The effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns are far-reaching. But one thing that’s hard to ignore is how it has affected how to look after ourselves on the daily basis. The boundary between work or school and home has been shattered, and the lack of socialization and exercise have wreaked havoc on our self-esteem. Add to that the effects of cabin fever, uncertainty-induced anxiety, and the list goes on.
Gone are the days of our 9-step skincare routines, relaxing spa trips, and beach getaways to get a dose of Vitamin Sea. If you find yourself unable to look into the mirror and be happy and content with yourself, don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Fortunately, there are skincare steps that are easy to follow but can keep you looking youthful and confident.
- Stay hydrated
Sometimes, all it takes is the right amount of H2O. Whether it’s stress, insomnia, or dry skin, many of our daily ails can be solved with water. You can also mix up your daily liquid intake with coconut water, tomato juice, lemon water, green tea, and cucumber juice, which are nature’s tonics for plump, glowing skin.
- Keep a lip balm on your desk
The blue light our devices emit can suck out your skin’s natural glow and dry out your lips. Make sure to have a natural lip balm with SPF in it to keep your lips plump and moist.
- Invest in a good vitamin C serum
Healthy skin is just one of the many benefits of regular vitamin C intake. Invest in a potent, good-quality serum and apply it on your face once a day, ideally before bedtime. Vitamin C serums encourage collagen production to prevent sagging and help brighten your skin, among others. You can also fight pigmentation by enriching your diet with foods rich in vitamin C.
- Reduce your screen time or block blue light
Today, people are spending more time in front of a computer, smartphone, or TV, increasing their exposure to harmful blue light, which can be just as harmful as UV rays from the sun. A New York Magazine article notes that eight hours of screentime is equivalent to 20 minutes of sun exposure. Apparently, blue light penetrates the skin more deeply than UV light. To remedy his, reduce your screentime if possible or set the dimmest light setting you can work with. Better yet, invest in a quality pair of blue light blocking glasses. You can also hop on the bandwagon and try a blue light-blocking skincare routine.
- Use a moisturizer suited to your skin
Make it a habit to moisturize your skin in the morning before you work and at night before you go to sleep. Dry skin can be a real pain once you notice it, but there’s nothing a few dabs of moisturizer can’t solve. Invest in an all-natural, paraben-free moisturizer that’s made for your skin type to get the best possible results.
- Increase your fruit and vegetable intake
An exhaustive skincare routine won’t work as much if you pair it with fast food, takeout, and processed snacks. It may be a cliche, but maintaining a balanced diet of grains, veggies, and fruits really work wonders for your skin and overall well-being.
- Sweat it out
This may be easier said than done, but you need a good amount of exercise to keep your skin looking healthy and youthful. Working out can increase the blood flow in your body and carry away toxins and other waste products such as free radicals. All these can stimulate collagen production, as well as tone the skin to keep it plump.
- Get enough sleep
Let’s face it, the never-ending lockdown and WFH arrangement have completely thrown off your sleeping pattern. But even if you wake up later than usual, make sure you’re still getting enough sleep. Find out what’s the required sleep time for your age and try to stick to it as much as possible.
- Go for long-term solutions
Quick fixes can have noticeable effects, but nothing beats long-term skincare solutions. If you don’t want to spend money on skincare products, for example, practice the tips mentioned above. If you find yourself shaving your underarms too much, consider saving up for a laser hair removal treatment.
Nowadays, it might take more effort to look and feel good, but this can actually help you compact lockdown blues and cabin fever. Even if you’re working from home, you can still dress up and wear some makeup. Soon enough, you’ll notice how more productive and creative you are when you’re feeling good about yourself.
