This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.
Lockdown Lockdown Lockdown ¶
With the recent good weather, many of us have been spending more time outdoors, but the prolonged period of lockdown has still taken a toll on our skin. In fact, it's not just the sun that's causing problems, but also our increased reliance on screens, poor diet, and lack of sleep.
According to Dr Mario Luca Russo, a cosmetic dermatologist at Urban Retreat, our exposure to sunlight and, in turn, our production of Vitamin D has been hugely reduced, even by British weather standards. 'Vitamin D production requires a daily 15-minute exposure of sun, ideally between 10am and midday,' he explains. 'Vitamin D can prevent skin ageing, promote healthy bone growth, reduce the risk of certain cancers and improve your mood.'
So, what can you do to bring your skin back to life? Here are some simple skincare tips to get you started:
Get Outside ¶
Getting outside more will not only reduce stress, but do your skin a huge favour. 'Stress and anxiety can have negative effects on skin by causing hormonal changes in your body,' says Dr Russo. 'Go outside at least once every day for 20 minutes – but ideally more often, and for longer.'
Don't forget to wear sunscreen too, even in winter, as UVA rays are responsible for premature ageing and will get to you through glass, too. 'Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage,' advises Dr Russo.
Watch Your Diet ¶
Overindulging in alcohol and salty and sugary snacks, usually out of boredom during lockdown, can lead to inflammation in the body, which in turn affects your skin. 'Eating and drinking substances with a high glycaemic index can lead to inflammation in the body,' says Emma Coleman, dermatology and aesthetic nurse. 'That in turn affects your skin. Excess sugar can aggravate skin conditions such as rosacea, acne and eczema, and cause dilation of blood vessels on the mid-face and nose – giving sufferers a ruddy and puffy look.'
So, what can you do to fix your skin? Use a jade roller to massage and promote lymphatic drainage, which should help to detoxify the skin. Drink plenty of water to flush the sugar from your body and limit the number of snacks and sweets you eat.
Get Enough Sleep ¶
With all the fallout from lockdown, anxiety and a disrupted routine are causing many people to sleep less well than normal – leaving them looking tired and feeling sluggish. 'If we are sleep-deprived, the skin can start to appear dull, almost grey, and the skin around the eyes is likely to become very inflamed and red,' says Emma Coleman.
So, what can you do to fix your skin? Prioritise sleep. Try using lavender pillow sprays, sleeping tablets or get an earlier night to try and help you sleep better, as this is the only way your skin will properly benefit.
Limit Screen Time ¶
Between work and the lack of face-to-face contact with friends and family, we're spending more time than ever in front of a screen on video calls. 'Blue light from screens can have a detrimental effect, promoting premature ageing, skin damage, inflammation and photo-ageing,' says Lucy Xu, founder of London Premier Laser & Skin Clinics.
So, what can you do to fix your skin? Limit video meetings and catch-ups where possible, and take regular screen breaks. The Health and Safety Executive suggests short, frequent breaks are better than less frequent, longer breaks.
