19 Skin-Care Products Bringing Our Editors a Sense of Calm Amid the Horrific News Cycle

"I have combination skin and experience just about all of my breakouts on my chin. Because of this I swear by toners to balance my skin and remove excess oil and makeup from the area. The Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner with Moringa + Papaya ($28) does just that while also gently exfoliating the skin to keep your pores clear with a blend of two-percent salicylic acid and papaya enzyme. It doesn't leave my face feeling dry or tight — just clean and fresh." — Jessica Harrington, associate beauty editor

"I have never experienced acne quite like I have during this pandemic, and I blame everything from the sweat the percolates under my suffocating cloth face mask to the stressful news cycle. Still, I've found some slight reprieve in the Perricone MD Acne Relief Retinol Treatment & Moisturiser ($45). It's jam-packed with my favourite ingredient for breakouts (retinol) plus a dose of hydrators and brighteners (like niacinamide, which does double duty), but the best part is that it lacks that gross chemical smell that comes with other acne treatments. A win!" — Kelsey Castañon, senior beauty editor

"I've been trying to hydrate as much as possible while at home, which is why one of my fave face masks is this Dr. Jart Cryo Rubber Mask With Firming Collagen ($14). It's a two-step treatment that comes with an ampoule serum that you put on to moisturise the skin before letting the rubber sit on your face for at least 30 minutes so that everything can penetrate. I tried this a few weeks ago, and once I removed the mask, I couldn't get over how glowy I looked, not to mention how incredibly soft and tight my skin felt." — Danielle Jackson, assistant beauty editor

"I've been meaning to try the Youth To The People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream ($58) for as long as it's existed, but it somehow got lost in the depths of my skin-care drawer. Alas, while doing a little deep cleaning, I decided to dig it up and give the tub a try, and I'll say this: I shouldn't have slept on this one. It's completely non-irritating, but has taken my skin from dear-god-I'm-dry to near-normal levels — a pretty big feat given I'm spending 98.9% of my time indoors." — KC

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35
"I'm always on the hunt for new sunscreen formulas that plays well under my everyday CC cream and when the Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 ($22) landed in my mailbox, I was excited to give it a try (even if I am spending most of my time at home these days). This lightweight formula is infused with sea fennel and moringa seed extract for a super silky-to-the-touch finish that glides on like butter. I love that it doesn't make my skin look too dewy or overly matte, and my CC cream sits nicely overtop without any pilling or fuss. It's become a staple in my purse during any socially-distant activities inside and out." — AMK

"I don't think I've ever masked so much in my life before these last few months . . . but here we are. The most recent one I've tried (and gotten hooked on) is the Asarai Earth Tones Red Clay Mask ($35). It's made with Australian clay that's supposed to soften, brighten, and detoxify the skin, and every time I put it on, it applies so smoothly and makes my skin feel like silk when I take it off." — DJ

"I would use the Ren Clean Skincare Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream ($49) every day for the rest of my life purely for the scent alone — it's that good. (Think: earthy but fresh, like you're walking the last leg of a long hike in the mountains but that just so happens to be surrounded by flowers.) It's also extremely hydrating, and gentle enough for my sensitive skin. What more could you want?" — KC

"Moon Juice Acid Potion Resurfacing Exfoliator ($42) has been around for a while, but it just got a facelift that caught my eye — how chic is this new bottle? And the juice (pun intended) is really fantastic, too. It contains an AHA and BHA acid complex, "super mushrooms" to calm inflammation, and hydrating and free radical-fighting ingredients. A quick swipe after cleansing makes my skin feel refreshed and moisturised, as well as thoroughly clean." — DD

"Since I've been practicing social distancing, my skin has been super dry and lackluster. After trying one too many products and seeing very little changes, I decided to completely overhaul my skin-care routine. I was immediately intrigued by the Seiso JBeauty four-step collection for it's beautiful, luxe-looking packageing. But after using it for a few weeks, I can honestly say it's been the best decision I've made for my skin. While I genuinely recommend using the entire routine, one of my favourite products from the collection is the Ceramide Moisture Milk ($95). This lightweight emulsion helps replenish the loss of ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol in your skin for improved hydration and reduced inflammation. I feel like the formula packed with skin-loving ingredients and the soft and moisturising consistency brought back that dewy glow that I live for." — Genesis Rivas, assistant editor, Makeup.com and Skincare.com

"I started using Seiso JBeauty right as stay-at-home orders went into place in LA . . . and right as my skin started to go haywire thanks to stress. Since then, the gentle four-piece skincare line — developed by one of the founding partners of Kate Somervile and the team behind some of Japan's best-loved skin-care products — has helped keep my skin calm when I'm anything but. The set includes Fuwawa Foaming Cleanser ($38), Pure Ceramide Concentrate ($155), which is kind of like a supercharged essence-meets-serum, Ceramide Moisture Milk ($95), and the Water Velvet Cream ($65), all of which are packed with the brand's patented koji-derived ceramide complex. There's a reason ceramides are having a moment in skincare circles right now; the naturally occurring lipids help hydrate, calm and protect skin. The Fuwafuwa Foaming Cleanser ($38) is my favourite step in the process — it's a light and gentle wash that swipes away my makeup, with a citrus-and-mint scent that calls to mind a mojito." — Lindsay Miller, deputy editor

"Because I've been experiencing so much irritation from wearing my face mask outside, I've been relishing in coming home to treat my skin with the Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Serum ($89). It is a bit pricy, to be sure, but its potent enough for a little to go a long way — just one drop of the ceramides and cucumber seed oil-spiked liquid treats my entire face. The result comes the next day, when I wake up to far less redness than I did before bed." — KC

"Over the past few months, I've made the conscious decision to scale down my double-cleanse, multi-serum, most-definitely-excessive skin-care routine. While I've set aside a handful of my go-to products, this Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Serum ($130) is one I'll never, ever part with. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid, dual-action peptides and antioxidants to minimize lines and hydrate the skin. It's completely changed my skin's appearance, gives an amazing glow (I'll even dab on a few drops on top of makeup) and keeps my complexion looking plump, healthy and radiant. It's a holy-grail, for sure." — SH

"Most face oils are great for layering, but they don't actually moisturise skin — instead, they help your skin retain moisture. And this is the reason face oil is the first step I skip when I'm short on time. I'm very excited about Furtuna Skin Due Alberi Biphase Moisturising Oil ($225) because it's different: It has both a water and an oil phase, and you shake it before you apply. That means you can use it at any point in your routine for both hydration and antioxidant benefits — it even boasts blue light defence, which I need now more than ever." — DD