Lockdown has meant the end – for now – of having a professional work their magic on our tired complexions and giving us an enviable 'glow' that only seems possible through an Instagram filter nowadays. However, even if you aren’t in lockdown – mental health is important. If your skin’s feeling & looking a little lack-lustre in lockdown, don’t fret. Our founder, Kiri Yanchenko shares her at-home spa treatment you can easily replicate for yourself using the AMPERNA® skincare range & every-day products.
But Firstly, What’s Causing Skin Changes?
Considering that our daily routines have drastically changed, it’s not a surprise that our skin is also feeling the effects. There are multiple reasons why this change is hitting our skin hard. The main factors include
Stressed out skin
Stress and anxiety is a big factor. A lot of us have been feeling the stress of the current COVI19 situation, and our worries can actually take a physical toll on our skin. When we’re stressed, we produce the hormone cortisol, which causes inflammation and excess oil production, which, in turn, causes us to break out. The side effects of stress, such as lack of sleep, reduced appetite, and a few more glasses of wine than usual, are also culprits in the return of spots & less-than-fresh looking skin.
To keep the stress at bay, try some relaxation techniques to find calm. 30 minutes of moderate daily exercise can also help reduce your stress & anxiety levels.
Missing the sun
It’s important to keep spending time outdoors, safely, even if it’s just a walk around the block. Just remember that sun exposure is still a concern. It’s essential to always wear a sunscreen or a moisturizer with an SPF built in every day. UV rays can still make their way through our windows, so it’s crucial that we continue to do this.
Vitamin D is important for overall skin health, from helping cell development to reducing inflammation. Eating vitamin D rich foods like salmon, egg yolks & mushrooms will be beneficial for your skin as well.
Extra conditioning
Cranking the air conditioner during summer or the heater during winter can have a negative impact on your skin. As we’re currently spending more time in doors its easy to have the air conditioner/heaters running for longer.
When the air in the room is dry, it makes your skin drier by pulling the water out of the skin. A dry, dehydrated complexion can also make the skin appear dull and uneven and fine lines and wrinkles look more pronounced.
Where possible try using an electric fan or hot water bottle as an alternate.
What can we do about it?
Here are Kiri’s at home rescue tips to looking after your skin during lockdown:
Carve out the time to de-stress
Whether that’s through meditating, going for a walk, having a cup of tea or doing some yoga… whatever works for you to calm & centre yourself is first & foremost the most important thing.
Set the scene
Use candles & soothing music in the bathroom & pour yourself a non-alcoholic drink – my favourite is NON | Wine Alternative, Made in Australia | 0% Alcohol
Start off by dry brushing your body
I use medium pressured circular motions to get my lymphatic system stimulated & the dead skin cells exfoliated from my body.
Watch the water temperature
I like to keep the water in my shower & baths not too hot as this can strip my skin & leave it feeling irritated.
I like to use a gentle soap-free body wash & I’m currently using new body products that I’m developing & will be launching soon (watch this space).
For any breakouts that occur on my body I use our Exfoliate, this works great as a spot treatment.
Bath-time
I love to soak in the bath using Epsom salts. I find this relaxing & magnesium is proven to help promote better sleep.
For any extra dry patches on my body (elbows/heels etc) I like to use either an almond, jojoba or argan oil to deeply nourish those areas.
For the rest of my body I’m also currently using a new product that will be launching soon (again, watch this space)
About face
Depending on how my skin is feeling, I love to give myself a great pampering session with AMPERNA® products of course. This weekend past I had a DIY spa afternoon, and when it was time for my face I started with our Ultra Gentle Soothing Cleanser and after I dried my skin, I sat for 3 mins with my LED face mask on with some water to drink. Next up was our Pro+ Vitamin C Hyaluronic Serum and I applied that all over – focusing on my eyes and neck. I really love our Lightweight Soothing+ Emulsion as it is cationic so it will absorb deeply into your skin rather than leaving an oily or shiny film and this was my next step. After that I concentrated on the lower half on my face, because of mask wearing, and applied our Probiotic+ DS Soothing Serum in a layer. I also had a bit of a doozy of a pimple come up on my left cheek so last thing was to spot on some 10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion to my breakout.
References
Lockdown Skin Is a Thing. Here’s How to Deal With It (healthline.com)
