Impact of Covid-19 on skincare and beauty

Impact of Covid-19 on skincare and beauty 

During the recent national UK lockdown we found that our skin has been negatively impacted by a number of bad habits. Staying at home has meant not wearing as much make-up as usual, but we have found that the following factors have contributed to the impact of our skin care:

• Lack of vitamin D due to poor natural sunlight outdoors has caused our skin to become even more prone to acne than usual. A recent study found that people with acne have lower levels of vitamin D than those without acne. (Source: Medical News Today)
• Wearing masks and face coverings have also caused maskne (also known as mask acne) and means dealing with more spots, blemishes and acne than usual. You can read more about how to cope with maskne here.
• Working from home has sometimes meant working “harder” in addition to home schooling if you are a parent or carer has caused more stress, which can aggravate lots of different skin concerns such as acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema. 

On a more positive note, the national lockdown has instilled a better attitude to our wellbeing, wellness and overall health. It has also enabled us more time to focus on our skincare. Using a simpler skin care routine, such as the 4-Step Kit, skin care treatment has had a positive effect. 

Impact of fast food and alcohol on skincare 

But recently we’ve been thinking about the impact of fast food (takeaway) and alcohol on our skin. We decided to give our skin a break and test whether or not there would be any impact. My sister gave up takeaways after realising that she was eating fast food for both lunch and dinner on most days, while I stopped drinking alcohol after getting into the habit of drinking a glass of wine almost daily in the evenings. 

When we gave up our respective guilty pleasures for six weeks, we assumed that the benefits would be health-related. But we were both shocked to see that our skin had transformed during this time. I was no longer dealing with angry skin flare-ups during my cycle and my sister’s skin was smoother than ever. 

The key lesson here is that other than skin care, it’s important to think about the food and drinks that you consume too. 

What can you do? 

Increase Vitamin D intake:

Although we’re officially still in lockdown, it’s important to spend time in sunlight. Vitamin D is often referred to as the sunshine vitamin because it’s one of the best sources of this nutrient. Access more natural sunlight by taking a walk outdoors or sitting close to a window whilst at home. 

Reduce fast food and alcohol intake: 

A diet that’s high in sugar, fat and carbohydrates may cause your acne to flare up. Lifestyle habits such as drinking alcohol doesn't cause acne, but it can certainly affect how your body functions, including hormone levels, which does have an impact on acne prone skin. Some studies show that alcohol may be even worse for your skin in terms of acne and anti-ageing. 

Stay hydrated

If the outer layer of the epidermis (skin) doesn't get the sufficient amount of water, it can lose elasticity and become dehydrated, turning your skin dry, tight and flaky. We lose water in large quantities on a daily basis, so it’s important to replace it. 

Reduce inflammation

Avoid staying in the sun as sun damage is one of the main causes of skin inflammation. Don’t forget to wear SPF daily, even whilst in the house including during the winter months. 

Follow a regular skin care routine

We recommend using our twice daily skincare routine, the 4-Step Kit. The build-up of sweat on the skin during the night, in addition to the build-up of dirt and make-up during the day takes its toll – so remember to use the 4-Step Kit in the morning and evening. 

We always start with step 1: Filth (dirt cleansing protection) to cleanse any dirt from the skin. It's important to protect skin against dirt by removing any build-up of oils and make-up. In fact, our dirt cleansing protection is perfect for heavy makeup users and may be applied to wet or dry skin. This cleanser also protects against blackheads and whiteheads to keep skin clear from acne. 

Our inspiration for step 2: Stroke (double cleansing protection) comes from the K-Beauty (Korean Beauty) methodologies which promotes double cleansing for clearer skin. Our double cleansing protection works to even skin tone and reduce hyper-pigmentation. Plant based ingredients include argan oil to regulate sebum on the skin for a smoother and calmer complexion

After cleansing skin step 3: Fortify (toning protection) is to strengthen the skin's outer layer by resetting pH balance. The skin’s ability to hold water, or remain hydrated, is critical for maintaining healthy skin. Natural ingredients include rose water and pink rose petals to maintain skin’s pH balance, control excess oil, reduce redness, eliminate acne, dermatitis and eczema; aloe vera to heal and soothe skin; and vitamin E to nourish and protect skin, and reduce UV damage. 

Toned skin should be followed by step 4: Sustain (oil cleansing protection) to maintain skin's hydration to support with acne, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and plumping. 

Follow the instructions

Being at home, especially during the colder months, causes us to sweat especially when surrounded by heating and warmer clothing. That's why it's important to follow the instructions when it comes to applying oil to the skin. Adding more Sustain (oil cleansing protection) can make the skin congested, causing spots and enlarging pores.