2020 required us to acquaint ourselves with some new skincare products to deal with the specific challenges that this year give us.
Mask-wearing and staying indoors definitely has its advantages, of course, but it made us switch up our skincare routine to deal with numerous different challenges, such as acne caused by mask-wearing, increased exposure to computers and televisions, and redness from wearing tight protective gear.
So, I list the products which saved my skin this year in that regard.
This lightweight sunscreen from Innisfree is a blessing for bespectacled mask-wearers who keep getting sunscreen smudges on their glasses
Image credits: Stuti Bhattacharya
Normally when I would use my Neutrogena mineral sunscreen, I would find that it would sit on my skin without getting absorbed. When I would wear a mask, the sunscreen would move around and settle into white lines on my face. Not only that, the product would smudge my spectacles and make the whole process of wearing SPF uncomfortable.
So as someone who is used to applying thick sunscreens which leave a film of thick product on the surface of the skin, this hydrating and weightless sunscreen came as a surprise to me. It is super-blendable, quick-absorbing and refreshing for the skin. It doesn’t make skin oily or leave a white cast, making it great for people who hate thick and heavy sunscreens.
The Paula’s Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant fought my mask-acne like a champion
Image credits: Stuti Bhattacharya
Wearing masks can cause breakouts around the jawline. It’s important not to further irritate this area with abrasive products which cause more redness and inflammation.
This exfoliating toner works really well for acne-prone skin without sensitizing it or without drying it out. A great product for reducing redness, acne, as well as inflammation, it gets rid of pimples in just a few days without making skin flake or get stripped of its natural oils. One of the few anti acne products which is potent without being harsh, this deserves a place in the skincare kits of everyone who has breakout-prone skin.
The Keep Cool And Soothe lotion and serum calmed redness wherever I had lines from wearing masks and visors
Image credits: Stuti Bhattacharya
A skin-quenching, hydrating, and calming set of products, these two are truly a godsend. Upon using these two, skin becomes supple, glowing and plump.
The products themselves are great for all skin types, but especially oily skin which is dehydrated. Both the serum and lotion are weightless and spread well even if you only use a little. They feel like a boost of hydrating goodness for dull skin, as you notice the moisture make skin luminous just after application, as it absorbs fast and well.
Image credits: Stuti Bhattacharya
The best part is, these cause zero irritation and redness, and are specifically meant to soothe away irritation. Isn’t that perfect for oily and acne-prone skin?
This weightless anti-blue light serum from Le Ritual kept my skin healthy and silky-smooth while I was indoors
Image credits: Stuti Bhattacharya
An antioxidant serum which is hydrating, lightweight and suitable for most skin types, this quickly gets absorbed into the skin. It might seem like an anti-ageing product, but it is not like those heavy, oily serums you expect. Since it has salicylic acid, it suits people who are prone to breakouts. It claims to be a product that combats the ill-effects of blue light, such as that from our phones and computers. While the jury is still out on that, my observation is that it does reduce acne and blemishes, making skin look healthy and even-toned.
The Laneige Cica Sleeping Pack soothed redness caused by prolonged use of masks with metal clasps at the nose
Image credits: Stuti Bhattacharya
Most N95 and surgical masks have a metal clasp on the nose which can trap oil, sweat, and inflammation-causing germs under it, and the friction from the fabric of the mask can exacerbate the abrasion in this area. This results in redness and rashes. This sleeping pack helps remedy that problem.
By now we know that cica as an ingredient is famous for healing skin which is troubled. This particular mask is also good for repairing damaged skin, moisturising it and calming in down so that it feels and looks healthy. It can be used all over the face by those who have redness-prone and sensitive skin, but it can also be used as a spot treatment for those who have patches of inflamed skin where their masks or visors are exceptionally tight.
