Yes, we’re all currently still under pandemic regulations and that means a lot of us are spending time at home. However, that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be prioritizing our skincare. Aside from the fact that following our usual beauty routines can help to keep us occupied and our minds busy, lockdown isn’t exactly gentle on the skin.
If not taken care of, the effects of lockdown can exacerbate skincare problems that include premature aging, acne, and dryness. If that’s not enough, all the extra time we’re spending in front of our screens may also be aging us.
Beauty Products For Lockdown
We need to be proactive when it comes to our skin, especially during lockdown. That said, we can’t exactly visit our regular salons for beauty treatments or products. That said, we’ve found the latest and most exciting beauty-buys that will help keep your skin healthy all in the comfort of your home.
1. Eau Thermale Avène XeraCalm A.D Cleansing Oil
Eau Thermale Avène XeraCalm A.D Cleansing Oil
There’s a reason why this gentle cleansing oil is still so popular in the beauty world, especially amongst those with sensitive and dry skin.
What’s in it?
The cleanser’s key ingredients are the signature Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water, Cer-Omega ( a complex of liquids), and unique I-Modulia® (a biotechnological innovation courtesy of Pierre Fabre Laboratories following 12 years of research). Each ingredient works to not only gently cleanse the skin, but it also does its best to soothe any discomfort as well as hydrate and strengthen the skin.
What are the benefits?
Active properties found in the Avene Thermal Spring Water promote an anti-irritating effect on the skin, which can beneficial for those experiencing eczema flareups during lockdown.
Cer-Omega is a complex liquid made out of omega 6-fatty acids, ceramides, and sterols.
Omega-6 fatty acids contain anti-inflammatory properties, which can then serve to alleviate inflammatory skin issues, such as breakouts and eczema, caused by increased stress levels (1).
Ceramides are fats found in the barriers of your skin that help prevents moisture loss and protect it from external and aging factors. Unfortunately, the aging process causes a decline in ceramides, therefore, it’s important to replenish them as well as we can. We then have sterols which, along with ceramides, have been found to stimulate the production of collagen, which then helps to leave one with a supple and youthful appearance (2).
The final main ingredient is I-Modulia® which, thanks to Pierre Fabre Laboratories, can help to alleviate both itchiness and discomfort.
You can purchase the cleansing oil from the Avene website or here.
2. Payot Roselift Collagen Jour
If you’re looking for a day cream that will help address your aging concerns as you go about your day in quarantine, then this rosy day cream from Payot is exactly what you need.
Payot Roselift Collagen Jour
What’s in it?
The day cream works to not only lift the skin but also add back volume. To do this, its main ingredients include a peptide, oat extract, hyaluronic acid, and a patented active ingredient taken from the Damascus rose. Each ingredient not only works to maintain the skin’s youthful appearance but also boasts protective properties, thus reducing the aging effects of free radicals.
What are the benefits?
As mentioned, one of the cream’s key ingredients is peptides. Peptides are protein building blocks that focus on collagen, elastin, and keratin. In terms of skin health, collagen and elastin help to keep your skin firm, supple, and wrinkle-free.
Oatmeal is a delicious and filling breakfast, and it can also do wonders for your skin health. Not only does oat extract help to moisturize the skin, along with hyaluronic acid, but it also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The Damascus rose is a beautiful pink flower whose extract used in the Payot day cream contains anti-aging benefits. Not only does it hydrate the skin, but it also improves the skin’s appearance by revitalizing aged skin cells.
You can purchase the day cream from the Payot website.
3. Skin Republic Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen Face Mask Sheet
Many of us are passing the time with face masks. It’s a great way to unwind, and it also targets areas of concern in our skin, leaving it healthy and flawless.
What’s in it?
If you’re looking for a mask that not only targets the drying effects of lockdown but also the stress-induced wrinkles and dull skin, then this is the face mask for you. Hyaluronic acid provides an anti-aging moisturizing effect, whereas collagen targets wrinkles and loss of volume.
What are the benefits?
Loss of skin moisture not only causes dryness and dullness, but it can also encourage the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and even pigmentation. The body already has levels of hyaluronic acid but, like many things, it decreases as we age. Thankfully, the topical application of the acid, as well as collagen, helps to replenish the skin with moisture and alleviate dull and aged skin.
You can purchase the mask from the Skin Republic website.
4. Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Face Oil
If your skin is looking a little dull, and you’re looking for an extra boost, then this daily oil from Kiehl would be the perfect way to add some life back into your skin.
What’s in it?
This lightweight oil is rich in antioxidants that help to protect, as well as revitalize tired-looking skin. Infused with botanical oils, most notably ginger root essential oil, sunflower botanical oil, and tamanu botanical oil, this beauty product is exactly what you need if you’re looking for a radiant glow.
What are the benefits?
Ginger root is one of the most antioxidant-rich compounds on the planet and in the form of essential oil, it helps to fight off free radicals and prevent premature aging. Ginger also helps reduce the appearance of scars, leaving you with even-toned skin.
In addition to hydrating the skin, sunflower botanical oil also helps to preserve the skin’s barrier. In fact, it serves to protect the skin against free radicals all while supporting its ability to retain moisture (3).
Tamanu botanical oil is sourced from the tamanu seeds of the tamanu nut tree, native to Polynesia. As it is incredibly rich in fatty acids, the oil not only helps to keep the skin moisturized but’s also been found to promote the production of collagen and even reduce the aging effects of sun damage (4). Now, just because you’re spending time outside does not mean you’re immune to sun damage, as the sun’s aging rays can still penetrate through the windows of your home.
You can purchase face oil from Kiehl’s website or here.
References
Danby, S. G., AlEnezi, T., Sultan, A., Lavender, T., Chittock, J., Brown, K., & Cork, M. J. (2013). Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care. Pediatric dermatology, 30(1), 42–50. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1470.2012.01865.x
Grether-Beck, S., Mühlberg, K., Brenden, H., & Krutmann, J. (2008). Topische Applikation von Vitaminen, Phytosterolen und Ceramiden. Schutz vor vermehrter Expression der interstitiellen Kollagenase und verminderter Kollagen-I-Expression nach 1-maliger UVA-Bestrahlung [Topical application of vitamins, phytosterols and ceramides. Protection against increased expression of interstital collagenase and reduced collagen-I expression after single exposure to UVA irradiation]. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete, 59(7), 557–562. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00105-008-1554-7
Leu, T., Raharivelomanana, P., Soulet, S., Bianchini, J., Herbette, G. and Faure, R. (2009), New tricyclic and tetracyclic pyranocoumarins with an unprecedented C‐4 substituent. Structure elucidation of tamanolide, tamanolide D and tamanolide P from Calophyllum inophyllum of French Polynesia. Magn. Reson. Chem., 47: 989-993. doi:10.1002/mrc.2482
