Is Coronavirus fatigue ageing us? We asked a cosmetic doctor to share his secrets to keep our skin healthy during lockdown.
New year, same story. As Coronavirus seems not to be done with us, and we plunge into another lockdown, the restrictions’ effects are starting to be visible on our skin. The stress, anxiety, lack of sunshine and probably worsen eating habits are showing through our face just as much as they are through our moods.
According to national research carried out by Uvence, 6 million people (14%) in Britain feel that they look at least five years older as a result of the stress of the pandemic and lockdown, and over a third (38%) say that 2020 aged them more than any year.
We asked Dr. Oliver Amar, one of the UK’s leading cosmetic and aesthetic surgeons, five simple tips to save our skin from ageing during lockdown.
Exercise
“As well as helping to maintain our physique and mental health, engaging in regular exercise can have a major impact on our facial aesthetics. The physical activities we undertake impact every aspect of our life from sleep to posture, and even mental wellbeing, all of which affect how we look.”
“Exercise is a fantastic way to enhance the appearance of your skin because it helps all of the other bodily functions and systems run at their best. It’s also a fantastic stress-buster. I would highly recommend making the most of your daily outdoor exercise this lockdown!”
Yes, you need to exercise to keep your face young as well as your body. Having a fitness regime can also help you build a routine, so get in those fancy leggings you bought in 2020 and start moving.
Develop a strong sleep routine
“Sleep plays a key role in our health across the board, and this is no different when it comes to your skin. One of the main complaints I’ve heard from my patients over the past few months is how lockdown has made them feel tired and worn out, due in part to a disruption of their regular sleeping routine.”
“I would highly recommend going to bed and waking up at the same time, aiming for at least seven or more hours a night, and doing your best to create an environment of good sleeping conditions. Sleeping in a slightly colder room, avoiding blue/bright light right before bed, and sleeping in total darkness (using blackout curtains or a sleep mask) will really help you to get some quality rest, and in doing so will dramatically boost the look and feel of your skin over time.”
Sleep has been an issue for most of us during the Coronavirus pandemic. But there are things you can do to sleep better, from creating a bedtime routine to listening to podcasts or make sure you wear comfortable clothes that will regulate your body temperature and help you fall asleep.
Drink more water
“It’s no secret that drinking water is vital to ensure your body functions properly, but consuming at least seven to eight glasses of water a day will do wonders for your skin. Not drinking enough water and becoming dehydrated can lead to dry skin, wrinkles and headaches, which over time can start to impact the lines of your forehead and skin around the eyes. Make sure to get well over two litres of water a day, and this will go a long way to helping you maintain vibrant and clear skin.”
Especially when working from home – where there are no tea breaks with colleagues or lunches out – remembering to stay hydrated can be tricky. Think about having a two litres bottle on your desk, so you don’t have to get up every time your glass is empty.
Nourish your body from the inside
“Though it’s unrealistic to stick to a regimented and restrictive eating plan throughout lockdown, making small dietary changes and adapting your eating habits can be hugely beneficial in maintaining your skin quality and overall health. Excess sugar can play havoc with our skin, and also contributes to inflammation throughout the body. By simply reducing your daily sugar intake and not overeating sweet and pre-packaged foods, we can do our skin a huge favour. Boosting your diet with vitamin supplements can also be very beneficial, but be sure to do your research and speak to a doctor to find out what’s best for you”.
We have all be guilty of over-eating and snaking on all sorts of snacks while binging the latest Netflix release. But the novelty of lockdown has worn off now (unfortunately), and we can make better choices for ourselves. Switch the crisps for some hummus and carrots and turn Bridgerton on.
Get proactive
“Scientists have come a long way since the widespread belief that our skin simply aged as we grew older. It’s now known that our skin has regenerative properties that are constantly working to rejuvenate your skin every day. Taking a proactive approach to skincare and building healthy but easily maintainable habits now will pay huge dividends down the line, and will help you to maintain your health and appearance even through tough periods.”
Now that we are going out less, we can take the opportunity of wearing less makeup and take better care of our skin. Take some time every night to cleanse and nourish your skin and try to give yourself a mini-facial at least once a week. It’s not only great for your skin, but also a moment to relax and take care of your mental health.
Dr. Oliver Amar is one of the UK’s leading cosmetic and aesthetic surgeons, practising out of London’s Cadogan Clinic with 15 years of experience. He is also the CMO of Uvence – a pioneer of cosmetic treatments, using purified extracts of a patient’s own fat cells to offer a 100% natural and regenerative ‘biofiller’.
