9 Skincare Products We're Making The Most Of During Quarantine

As we’re coming to terms with our new quarantine lifestyle, one thing we’re embracing is our newfound time for self-care, self-love, and that, of course, includes skincare. While previously finding the time to do a six-step skincare routine could be a struggle, now there’s really no excuse. Here at Huda Beauty, we’ve been WFH for around two months, and as a result, our beauty routine is poppin’ and our skin is looking better than ever. So we’re rounding up some of the different products and tools we’ve been loving and finding time for, and the ones that really made a difference to our skin.

1. Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum, $20

Source: Versed

Versed is one of our new go-to brands as it offers amazing yet affordable formulas, which is exactly what everyone needs right now. And this serum is the bomb – the formula contains a dynamic trio of detoxifying willow bark extract, brightening niacinamide, and oil-controlling zinc. These great ingredients work together to calm inflammation and decongest pores, thereby keeping breakouts at bay. Just apply two to three drops as your serum step (after cleanser and toner, and before eye cream and moisturizer). You can use it morning and evening, just follow with your fave moisturizer.

2. Dermarollers

Source: Beauty Bio, Banish

Now is the perfect time to start dermarolling as a) you’ve got the time and b) staying inside means less sun exposure (dermarolling increases sun sensitivity). For those of you who don’t know, dermarolling is a minimally invasive technique that stimulates collagen production by creating micro punctures in the skin. It also allows for better absorption of other products so active ingredients can penetrate the skin more deeply. DW, it doesn’t really hurt and the benefits are major: It rejuvenates the skin, helps fade the appearance of scars faster, softens fine lines, and it can even help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.

When it comes to finding the right derma roller, we always recommend starting with a smaller needle and limiting usage to twice a week. Our fave derma roller is the Beauty Bio GloPRO Micro-needling Regeneration Facial Tool, $199, which combines the power of micro-needling and red-light therapy to increase cell renewal. Another great option is the Banish Banisher 2.0, $69, which is a microneedling stamp made with 24k gold-plated titanium bristles. The stamp should be used weekly in the evening on cleansed skin, before applying other skincare products. For more tips and derma roller options, read our dermarolling guide.

3. Face Gym Training Sticks, $49

Source: Face Gym

Home workouts haven’t been this popular since the 80s, but it’s all anyone is talking about. And while we’ve been doing our workouts, we’ve been using these Face Gym Training Sticks so our skin gets a workout as well as or body. The science of these clever sticks is pretty simple but the benefits are major… As you get to work and your skin heats up, your skin’s metabolism also increases and the actives within the stick are delivered to your skin more efficiently. The active ingredients then gradually release for up to six hours post-workout.

Each stick has a different purpose to target your skin concerns – Pink Clay Brightening Stick, Spirulina Training Stick, Charcoal Detox Stick, and the Multi-Vitamin Pro Age Stick – and we’ve seen a noticeable difference in our skin since we started using these. Roll the sticks on to clean skin before you work out and let it get to work.

4. Hum Nutrition Skin Squad Pre+Probitoic, $40

Source: Hum Nutrition

We’ve been obsessed with Hum Nutrition ever since we tried the Glow Sweet Glow Supplements, $25, which delivered everything it promised. More recently, we’ve been trialing its pre and probiotic sister, which is designed to improve acne-prone skin, and we’re seriously impressed with the results. The supplements work to rebalance the gut microbiome, helping your body and skin detoxify and cleanse more efficiently, thereby keeping breakouts and bloating at bay.

After four weeks of taking these, we’ve seen a huge reduction in breakouts. And we’re not the only ones who’ve noticed a difference in our skin while using these: after surveying a group of women for 60 days, 88% reported a decrease in breakouts and 81% reported improved indigestion. The studies don’t lie!

5. Light Therapy

Source: Quasar MD, Neutrogena

We’ve been obsessed with the skincare benefits of light therapy for years now, the only thing is, it can feel like a pretty time-consuming practice. However, now we have the time, it’s a great opportunity to rejuvenate and restore your skin. The most popular light therapy is RED light, which penetrates into the skin, increasing the elasticity of collagen fibers. Our all-time favorite red-light tool is by Quasar MD, The Quasar MD Plus, $399, and after using it for four or five nights a week (we spend around 10 mins using it per session) we’re starting to see results; most noticeably firmer-feeling skin, and diminished post-inflammatory pigmentation. It definitely comes with a hefty price tag but it does have a lifetime warranty. You can also try more affordable red light versions like the Project E Beauty RED LED+ Anti-Aging Therapy, $99.

Other light therapies include green, which is great for anti-redness and sensitivity, whereas blue is antibacterial, so it’s great for treating acne. Yellow is used for draining, and purple for hyperpigmentation. Another, more pocket-friendly light therapy device is the Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment, $26, which combines the power of red and blue light to take down pimples.

6. WISHFUL Thirst Trap Cocoon Mask, $9

Having the time to let a sheet mask really soak in and do its business can be hard to find sometimes, but now it’s a weekly indulgence that makes us feel better than ever – even if no one’s there to see our glowing results! Our go-to is our WIHSFUL Thirst Trap Cocoon Mask, which holds an insane amount of serum that’s packed with aloe vera and sodium hyaluronate to soothe and hydrate your skin, and allantoin and niacinamide to brighten and protect. It’s by far the most hydrating and soothing mask we’ve ever used – it has a unique double-layer fabric that allows it to hold much more serum than most sheet masks.

7. Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Survival Serum, $68

Source: Alypyn Beauty

If you’re looking for skincare that makes you feel instantly more gorgeous, this serum is the answer to your prayers. Not only does it contain a combination of powerful skin-brightening ingredients, but it also has a pink pearlescent finish that leaves your skin with a stunning luminosity. It’s our go-to product for when we want our skin to look dewy and healthy, without having to commit to a foundation.

The hydrating, antioxidant-rich formula helps even skin tone with vitamin C, bearberry leaf and licorice root extract, while wild arnica, chamomile, and sage help reduce inflammation and rejuvenate the skin. Gentle exfoliants like lactic, azelaic, and glycolic acid help refine and smooth the skin’s surface and Tripeptide-29 encourages collagen production to plump your skin. Pretty impressive! Plus the all-natural formula contains none of the nasty stuff.

8. Retinol

Source: Lancer Skincare, The Inkey List

Another ahhhmazing product to introduce into your routine is retinol. However, as retinol is such a powerful ingredient, it can cause your skin to purge (when it becomes slightly inflamed with tiny red bumps) when you begin using it. Although purging doesn’t always happen, we’d rather get over that potential skincare hurdle while social distancing. By the time your skin gets used to the ingredient, you’ll just have plumper, smoother skin to look forward to. Retinol is also one of the most effective ways of improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation, fine lines, dark spots, and acne scars.

We’re currently using the Dr. Lancer Advanced Retinol Treatment, $95, which is supercharged with 1.25% retinol with bakuchiol (a plant-derived retinol), and hydrolyzed collagen and squalane to hydrate and moisturize the skin. The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum, $13, is another great formula we love and definitely more pocket-friendly. The formula boasts 1% stable retinol and 0.5% granactive retinoid (retinol’s more potent sibling) with squalane to soothe the skin. We love the gel-like texture, which makes application extra easy and comfortable. Apply this after toning as your serum step and follow with a hydrating moisturizer.

9. Dior Capture Youth New Skin Effect Enzyme Solution Age-Delay Resurfacing Water, $65

Source: Dior

Formulated with exfoliating papaya enzymes, this hydrating toner gently dissolves dead skin while the antioxidants work to boost radiance. We love it as it instantly hydrates and refreshes the skin and help to even skin tone and decongest pores. Either soak a cotton pad and gently wipe your face or pour a little into your hands and gently massage into your skin with your fingers. Use as your toner step. We’re also loving these two Versed toners, which each come in at $20 and made a real difference to our skin.

For more inspo on how to amp up your current routine, check out the beauty benefits of staying at home.