How to take care of your skin during lockdown?

Amina Berdova, dermatologist, cosmetologist

The self-isolation regime is a test not only for our psycho-emotional state, but also for our skin, because now we are deprived of the opportunity to be in the fresh air and receive doses of ultraviolet radiation that are beneficial for the skin. Therefore, now it is still relevant to take multivitamins or one vitamin D.  

Do not forget that water helps to preserve youth and beauty of the skin. Be sure to follow the drinking regimen so as not to get dehydrated skin, increase its sensitivity, irritation and redness as a result. This is especially important when you are at home. Avoid drinks that are known to be diuretic, such as coffee and black tea, as well as sodas and alcohol. All these drinks lead to drying of the epidermis. At the same time, try to diversify your diet with vegetables and fruits. Daily skin care for the period of self-isolation remains the same as usual. Regular home care includes: cleansing, moisturizing and nourishing the skin with creams, as well as additional measures such as applying masks, using gommages and serums.

One of the most effective ways to cleanse the skin in cosmetology is conventional steam baths for the face. When steaming, the pores of the skin are cleansed, fat and pollution are removed, and blood circulation and the work of sweat and sebaceous glands are also improved. The skin is softened and moisturized, it becomes more elastic, visible wrinkles are smoothed out. Steam baths make the skin younger and more well-groomed. After cleansing the skin, be sure to apply nourishing masks. For this purpose, you can, for example, prepare a mask from a ripe avocado. To prepare the mask, one small fruit is enough. It must be washed, peeled and mashed with a fork in a bowl. The mixture is applied to a pre-cleansed or steamed face for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse with warm water and apply your favorite cream. An avocado mask is best done at night.

For the body, you can prepare a scrub based on coffee pomace. For the body, coffee pomace can be used as an independent remedy, or you can mix it with oils, shower gels or soapy water - this way it will act softer and can be used as a facial scrub. To get the most beneficial effect from using a coffee scrub, remember that it is best to use it on steamed skin of the body and face. It is best to apply it after taking a bath. A scrub does not replace a cleanser: therefore, you must first get rid of impurities and only then come to grips with the keratinized layer of the skin. At the same time, it is necessary to massage the skin very carefully and gently - with love. The final step of skincare is to apply an appropriate skin nourishing product within 3-5 minutes after getting out of the shower. Coffee scrub, like any other abrasive, thins the skin, so after its application, the body and face need high-quality nutrition and the use of products such as nourishing milk, cream, masks, oils.

Particular attention today should be paid, of course, to the condition of the skin of the hands. Hands are now exposed to the maximum exposure to chemicals - if earlier the skin of the hands suffered mainly from exposure to household chemicals, now regular hand washing and the use of antiseptics have been added to this. All this has an even more detrimental effect on the skin, drying it out, contributing to premature aging and the appearance of wrinkles. Moreover, good hygiene can lead to cracked hands. Therefore, taking care of the skin of the hands during the period of self-isolation comes first.

Make it a habit to perform all household chores only with gloves on and nothing else. Some may think that this is not very convenient. In fact, this is a matter of habit - you quickly get used to washing dishes and cleaning with gloves and you no longer think that it could be different. Don't forget to use hand cream: buy a few tubes and place them next to the kitchen sink, in the bathroom, and on the nightstand next to the bed. This is necessary so that you do not forget about the regular use of hand cream. In a good way, they need to be used several times a day to prevent dry skin. At night, you can periodically make masks. For them, you can use any nourishing creams or night masks for the face. Apply a cream or mask on your hands, put on cotton gloves and go to bed. Such procedures perfectly restore not only the skin of the hands, but have a beneficial effect on the condition of the nails and cuticles. All health and beauty!

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