How To Look After Your Skin Over Lockdown
Destination Skin's Clinical Director, Dr Toni Phillips gives us the low down on cleaning our skin to ensure we have hydrated, glowing skin after lockdown.
How To Keep Skin Hydrated
Hydration is Key! It’s easy for your skin to become dehydrated without realising, especially when spending more time in a warm indoor environment.
Does Drinking Water Help Your Skin?
Yes! Did you know, drinking water will not only help to keep dry skin at bay, but also help to improve skin elasticity, leading to a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines? 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.
Also, to get that extra boost of hydration, I recommend using a fantastic B5 Hydrating Serum – the ultimate drink for the skin!
What Does Retinol Do For Your Skin
At the moment, you might be spending more time indoors and perhaps you’re forgetting your usual skincare treatments, so your skin will be thankful for a bit of TLC at home. The latest hero ingredient to incorporate into your spring skincare routine is vitamin A, found in retinol products. However, if you’re under the age of thirty, stick to a quality antioxidant product (Vitamin C) and apply twice daily.
What Is Retinol
Retinol helps the renewal and growth function, as well as the production of collagen and the reproduction of new blood vessels. It will also help to minimise the appearance of wrinkles, increase elasticity, improve texture, and reduce the oil in the skin. It is also useful for reducing the appearance of sunspots and pigmentation.
Why To Start Using Retinol
Spring, Autumn and Winter months are the perfect time to start using Retinol. When using Retinol, it’s advised that exposure to the sun is kept to a minimum, so the spring season is the perfect time to introduce this ingredient into your skincare routine. By improving your skin’s tone and texture, you can feel extra confident going into the summer season and lessen the need to apply heavy foundation and concealers, which can become hot and sticky in the heat.
How To Use Retinol In Your Skincare Routine
It’s ideal to use Retinol at night, on its own after cleansing. Remember, it is a powerful active product, so it needs to be introduced gently. I usually recommend starting to use it 2-3 times a week, increasing to every second evening and after 6-8 weeks trying to use it every night.
Why Is SPF Important Not Just In Summer?
It’s important that we wear SPF all year round as it’s essential for long-term skin protection. SPF should be worn daily, even if you only leave the house for an hour or so to do your essential shopping or a jog around the park.
As we’re spending more time indoors right now, it’s not surprising that when the sun comes out we’re keen to soak up as much as possible. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing – the sun is the best source of Vitamin D which, in healthy levels, this vitamin can help to fight dry skin and premature ageing. Not to mention the positive effects the great outdoors can have on our mental health and wellbeing!
But remember, the sun is also one of the biggest causes of pigmentation, brown spots or patches on the skin – always apply SPF30+ or SPF50 to ensure you’re protected against long-term skin damage.
Why You Should Exfoliate and Moisturise
Gently exfoliating once or twice a week can remove a build-up of dead skin cells, makeup and oils will reveal glowing fresh skin underneath. Regular exfoliation also helps minimise the appearance of pores and aids the absorption of moisturiser too. Regular moisturising helps to seal moisture within your skin, the best moment to apply is within three to five minutes of showering, while your skin is still damp.
Fake Tan Prep Tips
These steps are both essential for applying fake tan, often seen as essential in the build up to summer! As fake tan can cling to areas of dry skin, leaving you with some very dark and unsightly patches – using a mitt and a body scrub in the bath or shower before applying fake tan will help stop this from happening..
Fake tan is the healthiest way to get that sought-after sun kissed look. I always say it is better to have healthy skin with false tan and a natural glow, than a real tan on dull, damaged skin where you may not get the glow back!.
In a nutshell, prepping your skin for summer, while at home, might be easier than you first thought. A skincare regime that focuses on protecting our skin from the elements, effective hydration and reaping the benefits of Vitamin A is the perfect combination. It will leave your skin feeling fresh, hydrated and armed with essential protection against fine lines, blemishes and signs of aging – just in time for summer!
