Have you been experiencing problems with your skin during lockdown?

Don’t worry – you’re not alone!

There are a number of reasons why you might be suffering from skin issues during the lockdown period – anything from acne and inflammation to sullen, tired looking skin.

As well as the emotional effect, the stress of the last few months will no doubt be taking a physical toll on you. Stress and anxiety lower your immune system’s ability to fight back, making it harder for your body to heal itself and increasing the chance of skin inflammation. On top of this, you might be suffering from sleep issues or insomnia; lack of sleep can add to the imbalance of your skin, often making it oilier and more prone to breakouts.

Not being able to go outside is also a contributing factor – while your skin is at least more protected than usual from UV rays, it’s also not getting the vitamins it needs from sunlight. Vitamin D helps skin cells to regenerate, reducing signs of premature ageing and helping skin to look firmer and clearer; without it, your skin can look dull and tired.

Being stuck indoors all day has also led to a lot of us developing bad habits, like drinking more alcohol and eating bad food more often. This, tied with a lack of regular exercise, all has an impact on the health of our skin – leaving it in desperate need of nutrients to be able to rejuvenate and fight off common skin problems.

SO, HOW CAN YOU HELP CLEAR UP YOUR SKIN?

There’s no better time than now to work out a consistent skincare routine – one that will not only benefit your skin during lockdown, but also once everything has returned back to normality. Once you’ve developed a regime that works for your skin, it will become a habit and much easier to maintain long-term.

Make sure you cleanse your face daily, using a gentle cleanser that doesn’t include any nasty ingredients; keep your products paraben-, sulphate- and fragrance-free.

You should also exfoliate your skin regularly, to get rid of dead skin cells that have built up during the day; this will help prevent your pores becoming clogged, which can lead to acne and other skin problems. Serums like AlumierMD’s Bright & Clear Solution exfoliate your skin as well as keeping it well conditioned, evening out your skin’s complexion.

Despite the fact you aren’t out in the sun, you’ll still be exposed to UV rays through windows and any time you might be lucky enough to catch a few rays in the garden or during walks. You should still regularly be using broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from any damage.

Try to incorporate anti-ageing and nourishing serums that can boost hydration, strengthen the skin and improve elasticity. For example, EverActive C&E by Alumier MD not only offers potent antioxidants, but it also delivers concentrated levels of much needed vitamin C to your skin.

Another skincare solution I recommend to my clients – and use myself – is the nutrient-rich oral supplement, Skinade. The formulation is created with active ingredients which are designed to boost the natural production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in your body.

Skinade makes use of a mix of high-grade collagen and essential micronutrients that help to rebuild the skin from the inside out; it helps to replenish nutrients your skin is missing during lockdown. It is taken orally in a liquid form, making it super easy to incorporate into a daily skincare regime; simply drink it as your nightly ‘feel good’ bedtime treat.

GETTING MORE SPECIFIC

Of course, this is just a general guide to helping you look after your lockdown skin. Everyone’s skincare needs are different, and I am always available to sit down for a free-of-charge online consultation to discuss your specific needs.

We can talk through your skin concerns and discuss the best way to treat them over video call; I can then recommend your own tailored skin treatment plan.

If you’d like to have an online consultation, or just have questions about skincare –get in touch here!

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