Lockdown skin is a thing!
Has your skin condition changed during recent months? Increased sensitivity, breakouts around the face covering area; aka ‘maskne’ and general dullness are the main skin problems we’ve been asked about during the pandemic. And as we continue to be required to spend more time at home, working or isolating, we need to adjust our skin care regimen to keep our skin healthy and glowing.
Read on for tips to remedy lockdown skin issues.
The skin’s response to stress
Many of us have experienced increased stress levels and anxiety during the pandemic, which wreaks havoc on our skin. Stress impacts the skin in several ways; stress hormones such as cortisol impact sensitivity levels in the skin. Skin can become more responsive to environmental fluctuations and even products you’ve used regularly can begin to sting or smart. This is due to the heightened nervous response of the skin during periods of prolonged stress.
It’s also very common to see an increase in breakouts during stressful times, particularly around the chin, jawline, and neck. This is an area influenced by the adrenal glands. Breakouts tend to be large and nodular, the kind of breakouts that seem to stay under the skin and can be quite painful and slow to heal. These skin responses to stress are also causing premature ageing as wound healing can slow by up to 40%.
For a holistic approach to achieving healthy skin, incorporate daily practices that help reduce stress levels, such as meditation, exercise, time in nature and getting regular breaks from screens and devices.
The impact on skin when staying indoors
If you’re spending lots of time indoors, especially in the winter with the heating on, it can really exacerbate dryness and dehydration, dulling our skins’ glow. Consider ways to improve the humidity levels in your home or office, keep well hydrated and keep a hydrating mist to hand to top up skin hydration levels throughout the day.
The dreaded ‘maskne’
And then there’s the regular wearing of face coverings to consider. You may have heard the term ‘maskne’ being discussed which is essentially the development of acne style breakouts in the mask covered areas of the face. However, depending on your skin type you may be more prone to this condition whilst others will experience eczema like irritation or ‘dermatitis’.
If you have developed congestion or spots under your mask, this is due to the increased friction and heat from wearing the mask. The mask traps your breath which increases humidity and temperature which in turn increases skins circulation and sweating. This form of acne is called ‘acne mechanica’, commonly seen where sports clothes rub whilst getting hot and sweaty. The combination of friction and heat causes skin to produce more oil and the moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for breakout causing bacteria to thrive.
Irritant contact dermatitis or eczema can develop in these pressure areas where masks constantly rub the skin. Apart from red, sensitive patches skin can even become raw and weeping.
Post lockdown rescue regimen
If you’re looking to kick-start your skin health journey, follow these simple steps to rescue lockdown skin and get your glow back.
PREP
Include the Dermalogica Double Cleanse daily and regular exfoliation to ensure skin is clean and pores are kept clear.
Start with PreCleanse. This deep-cleansing oil is suitable for all skins, including oily and melts away impurities and make-up from the skin. Follow with Special Cleansing Gel the perfect refreshing face wash for all skin conditions. This soap free gel cleans impurities without drying and the Lavender and Balm Mint leaves skin cool and calm.
Include Daily Microfoliant in your regimen to smooth and brighten in a flash. This Rice-based powder activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes to polish skin to perfection. A Skin Brightening Complex of Phytic Acid from Rice Bran, White Tea and Licorice helps balance uneven skin tone while a super-soothing blend of Colloidal Oatmeal and Allantoin helps calm skin.
TREAT
Boost hydration to bring back a dewy glow. Hydration is critical for healthy skin function and lockdown skin can be revived by increasing skin’s moisture levels. For a quick and simple hydration boost, spritz generously with Multi Active Toner. This ultra-light toner contains moisture-binding humectants and soothing Arnica, Balm Mint and Lavender refresh the skin. Spritz after cleansing and throughout the day.
To target ‘maskne’, try Age Bright Clearing Serum. This active two-in-one serum clears and helps prevent breakouts while reducing visible skin ageing. This highly concentrated serum exfoliates with Salicylic Acid to help prevent breakouts and accelerates cell turnover to reduce signs of skin ageing. The AGE Bright™ Complex works with the skin’s natural microbiome for clearer, brighter skin. It features Phytoactives from Resurrection Plant, known for its ability to survive extreme dehydration, to hydrate and smooth skin. And Niacinamide works together with White Shiitake Mushroom to promote brighter, more even skin tone.
GLOW
To achieve that Dermalogica glow and defend from the elements, complete your regimen with moisturiser and SPF. Layer on the weightless water-gel moisturiser Calm Water Gel to hydrate and soothe stressed skin and follow with Invisible Physical Defence SPF30 for a chemical free formula that provides added blue light protection. Always apply SPF even when indoors as damaging UV light can penetrate through windows and blue light is emitted from screens and devices.
Professional advice
For a personalised prescription and expert advice chat live to one of our qualified Skin Therapists here or book for a complimentary virtual 1-2-1 skin analysis with Face Mapping here.