Looks like we’ll be staying put a little longer. And whilst we’re definitely happy with taking one for the team, staying home, and preventing that second wave, it’s certainly true that we’re noticing the effect that these extended periods of self-isolation is having on our skin.
As well as this, factors such as emotional stress and our changing diets can lead to breakouts and skin irritation. To combat this, we spoke to Chanelle Rosa, Aesthetic Specialist at Candela Medical, who provided her top 5 IDEAL tips on how to maintain healthy skin indoors.
CONTINUE TO USE SPF
Although you’re indoors, you may still be susceptible to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, which can sometimes penetrate through windows and glass and do damage to your skin. Not only will a daily SPF protect you from sunburn, but it will prevent premature ageing, wrinkles and skin cancer.
As we’re spending more time indoors, we also need to protect our skin from the blue light radiating off our phones, laptops and TV screens. Indeed, recent studies have suggested a link between screen exposure and skin damage. Since blue light (also known as HEV) can contribute to hyperpigmentation, skin inflammation and collagen degradation, you should always use an SPF of at least 15 and top it up every four hours.
MOISTURE, MOISTURE, MOISTURE
The air indoors tends to be drier and can lack humidity, causing the skin to dry out and be more prone to flaking. The best way to combat this is by using a rich moisturiser to hydrate and relieve the skin.
If you have skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea, it’s best to use fragrance free, thick lotions which are suitable for all skin conditions as some moisturisers may cause skin irritation or a burning sensation. There are plenty of lotions designed for specific skin conditions, so remember to do your research and always patch test on a small section of skin before applying the product elsewhere.
GO EASY ON THE ALCOHOL
Whilst having a drink or two might provide you with some much needed relief during this tough time, alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it will dehydrate you regardless of the quantity you are drinking.
With the skin being the largest organ in your body, it is no surprise that even moderate drinking can lead to dehydration having a significant impact on your skin. The morning after a session, it’s common for the skin to appear dull, and feel drier and more blotchy.
This is due to acetaldehyde, a toxic by-product of the enzyme released when drinking alcohol. As your body works to flush out this toxin and replenish hydration levels, it begins to store the water it does have and stops delivering the amount of oxygenated blood to your skin, which keeps it feeling hydrated. This can make your skin appear dull the next day and fine lines may appear more visible, as hydrated skin often smooths over the appearance of wrinkles…
REMEMBER TO HYDRATE
If you’re working from home, it’s easy to get distracted with your workload and forget to drink regularly, especially without colleagues offering to make a round every so often. But, in order to help your skin glow, you need to make sure it’s hydrated from the inside out.
The phrase ‘8 by 8’ is useful at keeping track of how many glasses of water you consume before the end of the day; simply drink eight glasses of water by 8pm and you’ll have had your fill for the day. However, there is no need to over hydrate as this will not add any benefit.
TRY TO KEEP UP A REGULAR ROUTINE
Whilst social distancing is a great opportunity to go makeup free, let your hair grow wild and nails heal, your skincare routine should not be relaxed if you want to emerge blinking into the sunlight after lockdown looking luscious.
When it comes to skincare, consistency is key to avoiding a dehydrated complexion, congestion and future breakouts. Throughout the day your skin can become oily, dead skin cells can accumulate and bacteria, viruses and pollutants can harbour on your skin. This is why daily facial washing with a cleanser is so important. For a great skincare routine, we recommend starting off with a cleanser, then using a toner, serum and moisturiser. Exfoliation with a facial scrub can be included in your homecare routine, with the frequency dependant on skin type.