The 6 skincare products our editor is using during the lockdown

As beauty writers we have to fight the urge to test every new product that comes our way. Faced with a task that is both impractical and impossible, there is only one thing to do: be selective. Our editor is notorious for trying out too many products simultaneously and has had to learn to reign it in. Here’s what she’s currently putting to the test.

Just because we’re at home during the lockdown, it doesn’t meant that we can give up on our skincare routines. In fact, now is the perfect time to have an at-home spa day, or to treat yourself to a face mask or a few extra steps in your regime. I’ve been putting a few new products to the test over the past few weeks. These are the ones I’m fully committed to:

Alma K Purify Delicate Cleansing Gel (R199.95 – Clicks)
When I was a kid I used to love lathering my whole body with mud masks from the Dead Sea, and these memories were instantly conjured up when I heard Alma K was available in SA. Though it isn’t muddy like many other Dead Sea products, this gel cleanser contains Dead Sea minerals, plant oils and botanical extracts to purify and hydrate the skin. I love the gel consistency; it lathers really nicely and doesn’t leave that dreaded “tight” feeling after cleansing. The fresh scent and clean packaging doesn’t hurt either.

Exuviance Probiotic Lysate Anti-Pollution Essence (R700.00 – Skin Miles)
The skin’s microbiome has become a hot topic and more and more brands are developing probiotic and prebiotic serums and moisturisers to protect the skin’s moisture barrier. This essence is formulated with a 10% concentration of Probiotic Lysate, from the bacteria found naturally in yoghurt and 8% Polyhydroxy Acid, a potent antioxidant. Together these ingredients re-balance the skin’s microbiome and strengthens its moisture balance. I apply it in the morning after cleansing and I love the watery texture. It feels refreshing on the skin and absorbs within seconds. I love knowing that it helps protect from pollution and environmental aggressors throughout the day.

Bioderma Pigmentbio C-Concentrate (R399.95 – Clicks & Dis-Chem)
Though I’ve never struggled with sun-induced or hormonal hyperpigmentation, I sporadically get post-inflammatory pigmentation after a breakout. This usually takes ages to fade and requires quite a bit of concealing. I started applying this new concentrate at night, directly onto the areas of concern. It’s been three weeks and although the spots have not entirely disappeared, they are visibly lighter. The concentrate contains a high percentage of vitamin C, glycolic and salicylic acid and vitamins E (for its antioxidants) and PP (for long-lasting hydration), which together, yield amazing results. You can use it for up to four months, so I’m really excited to see what my skin will look like in the coming weeks.

Elizabeth Arden Great 8 Eight Hour Daily Defense Moisturizer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF35 (R440.00 – Elizabeth Arden counters)
Elizabeth Arden can do no wrong, and when a product says “Eight Hour” on it, I already know it’s going to be a favourite. I consider myself one of the biggest Eight Hour cream fans in the world (and trust me, there are many of us!), so imagine my joy when this beauty landed on my desk. It’s packed with eight great benefits to protect and perfect the skin and its translucent formula makes it suitable for all skin types and skin tones. It’s an all-in-one protector that defends the skin against blue light, sunlight, infrared and pollution, while hydrating, purifying and brightening. It effortlessly melts into the skin and acts as a great primer for makeup too. I’ve really enjoyed using this and can highly recommend it.

Huxley Secret Of Sahara Cream: Glow Awakening (R570.00 – Dermastore)
I have used this moisturiser twice a day non-stop since I first opened it. The first two things I noticed were the scent, which is light and fresh, and the texture. Despite it feeling very rich upon application, it absorbs quickly and it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on the skin. Filled with antioxidants, it protects the skin from environmental aggressors while giving a hydration boost and a healthy-looking glow. I’ve had zero dehydration-induced breakouts since I started using it (a problem I encounter as soon as my skin’s hydration levels drop) and I’ve definitely seen an improvement in my skin’s brightness.

TheraVine Charcoal Purifying Mask (R408.00 – theravine.co.za)
My skin tends to get a bit congested around my mouth area and on my nose, so I love using a good quality decongesting mask once or twice a week to keep blackheads at bay. This purifying mask from TheraVine contains activated charcoal to draw out impurities. It has the ability to draw micro-particles resulting from pollution (think bacteria, toxins, chemicals, dirt and oil) to the surface of the skin, and then absorbs them so that they can be washed off. Pretty nifty, right? It’s thick and gooey when you apply it, and it becomes dry like a clay when it’s ready to be washed off.