We want glow and we want it now. Like really want it. John Lewis has seen a 183% spike in sales of skincare, especially for products promising to restore radiance. So why is our skin hell-bent on defying us right now? Whether it’s rogue breakouts or long- term problems flaring up, it seems skin issues are thriving during lockdown. Cosmetic dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk confirms a notable increase in people suffering from problematic skin conditions. ‘Stress is a big trigger for acne, dryness, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. On top of stress, reaching for comfort foods and spending less time outside can contribute to problems.’ But, as well as eating your greens and getting some fresh air, check out these Grazia- approved savvy skincare solutions that really work.
20 Skincare Heroes 2020
1 of 20This Works Evening Detox CBD Booster AHA Complex, £38
This Works skin-soothing boosters combine potent ingredients, such as vitamin C and retinol, with 1% CBD to help calm and counteract irritation. We especially love the Evening Detox CBD Booster AHA Complex, which gently exfoliates skin while you sleep.
2 of 20L’Occitane Sweet Melon Delicious Lip Scrub, £15
If your lips are feeling dry right now, try a scrub to help keep your mouth feeling supple and soft. L'Occitane Sweet Melon Delicious Lip Scrub, £15, is fruity joy in a jar.
3 of 20La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Serum, £28
Specifically formulated for sensitive and allergy- prone skin types, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Serum, £28, combines amino acids with antioxidant-rich thermal water to soothe and repair the skin's barrier, leaving it stronger and more resilient.
4 of 20The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Lotion SPF 50+, £22
It's not just UVA and UVB rays that damage skin cells; blue light from screens also compromises skin. Protect yours from all three with The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Lotion SPF 50+, £22 – a lightweight formula that sits well under make-up.
5 of 20Vichy Normaderm Phytosolution S.O.S Anti-Blemish Sulphur Paste, £17
Tackle blemishes head-on with Vichy Normaderm Phytosolution S.O.S Anti-Blemish Sulphur Paste, £17. 10% sulphur dries out the surface of the spot while niacinamide soothes any redness and glycolic acid exfoliates deep into the skin.
6 of 20Dermalogica Active Clay Cleanser, £35
If you thought clay = drying, think again. Dermalogica Active Clay Cleanser, £35, is a silky, lightweight formula that gently removes make-up while keeping oil in check and protecting the skin's moisture barrier.
7 of 20Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream, £69
Stressed, sensitised skin? Give Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream, £69, a whirl. Blended with skin-soothing peptides and barrier- supportive ceramides, it will calm and restore stressed-out skin back to its former glory.
8 of 20L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Golden Age Cooling Night Cream, £14.99
Research has found that cooler temperatures promote restful sleep and microcirculation, which is why L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Golden Age Cooling Night Cream, £14.99, cools the skin's temperature by -1.3°C on application, while boosting glow come morning.
9 of 20Lancôme Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Glow Liquid Moisturizer, £39
A smart choice all-rounder, Lancôme Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Glow Liquid Moisturizer, £39, helps reboot dehydrated skin with a combination of amino acids, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.
10 of 20& Other Stories Perle de Coco Shimmer Body Lotion, £11
Leaving limbs smooth and scented with warm vanilla and milky coconut, & Other Stories Perle de Coco Body Lotion, £11, brings the holiday feel good factor to your staycation. Added bronze pearls give skin a radiant sheen to boot.
11 of 20Olay Cleanse, Detox & Glow Daily Polish, £4.99
Do away with dulling dead skin cells with Olay Cleanse, Detox & Glow Daily Polish, £4.99. Blended with gentle exfoliating particles and vitamin E, it reveals brighter, smoother skin after just one use.
12 of 20Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector, £56.
Give strained eyes some TLC with Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector, £56. Gold-stabilised vitamin C brightens under-eyes and takes down puffiness without degrading or losing potency over time.
13 of 20Chanel Hydra Beauty Camellia Repair Masque, £52
Face, meet Chanel Hydra Beauty Camellia Repair Masque, £52 – a creamy, dreamy treatment that soothes dry skin with its balmy texture and nourishing camellia wax. Spa-level results in a tub.
14 of 20Cetraben Cream, £4.99
Ideal for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin, Cetraben Cream, £4.99, is a soothing emollient that locks in moisture, calms inflammation and protects against irritants.
15 of 20REN Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream, £49
If your nemesis is dark spots, REN Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream is worth the £49 investment. Algae targets discolouration while phytoglycogen bolsters glow.
16 of 20Laura Mercier Nourishing Rose Oil, £45
If you're into oils, get acquainted with Laura Mercier Nourishing Rose Oil, £45, which calms and restores balance with a blend of plant seed oils, including rosehip and macadamia. Massage into freshly cleansed skin and you're good to glow.
17 of 20Clarins Invisible Sun Care Stick SPF 50, £19
Repeat after us: I will wear SPF daily. It's even more important now that we're able to spend more time outdoors. Convenient and lightweight, Clarins Invisible Sun Care Stick SPF 50, £19, is perfect for protecting on-the-go with its handy stick applicator.
18 of 20Sanctuary Spa De-Stress Warming Body Balm, £10
Massage Sanctuary Spa De-Stress Warming Body Balm, £10, into tense areas before you hit the hay and let the warming formula, scented with ginger and rosemary oil, unlock tension and ease away the day.
19 of 20Avène Cleanance ComedoMed, £18.50
Formulated with 11 hard- working ingredients, Avène Cleanance ComedoMed, £18.50, regulates sebum production while reducing the appearance of blemishes. In clinical trials, 90% of users reported clearer skin in seven days. Impressive.
20 of 20Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Moisturiser, £34
Address hyperpigmentation and dark spots with Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Moisturiser, £34. Grapevine sap viniferine is its star, an extract shown to be 62 times more powerful than vitamin C.
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