Is your skin feeling drier than usual? When you look in the mirror does your skin look dull with more fine lines and wrinkles than usual? Have you lost your usual glow and started to rely on the light reflecting particles in your make up to restore your skin radiance…?

Well, the (sort of) good news is that you’re not alone. Lockdown skin is now officially a thing!

Lockdown skin is caused by multiple factors including;

Spending more time than usual in centrally heated houses which dries your skin out.

1. Lack of outdoor exercise means that our skin is not benefitting from skin loving Vitamin D.
2. Dietary changes and stress caused by unplanned changes in routine and general worries, has an overall effect on mental and skin health which can in turn lead to break outs, even in the previously most healthy skin,

Given that your skin is your largest organ, it should come as no surprise that it can react in such a way.

With aesthetic clinics currently closed, what can be done to help alleviate Lockdown skin?

Firstly it’s important to recognise the changes and identify what is the area of most concern to you. If you have noticed your skin is dry, whilst it’s may be temping to go for a quick fix and buy a different moisturiser, this will likely not have the desired effect and any results you do see may be temporary.

From the age of 30 it takes around 6 weeks for your skin cells to turnover to reveal new skin, so plastering a new moisturiser on is effectively like sticking a Band Aid on. It might feel better but it won’t solve the problem.

Similarly lotions and potions promising to make you look younger and firm wrinkles, rarely deliver real results. This is because we lose collagen in our skin as we age. Collagen is what gives us that enviable young looking, plump, dewy skin. After the age of 20, we produce 1% less collagen every year. Many aesthetic treatments help to stimulate your bodies natural collagen production. Supplements are also available but the jury is still out on their effectiveness, you can read more about collagen supplements here to make your own decision.

The key to maintaining a good skincare routine, is to ensure your skincare contains active ingredients at the right levels to give results. With the myriad of products available on the High Street, it’s not always that easy to see what strength of product you are getting, but as a rule of thumb, if the ingredient you need is near the top of the list, then it’s probably a better bet than one nearer the bottom!

Speeding up skin cell turnover is the best way to get results. This is because dead skin cells block pores which in turn leads to dull, dry skin. Blocked pores are also responsible for breakouts, as the pore can become infected when blocked, leading to redness and breakouts.

Using skin loving acids are the best way to achieve skin cell turnover. Whilst the term acids can seem a little scary, just remember Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the body and is critical in maintaining skin hydration. Used topically, it helps to hydrate the skin and maintain this hydration. It can be degraded by free radicals such as UV light, which is why wearing a high factor broad spectrum sunscreen is also very important.

The most important acids to include in your skincare routine are;

1. AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) like mandelic acid and glycolic acid or
2. BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids) like salicylic acid which is great for acneic skin
3. There’s also Azelaic Acid which sits in a class of its own and is a good choice for overlap concerns; think rosacea & acne or rosacea & melasma on the same cheek

Head over to this great cheat sheet post by Caroline Hirons find more detailed information on all the skin loving acids (and a great shout out to DCL Penta Peel Pads which we love!)

Aside from acids, the Holy Grail of all skincare turnaround products is Retinol, also known as Vitamin A. This powerhouse ingredient can help increase the appearance of firmness, diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles, improve uneven skin tone and smooth the surface of your skin as well. Alumier MD has a range of great retinols from 0.25% through to 1%.

Be warned though, these products are strong and need to be respected. It’s always wise to start slow and low, building up as your skin tolerance increases. High street products are unlikely to have enough active ingredients to effectively tackle skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea or anti-aging, so where possible always consult a skincare specialist.

If you’re looking for a quick fix whilst your new skincare is getting to grips with your skin, then a Hydrafacial can help.

Most people hear the word facial and think of creams being applied to the face. Not so with a HydraFacial, this is a medical grade treatment with real benefits for your skin. It provides long-lasting results, and is suitable for all skin types.

A Hydrafacial contains 6 separate steps;

1. Detox. This first step involves lymphatic drainage which increases lymphatic circulation in your skin. Better lymphatic circulation removes toxins and increases blood flow, providing extra oxygen to invigorate the skin. This in turn hydrates restores tone and firmness.
2. Cleansing and Exfoliation. A patented vacuum tip gently smooths away dead skin cells and delivers specialist serum to the new skin beneath. This skin loving serum contains ingredients to revitalise and support your skin, such as lactic acid, glucosamine, antioxidants, and botanical extracts.
3. Brightening Agent. Having removed dead skin cells, a glycolic and salicylic solution is applied which helps gently break up congestion in the pores. This also brightens the skin and prepares your pores for the next step.
4. Extraction. Unlike many facials, the HydraFacial extraction process is very gentle. Salicylic acid and honey are used to draw out blackheads and other impurities. This is an important step to ensure your pores are clean and able to benefit from the tightening effects of the treatment.
5. Hydration. Now that your pores are clear and dead skin cells have been removed, your fresh new skin is ready to be treated. This step nourishes your skin and drenches it in moisture, with a mix of potent antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, peptides and multi-peptides to support collagen production. This step leaves your skin soft and plump with moisture, combating the appearance of wrinkles.
6. Rejuvenation. Finally, red and infrared LED light is applied. This helps to soothe your skin, reducing redness, and stimulating the production of collagen. It even helps your skin naturally produce vitamin D. Leaving you with skin that feels soft, smooth, and invigorated.

This best thing about a Hydrafacial treatment is that it can be tailored to your specific skin concern, including anti-ageing, pigmentation reduction, acne and congested skin which leads to blackheads. Milia (tiny white keratin filled spots) can also be removed effectively during this treatment.

Making changes to your skincare and considering Hydrafacial treatment will help you take back control of your Lockdown skin concerns revealing a beautiful, more radiant complexion.

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