Did you know that with the increasing amount of time spent at home due to the pandemic, our skin is also adapting to the new normal? Staying indoors means minimal sun exposure and less usage of makeup, but truthfully remaining indoors for extended periods of time could lead to skin damage.
While taking care of our physical and mental health during self-isolation is important, making sure that our skin is healthy and glowing is equally as important! Our list of ways to improve your skincare while staying at home amid the pandemic can help you get started.
1. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
One of the major skin issues you will probably run into during this time is skin dryness.
We’ve been washing our hands more frequently than ever since the virus outbreak. Even though it’s one the best ways to combat the virus, all that washing and hand sanitizer actually dries out the skin. It’s important to use moisturizer, and be sure to apply it when your hands are still damp since the cream traps the moisture in!
Aside from hands, your face might also get dry since we’re more likely to stay in air-conditioned rooms while we’re at home and take long, hot showers, which can suck the moisture out of our skin. To combat this problem, you can try using Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream, which does a great job at rescuing dry, parched skin.
2. Use products with SPF even if you’re not leaving the house
Being indoors doesn’t mean that you’re not exposed to the sun. It turns out, UV rays can still penetrate through glass windows. Unless you’re living in a house with no windows or little natural light, you still need sunscreen even if you’re not going anywhere.
It’s also important to note that lack of exposure to sunlight might be dangerous. Our bodies do actually need UV light exposure in order to naturally produce vitamin D levels. One of several sunscreens we can suggest to you is Wardah Sunscreen Gel SPF 30, which guarantees double protection against UVA and UVB and keeps your skin moisturized at the same time.
3. Hands off your face
Avoiding from touching your face especially with unwashed hands is one way to not spread the virus, but that’s not the only reason to keep your fingers off your face. Did you know that touching your face can spread dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands to your face? This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts!
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends only touching your face when cleansing and applying sunscreen or makeup. Alternatively, you can use reusable facial pads or cloths instead to apply and remove your makeup.
4. Change your caffeine habits
If you’ve been consuming coffee more than ever to ease the stress of staying indoors, it’s best to put a stop to this. While caffeine is not all that bad (it brightens both your mood and your skin, as well as helps with detoxing and boosts your circulation), coffee intake actually causes your body to dehydrate.
If you need coffee to stay awake, try to drink more water as well to balance it out. Besides, since caffeine makes you feel more alert, there’s a high chance that it might lead to heightened anxiety and irregular sleeping patterns. There’s no need to avoid coffee entirely, but do consume it moderately and just remember to increase your plain water intake too.
5. When in doubt, wear a sheet mask
Aren’t sheet masks one of the world’s greatest inventions? Sheet masks are the best shortcut when you want to pamper yourself on a busy or lazy day, and they can help brighten, tighten, hydrate and make your skin glow in a flash! Not all sheet masks are the same, so it’s important to know which one suits your skin type the best and which one you’re supposed to be using.
6. Clean your makeup tools
If you wear makeup regularly, now is the time to clean all your makeup and beauty tools! Did you know that dirty brushes can accumulate dust, dirt, allergens, germs and bacteria on top of dead skin cells, oil and product residue? Using dirty tools can irritate your skin, aggravate sensitivities, and worse, cause viral infection ?
By regularly cleaning your makeup tools, you’re not just keeping them sanitized, but also expanding their lifespan and optimizing their functionality. At the same time, you’re protecting your skin as well!
7. Exercise routinely
Working out isn’t all about shedding some weight and building some muscles. Exercising increases our heart rate and improves blood circulation, which in turn helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to working cells throughout the body, including our skin. In simpler terms, this activity can make our skin healthier, more radiant and possibly look even younger!
There are many simple workout routines that you can do at home. It’s also important to remember that you should hit the shower right away after working out and don’t sit around in your sweat!
8. Beauty sleep is real!
It turns out, in order to wake up each day with healthy-looking skin, people need enough sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, getting less than seven hours of sleep per night can contribute to wrinkles, sagging skin, and dark circles under the eyes. Our body repairs itself and recovers while we sleep, which is why a quality night’s sleep is crucial to get that healthy glow!
As much as the amount of sleep we get is essential, having a healthy nighttime skincare routine also matters. Some of the simple things you can do before hitting the sack are cleansing your face to remove makeup and other impurities and applying moisturizer. And remember, avoid using your phone before bed!
We hope that these simple tips can help you take better care of your skin while you stay indoors. If you know more beauty secrets, do share with us!