Due to the coronavirus outbreak, our lives have been upheaved and changed in a number of ways. In an effort to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we’ve all been encouraged to stay at home. Now, while some of us are using this opportunity to lazy around the house and binge-watch the latest shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime, the reality is that you can make better use of your time. In fact, this could be the perfect time to both maintain and even update the quality of your skincare routine.
In fact, just because you’re staying indoors doesn’t mean that your skincare doesn’t matter. Additionally, maintaining a routine could be exactly what you need to get through these stressful times. In fact, research published in the Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews journal found that maintaining routines and rituals can help to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. This is because a routine helps us to gain a sense of control as well as normalcy, and that is exactly what a lot of us may need to get through these uncertain times.
So, if you’re stuck indoors, and worried about the state of your skin, take note of the below skincare tips.
Skincare tips for self-isolation
1. Your skin is (always) what you eat
Unfortunately, being confined to your home won’t always breed the best habits, and that includes your diet. Being at home can make you more prone to snacking on processed foods rich in sugar, salt, and fat. Sadly, such a diet can increase skin issues, such as inflammation and acne (1). This is why it’s important to monitor your diet and to eat foods that will help your skin rather than hurt it.
So, if you really want to feed your skin, make sure that you eat as many whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and protein as possible. What’s more, these foods are rich in nutrients that can help to strengthen your immune system, so it’s a win on all fronts.
In addition to what you’re eating, make sure that you also watch your alcohol intake. Aside from weakening your immune system, alcohol can also dry out the skin and accelerate the aging process. Rather, opt to drink at least 8 glasses a day as this will leave your skin glowing and hydrated.
2. Exercise is good for the skin
Just because every gym in town has closed its doors doesn’t mean that you can’t get a sweat in – even in the comfort of your home. Not keeping up with your usual active routine can decrease circulation in the skin, leaving you with a dull complexion.
If you want to keep yourself active and your skin healthy and bright, try a streaming workout that will help you stay fit right in your living room.
3. Keep moisturizing
The air indoors is so much drier than the air outside, so you’ll need to ensure that you apply a moisturizer that will keep your skin healthy and hydrated as the days roll on. Dry skin won’t only accelerate the aging process, but it can also make your skin oilier, so it’s important to invest in a hydrating moisturizer.
Hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient that can help keep your skin hydrated, so try opting for a moisturizer that has it.
4. Watch your stress levels
High-stress levels can definitely do a number on your body. Its effects include increased risks for heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and even early death. With regard to your skin, chronic stress can worsen skin conditions, like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.
Yes, the current state of events isn’t exactly calming to our spirits, but it’s important not to let it get to you. Try some stress-relieving activities like journaling, not constantly checking the news, meditation, or even enjoying a relaxing, hot bath.
5. Use a gentle cleanser
You may not be spending a lot of time outdoors, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still be washing your face in the mornings and the evenings.
Regardless of whether you’re spending your time indoors or outdoors, your skin accumulates oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria throughout the day. Therefore, it’s important to remove all of this debris from your face. Additionally, you should also remember to regularly exfoliate.
6. You still need sunscreen on the inside
Sun damage isn’t just a treat when you’re outside. This is because UVA rays, which are responsible for the sun’s photo-aging effects, can still penetrate through standard glass windows. So if you spend your days sitting by the window and watching the outside world, you’re putting yourself at risk for dark spots, wrinkles, and skin cancer.
Now, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t spend your time by the window, especially since it’s probably the best way to get your dose of vitamin D – especially under the current circumstances. So to enjoy your day by the window without worrying about the aforementioned risks, make sure that you apply your broad-spectrum sunscreen throughout the day and be sure not to rely on the SPF found in your moisturizer or foundation.
7. Sleep is good for the skin
Quality sleep is great for your health, and skin and any disruption can have adverse effects on both.
If you’re batting with getting some quality sleep because you’re worrying about what tomorrow might bring, try a few of these tips:
- Avoid caffeine after 5:00 p.m.
- Switch off your device at least an hour before bedtime.
- Snuggle up with a good book.
- Try mindfulness meditation while in bed.
8. Use eye cream
Whether you’re working from home or trying to keep up with all the latest news surrounding COVID-19, chances are you’re spending a lot of time staring at a screen. Unfortunately, while this won’t melt your brain, it’s definitely affecting your eyes, causing eye bags and dark circles. The area around your eyes is the most sensitive part of your skin, so it’s more prone to premature aging.
A good eye cream can help alleviate the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness. If you’re still battling with eye bags, you can try natural remedies like ice-cubes.
9. Face masks
Face masks are skincare tools that help give your skin that extra boost, especially if you’re battling dullness, dryness, and breakouts.
If you can’t seem to access any face masks in the stores, you can simply make your own in the kitchen. Not only are they easy to make, but the nutrients found in avocados, bananas, and whatever else you may use will help to nourish your skin.
Here are some easy and natural face mask recipes.
10. Pamper your hands
With the emphasis on the need to constantly wash your hands, there’s a chance that they may be dealing with some dryness and irritation. Now while hygiene is important, and you should be regularly washing your hands, there’s no reason as to why you can’t keep them happy.
To do this, it’s important that you apply hydrating hand cream after each wash. Try to do so when your hands are still damp as this will allow the cream to trap in the moisture.
You can also use this downtime to give your nails a break from manicures. Chances are every nail salon you know is close, so why not use this time, so why don’t you take a more natural approach to your nail care? Be sure to keep them clean and don’t forget to regularly file and trim them. Also, if you can, try using a cuticle oil rich in shea butter and vitamin E as this will help to hydrate and strengthen the nail area.
11. Give your skin and hair a break
This lockdown could be the perfect time for you to give your skin and locks a break from all the treatments that you usually put them through.
Your skin will definitely reap the benefits of not being weighed down and clogged up by layers of foundation and concealer. Your hair will also enjoy not having to endure the heat damage that often comes from the use of heated hair tools, such as straighteners and hair dryers.
12. Clean up your beauty station
Pandemic or not, it’s always important to keep your make-up and skincare products clean as they can be a great breeding place for bacteria. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that 9 out of 10 make-up bags contained bacteria such as E.coli and staphylococcus.
Here are a few great ways to keep your beauty station clean:
- Clean your make-up brushes with soap and hot water at least once a month.
- Disinfect powder palettes and all make-up brushes, compacts, lipsticks, and all containers.
- Throw out all your expired make-up.
- Sharpen all make-up pencils before use
- Don’t share your make-up.
Maintaining your skincare and beauty regime isn’t the only thing that you can do to maintain your health during the lockdown. In fact, there are a number of things you can do to keep yourself and your family healthy over the coming weeks.
References
Bashir, A., Lambert. P.(2019). Microbiological study of used cosmetic products: highlighting the possible impact on consumer health. Journal of Applied Microbiology, DOI: 10.1111/jam.14479
Eilam, D., Izhar, R., Mort, J. (2011). Threat detection: Behavioral practices in animals and human, Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews,
Volume 35, Issue 4, Pages 999-1006, ISSN 0149-7634,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2010.08.002.
Kucharska, A., Szmurło, A., & Sińska, B. (2016). Significance of diet in treated and untreated acne vulgaris. Postepy dermatologic allergology, 33(2), 81–86. https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2016.59146
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