Hey everyone! I hope you are  all staying safe and healthy. These are very tough and strange times, but I believe if we come together, take the proper measures and practice social distancing, we can come out of this stronger and better.

Personally, as an extrovert and someone who likes being outdoors and exploring around, this has not been easy. But, as days go by, I find myself slowly adjusting to this new "normal" and doing everything I can to remain positive. Indeed, there is a bright side to all of this. For example, many of us are now able to get more rest, strengthen our relationships with our friends and family, cook more, and witness shifts in our environment.

For me, one of the nicest things about staying home/practicing social distancing is that I have more time to work on my beauty routine.  This is actually the perfect period to work on strengthening your skin's barrier because you're not frequently out and exposed to pollution, debris, and other things that can take a toll on your skin.

I've also had more time to do research and watch reviews on brands and products, so I wanted to share them with you. This article will be a compilation of the best skincare products you can try right now to strengthen your morning and night routines. Of course, stores are closed but don't worry, you can order all of the products online. If you want to directly go to the product link, you can click on the title that I boldened, and it'll take you directly to the website for more information, or purchase.

Cleansers

1) Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser by Youth to the People

The superfood antioxidant cleanser by Youth to the People is great for those with oily skin and uneven texture. The cleanser has kale, spinach and green tea as the main ingredients in it; these all work together to provide anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to your skin, and help balance your PH.

2)  Pore Normalizing Cleanser by Paula's Choice



The pore normalizing cleanser by Paula's Choice is one of my favorites. It's suitable for oily and acne-prone skin, gently cleans, and isn't too drying on the skin . This product also has a bit of salicylic acid in it which helps dissolve pore-clogging impurities.

Oil cleansers/balms

1) Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm by Farmacy



The cleansing balm from Farmacy is definitely a staple. I've seen so many youtubers, bloggers, and skincare enthusiasts rave about it. If you're into all things beauty, then you'll know that oil-cleansing is the hype right now (I'll be doing a post on it soon). This particular product is a balm but once you put it on your skin, it transforms into an oily and milky lather. It's gentle yet works so well to remove all of your makeup.

2) Precleanse Oil by Dermalogica



Another favorite is the precleanse oil by the brand Dermalogica. This oil is meant is meant to be the first step in your nightly routine. I tried this a few years ago and was amazed by the results, I definitely need to purchase it again and incorporate it into my routine. The precleanse oil melts away all the impurities and make-up, and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth.  Seriously, you'll be amazed at how the toughest build-up will disappear within 3 minutes.


Toners

1) CoQ-10  Toner by Indie Lee



The CoQ-10 toner is alcohol-free and it works to soothe and hydrate any skin type. Even if you have oily skin, it's important to use a hydrating toner so that your skin doesn't produce excess sebum. The product has hyaluronic acid in it and the antioxidant coenzyme Q10.


2) Advanced Replenishing Toner by Paula's Choice 



The advanced replenishing toner is the best toner I've tried so far. I started using it about two weeks ago and I've been seeing results. This is a good toner if you want to reinforce your skin's barrier(the product contains antioxidants and omega fatty acids), hydrate it, and give yourself a nice and radiant glow.


Exfoliants

1) 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant by Paula's Choice




The 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant by Paula's Choice is their best-selling product. This gentle leave-on exfoliant with salicylic acid  unclogs pores and evens out your skin tone. It's great for oily and acne-prone skin as it also helps with stubborn pimples and gets rid of your dead skin cells.


2) Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner by Youth to the People



The kombucha and 11% AHA exfoliating toner is also a great product to smooth your skin and minimize your pores. AHA's, which are "alpha hydroxy acids" are gentle acids. This particular exfoliant has two AHA's in it: glycolic acid and lactic acid. If you're new to chemical exfoliation, these acids are great as they are not that strong, yet still very effective.


Masks

1) Water Sleeping Mask by LaNeige



The water sleeping mask is great for those with dry or dehydrated skin. This is a pretty popular product. It's an overnight mask  that deeply hydrates your skin. It's also very light so you can pair it with another moisturizing product before you go to sleep.


2) Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask by Origins


Origins never seems to miss with their face masks. The active charcoal one helps clear your skin of dirt, debris, and other things that can leave you looking dull and congested. I use the mask about twice a week at night and I leave it on for about 10 minutes max. It always leaves my skin feeling refreshed and I definitely see less blemishes the morning after I use it.


Acids/Boosters


1) Hyaluronic Acid Booster by Paula's Choice


Whether you have normal, dry, or oily skin, you definitely need the hyaluronic acid booster by Paula's Choice. The booster replenishes your skin and allows other products to penetrate better since your skin is fully prepped and moisturized. A few drops of this on your skin will leave it feeling fresh and smooth.

2) Niancinamide Booster by Paula's Choice


Another great booster from Paula's Choice is the niancinamide booster. If you have hyperpigmentation, then you should definitely try this. Niancinamide helps improve uneven skin tone,  and minimizes pores. If you use the niancinamide in conjunction with your hyaluronic acid booster, you'll see results in as little as three weeks.

3) Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum by The Inkey List



If you're looking for a more affordable hyaluronic acid serum (the Paula's Choice one is small and a bit more high-end) that'll provide effective results, the one from the Inkey List is probably your best bet.  This serum is lightweight  and also has peptides in it, which makes your skin more plump!

Moisturizers

1) Omega + Complex Moisturizer by Paula's Choice


The Omega + Complex moisturizer is made with shea butter, omega oils, ceramides, and other ingredients that work to instantly soothe and hydrate your skin. This moisturizer is ideal for those with dry or flaky skin, or for those who have an impaired barrier and want to work to restore it. I actually have a sample of this product and I've been meaning to try it because at times I do sense that my skin is dehydrated and stressed, and this seems like it would definitely bring back healthy and replenished skin.

2) Cream Skin Toner and Moisturizer by LaNeige




A lot of estheticians swear by this moisturizer, and I understand why. It has a two-in-one formula that tones your skin and then moisturizes it to provide maximum hydration benefits. Obviously this may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you're looking for a product that'll do two things at the same time in an effective manner, I would say definitely give this a try!

Sunscreens

Last but not least, sunscreen! Yes, even if we are indoors, we still need to use some :)

1) Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 by Supergoop



Unseen sunscreen is lightweight, soothing, and the best part? It's completely invisible! Apply this as your last step in your morning skincare routine (and about 15 minutes before you head out) to make sure your skin stays protected!


2) Black Girl Sunscreen



Black Girl Sunscreen(BGS) is the perfect sunscreen for all of my melanin ladies. I know how hard it can be to find a sunscreen for deeper skin tones and thankfully, Black Girl Sunscreen is here to save the day! BGS is not only a sunscreen, but it doubles as a moisturizer too (ugh, what a win!). This sunscreen is also completely toxin-free and provides inflammation relief.


Thank you for reading, I hope this was helpful! We can all take this time to work on getting clear, moisturized, and glowing skin. That way, when outside opens up again, we can roam whilst looking like glowy and radiant dolls ;)

If you have any questions, feel free to DM me on Instagram (@pendasarr) or email me at: sarr.penda@gmail.com.