Pandemic Skincare Hacks: Foreo, Ceramides and Hyaluronic and Salicylic Acids Are Saving My Skin

A few years ago, I was gifted a Foreo LUNA Mini and Foreo UFO. But I was intimidated by the fab and intricate packaging and tech talk that an app connection was necessary for the devices to work. So they remained in my beauty supply closet, pondered but unopened.

Fast forward to 2021 and nearly a year into the coronavirus pandemic. Maskne happened. My skin was breaking out around my mouth; not a surprise after wearing face masks daily since March 2020. But I also had a few unsightly blemishes on my forehead.  So I went back to the  battle-ready skincare hacks I've used -- salicylic acid cleansers to combat the acne and glycolic/alpha-hydroxy acid to brighten and banish the blemishes. 

My adult skincare routine also includes daytime and nighttime moisturizers packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Day and night, I also pamper my skin with different types of masks chocked full of holistic skin savers like aloe, charcoal, turmeric and black tea.  Brands I love include Fresh, Eminence, CeraVe (and the knockoff version at Harmon Face Values), Andalou Naturals and whatever bargain skincare gems I find at Marshalls.

But the exfoliation piece of the puzzle was still missing. During the pandemic, I haven't gone to my usual skincare spot for microdermabrasion treatments, which does wonders for my skin. So for months, my skin has been intermittently dull and dry, and in desperate need for some intensive exfoliation TLC. Shedding those dead layers of skin helps to pump up the effectiveness of the daily skincare products I use. So just when I was planning to pick up a pack of old-school buff puffs, I cracked open the Foreo packages. After just one 30-second use of the Foreo LUNA paired with one of my cleansers of choice and the Foreo UFO with one of the Foreo activated masks (I was gifted a 7-pack of Make My Day and Call it a Night), my skin is already noticeably smoother and brighter. The dark spots are fading, too. 

(Photos courtesy of Everything She Wants)

The unique, portable silicone products provide deep yet gentle cleaning. Unlike harsh buff puffs and bristled cleaners (sorry, Clarisonic), Foreo devices are nonporous and resist bacteria buildup. And in just 90 seconds, the Foreo UFO Mini delivers full-spectrum LED light therapy and ultra-fast heating, together with T-Sonic pulsations and warming Thermotherapy. 

So the moral of the story is that sometimes you already have what you need...buried in your beauty closet.