As per the current situation, social distancing is a must to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Hope you have already started following WHO suggested “do’s & don’ts” during self-quarantine. Since you are spending most of your time indoors, your skin care routine has surely gone for a toss. Skin care experts explain that even if you are confined in your homes, your skin requires good care. Unfortunately, ignoring your skin may cause serious damage to your skin and also make your skin susceptible to many skin concerns. It is wise to make the best use of this time and begin skin-loving. You might be frustrated and confused about how to attain healthy, glowing skin while staying indoors. Fret not! It is very easy to build your skin-friendly care routine and embrace your beautiful natural skin.
Easy tips
- Try DIY home remedies
- Cleanse your face properly
- Apply a moisturizer
- Don't abandon sunscreen
- Get off your couch and exercise
1. DIY home remedies
We know that self isolation implies not visiting a saloon. Luckily, with ample kitchen ingredients present in your household, it is easy to perk up your skin. Aloe vera, lemon, turmeric (haldi) are very effective natural ingredients to get clear, healthy, and radiant skin. Lemon juice contains vitamin C which helps to boost collagen production and improves skin tone. Whereas, Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences has elaborated the benefits of aloe vera juice in skin rejuvenation. Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory, skin healing, and antioxidant properties that help to reduce acne breakouts and even out the skin tone.
Aloe vera and lemon juice
- Mix aloe vera juice with ½ spoon of lemon.
- Apply this mixture all over your face and let it dry.
- Wash it off with normal water.
- Applying it twice or thrice in a week can help to lighten up blemishes or dark spots.
Haldi face pack
- Mix ½ tbsp of turmeric, 1 tbsp of gram flour, and 2 -3 tbsp of milk in a bowl.
- Apply this face pack all over your face.
- Keep it for 15-20 minutes and then wash your face.
2. Cleanse your face properly
Washing your hands, using a sanitizer, and maintaining proper hygienic conditions have become essential during corona times. But don’t forget to add face cleansing to that list as well. A dirty face full of impurities & oil causes the clogging of pores, which leads to acne breakouts, microbial infections, and dead skin build-up. Hence, don’t forget to cleanse your face twice or thrice a day. In addition, using a gentle cleanser is an easiest tip to prevent maskne.
For oil or acne-prone skin, it is recommended to use a face wash that possesses natural acne-fighting ingredients. Similarly, AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids)based face cleansers are deemed to be the right choice for people with dry, normal, and hyperpigmented skin types. What's more, a 2016 research study has pointed out that the use of AHAs is quite good to fade away dark spots and melasma.
3. Apply a moisturizer
For skin rejuvenation, it is important to offer your skin in-depth hydration. A skin-friendly moisturizer with natural ingredients protects the skin from dryness and signs of aging. Moisturizers enriched with Hyaluronic Acid and ceramides are considered quite good to keep skin hydrated, refreshed, and youthful A research study published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology has explained that ceramides help to maintain healthy barrier function and prevent Transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
4. Don't abandon sunscreen
Yes, you heard it right. As per new research studies, not only UVA and UVB rays emitted by the sun damage your skin. But, screens of your desktop, laptop, and mobile continuously release the IR (infrared radiations) which have damaging effects on your skin. A research study published in a Korean medical journal has explained that infrared exposure is associated with photoaging of skin and hyperpigmentation. That's why wearing a good broad-spectrum sunscreen is important when you are indoors.
5. Get off your couch and exercise
In the present depressing times, it is important to get relief from stress & negativity piling up around you. Needless to say, a calm state of mind is the key to glowing skin and overall wellness. Several research studies have stated that stress and acne are interlinked. Anxiety elevates the levels of cortisol (stress hormone) in the body, which further leads to acne flare-up. In addition, it has been identified that post covid stress causes hair loss among many individuals. Hence, to manage this stressful state, it is advisable to perform some essential pranayama (breathing) exercises and yoga asanas (pose).
Coronavirus is a looming crisis, but it is also the perfect time for self-contemplation & self-love. Being busy in your daily lives, you barely get ample time to sleep, eat, or “me time”. This is the time to ponder upon how to be the best version of yourself. And what better way to start this than with the right skin care regimen to achieve flawless skin.
P.S.
A good diet also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy and flawless skin. Many clinical research studies have shown that lack of essential nutrients not only makes your skin appear dull but also accelerates the skin aging process. With no choice left to order junk & unhealthy food from outside, it is the best time to switch to healthy meals that boosts your immune system. Citrus fruits, broccoli, garlic, ginger, spinach, green tea, and turmeric possess skin detoxification and immunity-boosting properties. Make this self-isolation phase a blessing in disguise, by developing healthy eating habits, instead of binging on chips and snacks.
