While we are all making the effort to distance ourselves from others, it’s important that we continue to look after our health with new routines that help boost our wellbeing.
One area in need of a little TLC right now is our skin – and what better time to introduce a new skin care regime than now, when many of us will be skipping our morning make-up rituals for an extra 20 minutes in bed before working from home?
The next few weeks may provide a useful time to start a new routine, which once established will have long term benefits to our skin. With the help of Dr Daron Seukeran, consultant dermatologist from sk:n clinics, here’s 6 tips on how to give your skin a re-fresh while working from home.
DOUBLE CLEANSE & EXFOLIATE
Even though you’re not wearing make-up as much at the moment, your skin will still need a good clean in the evening after collecting dirt throughout the day.
If you’re still using a little make-up for those work video calls, first remove it by using a make-up remover such as micellar water or a cleansing balm.
The next step is to do a second cleanse to ensure a thorough clean. Double cleansing preps the skin and allows for better absorption of active ingredients in the next step of topical treatments. It’s best here to use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip all the natural oils off your skin.
Oily skin types may need a foaming face wash and those with dry skin should consider a cream or lotion type cleanser so as not to cause too much irritation to the skin.
Exfoliate once or twice a week for a deeper clean. Exfoliating washes or creams containing salicylic acid (which is a beta-hydroxy acid) are best for oily skin types. For drier skin types, chemical exfoliation containing alpha-hydroxy acids such as lactic or glycolic acid are best.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR EYES AND LIPS
The skin around the eyes and lips is fragile and sensitive, and needs treatment just like the rest of your face. Use an eye cream and lip balm before you go to sleep for a good round of nightly TLC.
Eye creams hydrate the skin, and some contain active ingredients such as caffeine, hyaluronic acid or peptides to reduce fine lines while others include brightening ingredients to reduce dark circles such as kojic acid, and vitamin C.
It’s also a good idea to incorporate a lip moisturising balm into your routine. Vaseline or Shea butter, in particular, are great at locking in moisture and preventing dryness.
DON’T FORGET YOUR MOISTURISER
With spending more time inside it’s so important to remember your moisturiser as this will really nourish your skin.
Moisturising daily helps keep skin well hydrated and maintains the barrier function of your skin. Those with dry skin who are not acne prone may want to use a thicker moisturiser or oil based one. However, those with oily skin who do suffer from acne should stick with lighter moisturisers which are non-comedogenic to prevent blocking pores. Don’t forget the neck and décolletage when applying all these treatments and moisturiser, as rogue wrinkles can appear here over time.
As a bonus tip, apply moisturiser as soon as you’re out of the bath or shower, whilst your skin is still damp. That way you’ll lock in extra moisture! Hey, who said we didn’t look out for you?
APPLY AN ANTI-AGING TREATMENT
Prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to wrinkles. We have pals who are lining up around the block for Botox, but they don’t use under eye-cream. Crazy.
With the extra time you may now have, why not dedicate half an hour in the evenings to supporting your skin against
Using retinol is scientifically proven to increase collagen production and increase cell turnover. When using a retinol product it’s important to start slowly, incorporating it a few days a week initially before increasing it to daily use. Should you introduce it too quickly, the skin can suffer irritation, redness and peeling.
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.
If spending time in your garden (should you be lucky enough to have one), it’s important to use a good sun cream with an SPF over 20. Sun exposure can cause changes in pigmentation, lines and wrinkles and generally play havoc with the condition of your skin, as well as causing an increased risk of skin cancer. So, whatever your skin type, keeping your skin safe in the sun should be a top priority.
FEED YOUR SKIN
While following government advice at this time is crucial, it’s almost important to remember you can still exercise while keeping your distance from others, as well as ensuring you maintain a healthy diet.
Keeping up with exercise, even at home, will get your blood circulating and give your skin a healthy glow. With the weather improving why not enjoy spending your lunch hour in your garden to stretch your legs or even make a more conscious effort to open your windows to bring some fresh air into your home.
It may seem obvious, but a healthy diet with plenty of greens is also essential for a glowing complexion – and there is plenty of fresh food out there. Broccoli, for example, is full of skin-boosting ingredients such as vitamins A and C.