Did 2020 do a number on your skin?
If you answered yes, you’re not alone. As a collective, COVID-induced stress wreaked havoc on our skin in 2020. So much so, a whole new (anecdotal) condition was coined: isolation skin.
And if we’re being honest, our skin hasn’t been the same since.
Often, when our skin is out of whack, we want to throw strong ingredients at the problem (think: retinol and glycolic acid) in a bid to smooth everything out. But before you bring out the big guns, let’s go back to basics first.
Ultimately, a hydrated complexion is a happy one. If your skin is lacking water, it can play up in a myriad of ways from dullness to acne, uneven texture and more prominent fine lines.
The first step in a post-ISO skin regimen? Implement a simple cleanse, hydrate, treat and protect routine with a healthy dose of ultra-hydrating moisture-magnet molecule hyaluronic acid.
Hang On A Minute…What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (pronounced hiya-lure-onic) is one of the most effective moisturising ingredients around. This moisture-binding agent has been scientifically proven to retain over 1,000 times its molecular weight in water. Long story short, it draws water into your skin, making it look (and feel) healthy and hydrated. If you ever have any questions about skincare—from which products to use to how to pronounce an unfamiliar ingredient—ask the experts at Amcal for their advice.
Here, the four step routine that will sort out your post-ISO skin issues, stat.
Cleanse
Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser, $33 at Paula’s Choice
Wash away the day with a nourishing skin-softening cleanser. Gentle enough to use both morning and night, this formula effectively removes makeup and cleanses skin without leaving your face feeling tight.
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Hydrate
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, $19.99* at Amcal
The perfect accompaniment to an Australian summer, this oil-free, non-comedogenic formula sinks into skin easily and won’t clog your pores. With a little help from hyaluronic acid, Hydro Boost Water Gel has a plumping effect and, over time, amplifies your skin’s ability to self-hydrate. The best part? It’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types.
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Treat
Neutrogena Hydro Boost 3D Treatment Mask, $22.49* at Amcal
Sometimes, a moisturiser isn’t enough. Packed with hyaluronic acid, this innovative mask doubles down on hydration and is best applied in the evening and left on overnight. In the morning, your complexion will be hydrated, luminous, bouncy, firm and smooth – promise!
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Protect
Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Sun Serum, $47 at Ultra Violette
No skincare routine is complete without SPF. Sunscreen is everything – without it, your skin is left exposed to the harsh (and damaging) Australian sun. This formula offers the highest grade of protection available, gives skin a luminous glow and sits well under makeup. When sunscreen is this good, there’s no excuse not to wear it.
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Brought to you by Amcal.
*The Neutrogena Hydro Boost range has 25% off at Amcal (online and in stores) between March 4-14, 2021.