12 great skincare products that are available at your local chemist, if you can't wait for delivery

It might not be your first stop, but your local chemist is actually a veritable treasure chest of trustworthy, safe and cost-effective beauty finds. Need a hyaluronic acid product under Rs 300 or a sunscreen that you can wear every day? You'll find it in these aisles. If you're too impatient to wait for an online delivery, and can't make it to beauty stores in malls yet, your drugstore is the next best thing. Here are the best products you can shop for now, for everything you might possibly require. 

You're re-upping your sunscreen needs

Even when you're spending more time at home, wearing sunscreen is a must-have, never-skip product. This tube is easily available, and provides effective broad spectrum protection against UVA and UBV rays. Because it is fortified with chemical blockers, it works against the blue HEV light emitted by devices too. The light gel spreads easily, so you won't even feel it on your face (even in the most humid weather).

You need a safe at-home exfoliant

You don't need a fancy toner or peel to do the job—glycolic acid is a great AHA that breaks down the glue between skin cells and encourages better cell regeneration. The thick cream has a moisturising base, so you won't find the irritating and peeling that other exfoliating agents can cause in the early stages of application. 

You're in the market for an anti-acne product

If whiteheads and blackheads are your major bugbear, you'll want a salicylic acid-based product that can go deep into the skin and break up the gunk and oil between the pores. Less clogged-up pores mean less acne, so it's a one-two punch.

You need to heal a wound

Bio Oil is chock-full of calendula oil and chamomile oil, which promote quick healing and regeneration of the skin. Plus, Vitamin E provides hydration and antioxidants that help with dermal repair, so applying it to a closed wound can help it from scarring. If you're picked a pimple, gotten a burn or nicked your skin with a razor, this is the ideal product to apply.

You want a no-nonsense cleanser

This antioxidant packed, fragrance-free cleanser is go-to pick for dermatologists, and those with sensitive or finicky skin. The lightweight gel-liquid calms irritation while it cleanses, and helps maintain the natural pH balance in the process.

You want to indulge in a face pack

Face masks don't have to have too many ingredients or be too fancy. And while an at-home DIY pack works just as well, this oil-absorbing one is perfect if you'd rather do without the mess of actually making one. Neem is an antibacterial, turmeric is an antiseptic and fuller's earth is a deep-cleanser, all of which help to solve acne issues at the root. 

You're on the lookout for a cure-all moisturiser

This French pharmacy classic is just as easily available at your local chemist, making it is a must-have in your skincare top shelf. The thick hypoallergenic cream is super emollient, so it'll zip up any peeling skin or dry spots on first application. It is rich in micronised zinc, which helps to temper aggravated skin conditions in a soothing way. 

You like to stash a lip balm in every drawer

This balm instantly soothe lips, zips up any peeling patches and heals any torn skin. The stick balm also has SPF 30, so it protects your pout from sun damage and wind burn too.

You're in the market for a plumping product

Hyaluronic acid is a natural carbohydrate and humectant that cushions and lubricates the skin. When you smooth it on as skincare, it is able to prevent transepidermal loss while pulling environmental moisture into the skin cells, leaving them plumper and healthier than before. While serums are the most common format, this soft gel texture is just as light and comfortable on the skin, and plays well with products you'll layer over it. 

You need a targeted spot treatment

Benzoyl peroxide is able to kill acne-causing bacteria, so this is the ideal spot treatment for that cluster of angry zits that crop up. This translucent gel sinks easily into the skin without irritating it, so once you let it dry, you can apply other products and makeup on top. 

You're looking for an eye cream

A confusing sleep cycle and a lot of time spent in front of the computer can leave the skin around your eyes looking worse for wear. Assuage it with this eye cream, which has hyaluronic acid and peptides to fight fine lines and puffiness.

If you need a glow-booster

Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant that can brighten skin, reduce the appearance of pigmentation and fight free radicals. But most formulations can be unstable and expensive. This ascorbic acid gel is housed in a dark tube to maintain its efficiency, and the creamy texture makes it less sticky than other serums.

Also read:

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