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Just because you’ve sadly had to cancel your jaunt abroad due to the current climate doesn’t mean you need to toss your newly-purchased SPF to the back of your cupboard.
Indeed, according to top experts, you still need to keep on top of your skincare regime whilst working from home. From deeply cleansing your skin to keep it glowing, to pumping it with a surge of much-needed hydration – and even wearing a sunscreen in your lounge – the isolation period is the ideal time to nail the skincare regime you’ve been attempting to master for years. Plus, when we come out on the other side, your skin will thank you for it.
We’ve enlisted the advice of Amy Conway, Bobbi Brown Pro Artist, to share the specific skincare regime you should be following to ensure your skin remains protected and nourished during these turbulent times.
Get cleansing
Even though we aren’t out and about, our dead skin can build up and dust and grime from our homes can clog our skin. Use a gentle cleanser, I love to use an oil to cleanse skin, especially if you suffer from any redness, an oil cleanser will instantly melt any makeup off without any scrubbing at all which makes it perfects for mornings too when you want to use as less makeup as possible after.
For a deep cleanse to control open pores, texture and blemishes, always double cleanse. Start with an oil-based cleansing to remove all impurities, then cleanse off and apply a water-based cleanser.
Tone up
Remember toners have alcohol in them and tonics don’t, so if you have sensitive skin opt for a tonic for a hydrating way to calm skin and close any open pores.
Opt for water-based toners, tonics that include Sodium hyaluronate, Glycerin and Hyaluronic acid. These ingredients instantly bind and lock moisture into the skin leaving it plump and hydrated after cleansing.
Pump in the moisture
Your morning skincare routine can make a big difference to your skin throughout the day with the right ingredients. Firstly, think hydration! We go 8 hours at night without drinking water, and our skin is the first sign of that, so opt for water-based serums and moisturisers that include Sodium hyaluronate, Glycerine and Hyaluronic acid.
I love the Bobbi Brown Hydrating Water Fresh Cream for an instant hit of hydration in the morning or the Vitamin Enriched Face base. I love using Vitamin C in my moisturiser as this ingredient instantly brightens and evens skintone, leaving a gorgeous radiance that will last all day.
Slap on an SPF, even inside!
Whether it’s winter, summer or even if you are just exposed to UV rays through the window, it’s important to protect your face with sun cream. Always check that it gives broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and I also love to look out for hydration ingredients too like sodium hyaluronate.
Mask, mask, mask at night
Face masks are great weekly treats for your skin that really give an instant boost to the skin when it’s dull or acne-ridden (that’ll be the current pangs of anxiety). I love face masks that you can sleep in. When you think about going 8 hours without drinking any water, your skin is the biggest telltale sign of this. When you do sleep in a mask, I find you wake up with much more refreshed and revived skin.
Multi-masking (applying a variety of masks designed for different needs) is a great way to ensure your skin is getting exactly what it needs. Opt for a clay mask through the T-zone to combat oily areas and pores, and a nourishing mask through the forehead and cheeks to hydrate.
Double up a grain-based mask as an exfoliator; these are the masks that feel like salt or sugar granules in the formula. Apply all over and leave for 10 minutes, then scrub the skin in circular motions to refresh and take off an dead skin.
Always apply a face mask just after the shower, or for an even more intense detox, apply after steam which will ensure its really working at detoxing and reviving the skin.
Protect against blue light
Netflix face is very much real, with our screens emitting blue light. Evidence suggests exposure to blue light on a daily basis causes long-term ageing, so adapting our skincare is essential. As Lisa Goldfaden explains: “HEV is primarily emitted from the Sun but also from computers + smart phones + fluorescent lights. All our screens emit High-energy visible (HEV) light and Infrared (IR) light. In some studies HEV and IR light have been shown to penetrate the skin more deeply than the traditionally marketed UVA, UVB and UVC rays.
“Potential effects are similar to those caused by the sun. HEV is emitted from the sun too. Some studies have shown the breakdown of collagen and other similar ageing issues such as hyperpigmentation/colour changes, inflammation and dehydration.
“The best way to protect against and repair environmentally or digitally damaged skin is to use an anti-pollution-based skin care regimen. Try taking a screen break and always wear protective skincare such as our brand new Goldfaden MD Mist RX, £38, Cult Beauty, which protects against HEV light.”
