How the pandemic changed my skincare routine
It wasn’t necessarily a chill time.
I did mention that I would write about topics that do not relate to food. This is one of those times. Though, I do have a novel’s worth of things to say about food as it relates to gut/hormone/skin health — but another day perhaps.
The last year took its toll on everyone’s mental & physical health, myself included, but the ample downtime did give me an opportunity to really sort through some of the skin issues I’ve experienced since I was a teen. Actually, close to 40 per cent of skin care users reported using products more often now than in 2019. Did this also translate into late night Sephora shopping — yes. But in the spirit of self care, dire boredom and absolutely no need to be wearing makeup, my experiments began.
The months spent lathering masks of various viscosities onto my face and applying magic serums from glass droppers onto my skin had its ups and downs, but it helped me narrow down my skincare routine through trial and error (sorry bank account). I knew most of my efforts would be fruitless, but I’m here to tell you that some were very beneficial.
What did not work
Fancy sunscreens
I believe in sunscreen, but I did find myself grabbing up sunscreen with proclaimed ‘brightening’ properties or sunscreen that acted as a self-tanner (what)? If the $30 price tag on some bottles wasn’t enough they ended up irritating my skin with heavy perfumes and additives that were not necessary in my SPF.
Face scrapers
I don’t know why I even purchased one of these, but it did feel cool on my face which is likely the only benefit reaped from this late night add-to-cart.
Eye masks
You know, those brightly colored jelly yin & yang-shaped pads you stick underneath your eyes. Those were surprisingly not helpful. I tried e.l.f. cosmetic’s hydrogel eye masks. Eye masks often contain caffeine, hyaluronic acid and berry extracts and they made my under eyes feel soft for about an hour. That’s about it. I’m sure if you were to splurge on the more expensive ones you’d have more success.
Peeling masks
Sure they look fun but they actually strip away more than dead skin cells but a layer of skin too — not so good. They are irritating for me but I had to give it one last college try before bidding these masks adieu. If you want to try one too, I used the Boscia Charcoal mask. Or opt for a mask I fell in love with during the pandemic? Khiels Rare Earth Cleansing Pore Mask. Oh baby, does this stuff dry out a zit.
What did work
Niacinamide
Yes, this miracle substance has been touted all over the internet — and for good reason. I have always had issues with inflammation and sensitive skin so I was happy to find something that calmed it (actually though). It also protects from environmental damage so, double win. My choice: The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
Retinol serums
In my opinion, there are way too many creams, serums and masks with retinol in them. I actually hated it when I started using it back in April. It is not an ingredient to dive into head first. Take it slow, wade around a bit. If used too liberally at first you’ll likely experience irritation (like I did), paired with skin purging (cue acne, bumps). But start slow and try something with a low percentage of retinol and see how your skin reacts. Try The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane or if you have more cash to spend I liked Drunk Elephants’ A-Passioni Retinol Cream.
Exfoliating acids/liquid exfoliants
If I could shout from the rooftops how life changing exfoliating acids have been for my skin, I would. There is lots to know before using them so I did a hefty amount of research before giving them a go. There are two families AHAs & BHAs , of them I’ve tried: lactic, glycolic, salicylic and citric acid. Not only did these products brighten my skin, they reduced my breakouts and got rid of my dry skin — yep! I had to try a few forms but I do know that salicylic is aggressive on my skin. However I use Paula’s Choice 2% BHA once every two weeks and it’s as if I have new skin the next day. My go-to daily choice is glycolic, it’s mild enough for sensitive babies like me and makes me super glowy and even-toned. I use Pixi Glow Tonic or The Ordinary 7% Glycolic Toner. Key takeaway — try these out and always use SPF while using these acids as they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays.
My go-to daily choice is glycolic, it’s mild enough for sensitive babies like me and makes me super glowy and even-toned.
Hundreds of dollars and one year later, I have found a skincare routine that works for me. Some of the items I chose to test out were doomed from the start (looking at you jade rollers). However I did manage to get hormonal breakouts under control (thanks sleep & unemployment), reduce inflammation, brighten my skin tone and fade some ancient acne scars. I stick to the basics now as per my wallet’s suggestion. I’ve included it here to inspire you to take better care of your skin and forego the failures I encountered while in lock down.
My routine
A.M.: Gentle cleanser (Andalou Naturals) + Pixi Glow Tonic + witch hazel & rose oil toner (Thayers) + The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and a hyaluronic acid moisturizer (Sephora line).
P.M.: Gentle cleanser (Andalou Naturals) + every second day I use The Ordinary 7% Glycolic Toner and once every two weeks I will use Paula’s Choice 2% BHA followed up by witch hazel & rose oil toner (Thayers) and my favorite thing ever, Palmers Vitamin E Skin Therapy Oil.
