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Last week, something strange happened to my skin, and I’m still trying to figure out the cause. It could be one of many reasons (thanks to the endless cycle of school germs), but it gave me an opportunity to try out some SOS face creams. Perfect timing for a “best beauty buys” post!
Here’s a little background before I jump into the top three SOS creams I tested: I woke up one morning with my skin feeling bumpy, similar to breakouts that hadn’t fully emerged yet. It wasn’t tiny pimples, but more like my skin had turned into crocodile scales, right from my cheeks downward with some visible redness. While this was manageable, I then experienced dryness and itching.
The dryness and itching felt like a reaction to strong retinoids, but since I hadn’t used anything new, that seemed improbable. Instead of obsessing over the cause like a detective, I decided to focus on returning my skin to normal and would address it further if repeated episodes occurred.
I began my SOS Skincare routine, a simplified version of my normal regimen without any active ingredients like acids or retinoids. This meant gentle cleansing and focusing on products that hydrate deeply and support the skin barrier.
So, what’s a skin barrier, you ask? Imagine it as a wall protecting your insides from external threats like pollution, smoke, or UV rays. Keeping it healthy is crucial because if it’s compromised, you might face redness, itchiness, and other issues.
I’m planning to share more about my skincare routine in my upcoming Current Skincare Routine post for Autumn 2021, but I want to spotlight the hero SOS face creams today. These creams are essential for soothing sensitive skin and fortifying the skin barrier, whether you’ve had a skincare mishap or are battling dry, flaky skin due to changing weather.
Here are my top picks:
1. DR. JART+ Cicapair Cream: Available on Amazon, this product is affordable and user-friendly. It’s light, absorbs quickly without leaving greasy residue, and soothes itchy, tight skin—ideal for a quick rescue without heaviness.
2. Medik8 Ultimate Recovery Intense: Also on Amazon, this cream is richer and more intense, but it’s my favorite. It applies smoothly, and the comforting sensation is like being treated with something amazing. Specifically made for post-treatment care, it’s perfect if you’ve overdone chemical peels or switched to stronger retinoids.
3. Murad Intense Recovery Cream: With a buttery texture, this cream is best for extremely dry skin. It has a nostalgic color reminiscent of a 1950s ointment, although its firmness makes scooping out the product challenging unless you use a spatula.
Budget-friendly option: Eucerin Aquaphor: Available at Feel Unique, this cream is perfect for shielding dry, vulnerable skin. While it might leave some residue, its protective layer is comforting if your skin feels extremely tight. For £9, the 45ml tube is a fantastic, affordable emergency cream to have on hand.