward. If that’s not an option, it’s a good idea to moisturize multiple times throughout the day aside from your usual day and night application. Get in the habit of doing it on your lunch breaks during your work-from-home day so that the extra moisture is built into your routine.

Try this:

Clinque’s Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, $48

Over time, dead skin cells build up on your skin’s surface, stealing its radiance. Now’s the time to really work on getting that radiance back so that you can debut it when social distancing is over! Chemical exfoliants will help. They’re acids that work with the skin to remove those lingering skin cells and the excess oil that can cause blemishes. Be sure to choose the acid that fits your specific skin issues. If you have oily skin, opt for a salicylic acid or a BHA – these can deep dive into your pores to remove excess sebum that causes breakouts. If you have dry skin, try a lactic acid which speeds up cell renewal and multi-tasks to bring out your skin’s natural glow.

Try this:

Tata Harper Resurfacing AHA + BHA Serum, $115

Similar to face masks, mechanical exfoliation gives you a hit of instant gratification that makes you feel like you’re really doing something good for your skin. This method involves sloughing away dead skin by physically dislodging and loosening up skin cells. These exfoliating products contain coarse ingredients just for this purpose like sugar, salt, rice, oatmeal, microbeads, seeds and sand. Some cleansers have microbeads in them that give you a gentle daily scrub, but for heavy-duty action go for an exfoliator built specifically to remove dead skin and add that to your routine once a week.

Try this:

Fresh Sugar Face Polish Exfoliator, $80

During your usual work or school day, you probably didn’t have time to introduce something new to your skincare routine. Now, you do! Quarantining is the perfect time to try a new method or product you’ve always wanted to. If you don’t have anything in mind, try a jade roller. They originate from ancient China as one of their traditional remedies, stimulating circulation and facial muscle relaxation. The lymphatic drainage that comes from the rolling action detoxifies your skin, leaving it soothed and free of inflammation.

Try this:

Heribvore Jade Roller, $40

Right now, you’re giving your lips a rest from lipsticks and glosses, which is great because they probably aren’t in the best condition after a harsh winter. Give your lips some love with a lip exfoliator that can gently scrub away dead, dry skin. By the time we get out of isolation, they’ll be hydrated, soft, and perfectly primed for lipsticks and glosses to glide on smoothly.

Try this:

Fenty Beauty Pro Kiss’r Lip-Loving Scrubstick, $22

Cleansing is one of the most critical parts of your entire skincare routine. Instead of double-cleansing or using a heavy-duty cleanser, now’s a good time to opt for a gentle one. Without makeup and dirt build-up from being outside, your skin doesn’t need anything harsh to clean it. Gentle cleansers dissolves impurities without removing your skin’s natural moisture and if you have sensitive skin, it will love you even more.

Try this:

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser Foaming Formula, $13

The stress from COVID-19 might age us faster than we’d like — we have to admit; this is all pretty intense. Take some of the pressure off with a night cream formulated specifically for cell renewal and tissue repair. Our skin functions completely differently while we’re asleep, focusing on regeneration instead of protection. Night creams just give your skin a little help doing its nighttime magic. Popular belief will lead you to believe that night creams are for aging skin, but there’s a wide selection of night creams for all ages – and you shouldn’t wait until you hit a certain age to start!

Try this:

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Sleeping Cream, $50

Serums are perhaps the most impactful product in your skincare arsenal — they’re potent liquids, packed with vitamins and active ingredients to boost your skin’s appearance. Apply a few droplets after cleansing and moisturizing in the morning and night for a noticeable difference to your skin’s overall glow.

After quarantining, you'll emerge refreshed, revitalized, and ready to take on the post-COVID world.

Try this:

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, $90