beauty

'The 8 products that save my skin when I'm going *through* it.'

This article originally appeared on Adore Beauty.

I'm a certified crybaby.

Good or bad, it doesn't take much to send this sensitive soul over the edge.

From tearful Housewives reunions to golden buzzer auditions, you can always count on these tear ducts to pull their weight.

I could blame it on my Scorpio Moon sign (read: emotional AF), but honestly, I just have a lot of feelings.

You too? Welcome, this is a safe space.

Watch: Mamamia's Beauty expert Leigh Campbell shares her thoughts on cleansing, toning, and hand washing. Post continues after video.


Video via Mamamia.

While shedding tears can be cathartic, helping to regulate our emotions and release tension, unfortunately, it does no favours for our skin.

Especially if it's the sensitive type or we're really going through it.

As if we weren't dealing with enough already, when the waterworks keep coming our skin basically has a temper tantrum, leaving us swollen, flushed, and blotchy — rude.

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So, why does this happen?

Skin experts suggest that the excess tears can pool in the delicate tissues around the eyes, causing blood vessels to dilate and exacerbating redness and puffiness.

Additionally, the salt content in tears can disrupt the skin's natural balance, leading to dehydration, which is why we often feel parched and drained after a good cry.

Add to that the abrasive action of using tissues to dab away tears from our ultra-sensitive eye area, and it's clear that we need a game plan for salvaging our skin during particularly challenging times.

Thankfully, I have a bit of experience in this area.

Below, I've assembled soothing, de-puffing, redness-reducing products to care for skin post-cry.

Because even when life feels like a mess, there's no reason for our skin to be.

The best post-cry skincare ingredients.

In the aftermath of a good cry, we need ingredients that soothe, hydrate and restore our skin's vitality.

Here's a breakdown of some of the best ingredients to look out for:

Hydrators

Moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalene and ceramide help replenish lost moisture from tears and fortify the skin's barrier.

Anti-inflammatories

Ingredients like aloe vera, niacinamide and chamomile work wonders in calming redness and reducing swelling, providing much-needed relief to distressed skin.

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Antioxidants

Vitamin E, caffeine and green tea extract shield our skin from environmental stressors, promoting its natural healing process and resilience.

Now, let's take a closer look at some products that contain these skin saviours.

1. La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Eye Serum 15ml, $56.

 La Roche PosayHyalu B5 Eye Serum 15ml. Image: Adore Beauty.

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What: La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Eye Serum 15ml.

Fast facts:

  • Specifically formulated for tired, puffy, and dehydrated under-eyes.
  • Refreshing water-gel formula that deeply hydrates and rejuvenates the skin.
  • Contains two types of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and a 10% dermatological eye complex with caffeine, niacinamide, and Hepes.

My mini La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Eye Serum review:

Those of you who know how much I love Hyalu B5 probably won't be surprised that the eye serum edition has made this list too.

Its thick, juicy texture is essentially identical to the facial serum, but what hooked me on the eye serum is its applicator: a metal rollerball that instantly cools and soothes.

Exactly what the doctor ordered.

You don't need much product for it to get to work, hydrating and depuffing the eye contour.

AB customer Claire reviewed:

"Visibly tightens and smooths the under-eye. Soaks in quickly."

2. Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum with 1% Ceramide Complex 25ml, $84.95.

Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum with 1% Ceramide Complex 25ml. Image: Adore Beauty.

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What: Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum with 1% Ceramide Complex 25ml.

Fast facts:

  • Helps to alleviate dry, flaky, and sensitive skin concerns.
  • Enriched with 1% Ceramide Complex to enhance hydration and fortify the skin's barrier.
  • Harnesses the power of vitamin E to combat redness and shield against free radical damage.

My mini Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum review:

In the spirit of soothing serums, we can't overlook Alpha-H Vitamin E.

This ultra-thick, ultra-soothing serum has nursed my skin through many a breakout and purge — both of the skin and soul.

Despite its rich texture, it sinks in fast and gives skin a healthy glow. I reach for it to relieve dry, dehydrated skin or to quell irritation when I've overdone it on the actives.

Extending beyond its skin-repairing benefits, it's an excellent hydrator too, instantly nourishing while helping the skin retain moisture over time.

AB customer Laura reviewed:

"I have really been enjoying this serum! I use this everyday and just love the feeling it gives my skin.

I have recently added in a few newbies to my routine so they may have contributed as well, but my skin is feeling so lovely and soft at the moment.

I feel this serum adds a bit of luxury to my routine as well, which I honestly wasn't expecting at such an affordable price point! So that's even better!

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Love the packaging, the pink bottle is very cute. Although I will say it's a bit tricky getting the last of it out of the bottle but other than that, big thumbs up from me."

3. INNISFREE Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum 80ml, $45.

INNISFREE Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum 80ml. Image: Adore Beauty.

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What: INNISFREE Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum 80ml.

Fast facts:

  • Lightweight and fast absorbing.
  • Tackles dullness, dehydration and uneven skin tone.
  • Green tea-derived probiotics help fortify the skin's defence.
  • Squalane and panthenol help soothe and moisturise the skin.
  • Enriched with encapsulated hyaluronic acid and Beauty Green Tea™ for deep moisture.

My mini INNISFREE Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum review:

Remember all those important post-cry skincare ingredients I told you about?

Well, this serum pretty much ticks all the boxes.

It's got green tea, encapsulated hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane and panthenol in the one formula. Together, these skin-loving ingredients moisturise the skin and help strengthen its defence for healthy, hydrated skin.

It can also be used in hand with your regular serums, after cleansing and before toning to enhance the skin's hydration and absorption of the following products in your routine.

So if you were thinking of spending your hard-earned money on just one product, this multi-tasking serum is a solid choice.

4. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Mask 25g, $14.95.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Mask 25g. Image: Adore Beauty.

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What: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Mask 25g.

Fast facts:

  • Biodegradable cotton sheet mask that soothes and hydrates.
  • Suitable for dry and dehydrated skin, and post-aesthetic procedure use.
  • Formulated with panthenol (vitamin B5) and La Roche-Posay Thermal Water to soothe skin and fortify the skin barrier.

My mini La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Mask review:

Honestly, the entire La Roche-Posay Cicaplast range is excellent for caring for your skin post-cry. Actually, it's excellent for caring for your skin, period.

From eczema flare-ups to sunburn and winter dryness, Cicaplast sweeps in to soothe, calm and heal skin back to health.

I narrowed down my choice to the sheet mask — because, honestly, there's just something so soothing about applying it. Even more so when it's been stored in the fridge (hot tip!).

Sheet masks are like a big ol' hug for your face. One that soothes, nourishes and repairs. The best kind!

5. Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost 50ml, $72.

Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser 50ml. Image: Adore Beauty.

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What: Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser 50ml.

Fast facts:

  • Melting balm to gel texture glides onto skin like butter.
  • Deeply hydrates and leaves the skin supple and bouncy.
  • Vegan, cruelty-free and non-comedogenic, suitable for all skins.
  • Helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dryness and loss of firmness.

My mini Ole Henriksen Peptide Moisturiser review:

It's no secret I'm a big fan of this face cream.

It's my emotional support moisturiser that I always come back to, whether it's to nourish dryness, soothe irritation, boost radiance or lay the perfect foundation for makeup application.

This multi-tasking moisturiser has an ideal ingredients list for post-cry skincare: peptides, ceramides, amino acids, collagen, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, pathenol and vitamins E and B12.

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But what I really love is its texture: pillowy, melty, and a dream to apply.

Its light, slightly citrusy scent is a treat, too.

6. The Jojoba Company Ultimate Youth Potion, $49.95.

The Jojoba Company Ultimate Youth Potion. Image: Adore Beauty.

What: The Jojoba Company Ultimate Youth Potion.

Fast facts:

  • Restores healthy skin lipids.
  • Boosts hydration and firms the skin.
  • Brightens the appearance of skin tone and texture.

My mini The Jojoba Company Ultimate Youth Potion review:

There's nothing cute or fun about dull skin when you're already feeling crappy.

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If you only have the energy to reach for one product, let it be The Jojojba Company Ultimate Youth Potion.

A serum and facial oil in one, it works to mimic the skin lipid profile (responsible for regulating the skin microbiome and epidermal barrier) of a healthy 22-year-old, restoring the skin with essential vitamins, antioxidants and omegas.

Translation: an instant glow-up that works overtime to repair damaged skin cells, boost collagen production and promote a healthier, more youthful-looking complexion.

If the idea of using a facial oil freaks you out, allow me to explain.

All skin, regardless of how oily, can benefit from a facial oil like this one.

That's because oily skin is often a result of the overproduction of sebum (natural oil).

By using a facial oil that closely resembles the skin's natural oils, like jojoba, your skin can better regulate sebum production by signalling to the glands that their work here is done.

In other words, add this to your cart RN.

7. SALT BY HENDRIX Glow Dust Massage Tools, $59.95.

SALT BY HENDRIX Glow Dust Massage Tools - Pink Amethyst. Image: Adore Beauty.

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What: SALT BY HENDRIX Glow Dust Massage Tools - Pink Amethyst.

Fast facts:

  • Use in a multitude of ways: to massage, to de-puff and to enhance your other products.
  • Double as a super-cute accessory to jazz up your makeup vanity.

My mini SALT BY HENDRIX Glow Dust Massage Tools review:

Can we please talk about how damn cute these glittery glass massage tools are?

They’re like magical fairy skincare wands that help keep eyes cool, calm and collected (even if we aren't).

Best used refrigerated, they help to soothe and depuff the under-eye, and aid lymphatic draining.

They can also be used to enhance the absorption of your serums and moisturisers.

On the topic of SALT BY HENDRIX, I'm going to be cheeky and chuck in an extra product recommendation too: the SALT BY HENDRIX Eye Babe - Under Eye Masks Blue.

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Besides their super sweet design, they help give your skincare an extra boost.

Simply apply your favourite serum or moisturiser and pop these babies on for improved product absorption and hydration.

AB customer Jay reviewed:

"These are the cutest little skincare tools and they cool sensitive eyes aiding lymphatic drainage."

8. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Gel Mask 150 ml, $89.

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Gel Mask 150ml. Image: Adore Beauty.

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What: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Gel Mask 150ml.

Fast facts:

  • Drenches skin with moisture.
  • Ideal for dry and dehydrated skin.
  • Helps nourish, soothe and energise.
  • Mineral oil free, paraben free, sulphate free and phthalates free.

My mini Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Cloud Gel Mask review:

If you like the sound of "[enveloping] your skin in a refreshing cloud of hydration", then you'll love this super hydrating mask by Peter Thomas Roth.

The closest thing to dunking your head in cold water (which I also recommend), this refreshing gel mask is the ultimate pick-me-up for post-cry skin.

It's formulated with a 20% hyaluronic acid complex, plus vitamin E, aloe and caffeine (the gangs all here), for a glowing, hydrated, happy complexion in 10 minutes.

Final thoughts.

In the midst of life's ups and downs, our skin deserves TLC.

By incorporating these soothing ingredients and nurturing products into your skincare routine, you can ensure your skin stays resilient, hydrated and glowing, no matter what challenges come your way.

So go ahead, shed those tears and just remember, this too shall pass.

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Feature image: Supplied/Adore Beauty.

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