The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to stay at home and self-isolate, our daily routines changed dramatically. Ditching make up, not using too many skincare products, lack of commuting on grimy public transport and less daily pollution allowing our skin time to breathe, our skin should be thriving? Whilst you’d expect we would emerge with a clearer, glowy complexion, sadly it’s no surprise we are actually seeing skin breakouts. There are multiple reasons why this change is hitting our skin hard, here’s why skin is feeling a little unhappy right now.

Stressed Out Skin

Even though you may not be having to do the daily commute from office to home and back, its little wonder the stress levels are on the high side. Living through a global pandemic and all it brings; worry and anxiety are taking a physical toll on our skin causing breakouts. When we’re stressed, we produce the hormone cortisol, which causes inflammation and excess oil production, which, in turn, causes acne break outs. Stress and exhaustion lower the immune system and make most skin conditions worse or cause a flare up.

Coupled with the side effects of stress, mainly lack of sleep, will influence the skin’s ability to heal, but the muscles around the face tend to be quite tired and can give the skin around the eyes a puffy, sallow appearance. 

Bye bye, routine

A drastic change in routine like the one we’re experiencing is enough to set off a change in our skin. Our bodies are expecting one thing and getting another entirely. We’re used to waking up every day, showering, and getting dressed but now find yourself in loungewear every day, days merging into one. We’re forgetting to drink water on a regular basis, temporarily comfort eating, reaching out for a glass of wine to unwind or smoke to de-stress, depriving skin of essential vitamins and nutrients, leaving it feeling dull, causing puffiness and in turn increasing the breakouts. 

We’re stuck inside

We’ve gone from spending more time indoors, little exercise, lack of sunshine to exercising in isolation and then harsh sun exposure over the heatwave when we haven’t been used to the sunshine. It’s important to keep spending time outdoors but taking care of and protecting our skin even if it’s just a walk around the block.

The key to healthy skin 

Carve out some time for some self-care, the more one looks after oneself, the better the immune system and the less of a problem acne becomes. Get your rhythm back on track by creating a new day to day norm, whether it’s eating meals at the same time, taking walks, or blocking your working hours, structuring your day can make a big difference.

Ensure you have a healthy, balanced diet and exercise, hydrate yourself at regular intervals, sleep well and have foods rich in vitamin D. Doing daily exercise can really help oxygenate the skin as well as lift our mood.

Keep skincare simple. Now that close contact treatments are back on the agenda, it’s a really good time to incorporate a facial into your skin care regimen. Incorporating facial massage can help with circulation, getting rid of toxins flushing out breakouts. Stay away from bad skin habits, such as plucking, picking, and squeezing breakouts. Be patient, it won’t happen overnight, give your skin time to settle into a new routine. 

And Just remember, treat your skin with the kindness that we are now showing each other. Book your free facial consultation or facial online now through our booking system.

Please read our COVID19 safety rules prior to attending your appointment.