Stuck in lockdown and struggling with your skincare routine? We are here to help!
Did you know that April is Stress Awareness Month? This month has probably been more stressful than previous ones. If the current situation has been having an impact on your life, you have probably noticed this in your skin. Follow our guide on how to achieve a salon worthy facial that will help to combat stressed out skin, leaving it feeling clean, fresh and hydrated.
During these sad and uncertain times we are all experiencing lockdown. Our usual routines have been turned upside down. From homeschooling the kids, working from home, we may all be suffering from dull tired skin longing for some TLC. Luckily, we are here to help get your skin back on track, with a step by step guide to the perfect facial that will replenish dull, tired and stressed out skin.
Natalie Fisher AKA @The.Derm.Nurse explains how to rejuvenate and revive your skin yourself.
“Now, more than ever, self-care is incredibly important. Routine is essential in helping you work your way through each day in this time of uncertainty. A skin care regime should be part of that routine. I’m going to discuss ways to achieve a salon professional facial from the comfort of your own home to help keep your skin in tip-top condition. Salons will incorporate a few essential steps to prepare and treat your skin, you can recreate some of these steps at home (candles and relaxing music are optional!)”
Cleansing
Perhaps the most obvious step but are you getting it right? With long wear makeup, daily sunscreen and pollution, one simple cleanse is not enough. First cleanse your skin with a cleanser designed to remove makeup, I particularly like using a balm cleanser for this first step. Once this is complete, choose a second cleanser based on your specific skin type and concerns. For example an oily skin may benefit from a cleanser containing salicylic acid and a mature skin would benefit from a cleanser with hydrating properties. Now your skin is prepped for the next step.
Exfoliation
Long gone are the days we would scrub at our skin with scratchy sand-like exfoliators, leaving our faces red and angry. Now in dermatology, we prefer the use of chemical exfoliators, to be specific alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA’s). Don’t be alarmed by the word ‘chemical’ essentially even water is a chemical! In terms of these exfoliators think Cleopatra bathing in milk. Milk contains lactic acid, a wonderfully gentle exfoliating AHA. So which acid should you choose to exfoliate your skin?
Lactic acid is wonderful for more sensitive skins and first time acid users!
Salicylic acid is great for acne prone or oily/combination skins.
Glycolic acid is the one to look for if your skin is showing signs of aging.
A general rule of thumb when introducing acid exfoliators is to start low and slow! By low I am referring to the % of acid which will vary depending on which acid you choose. By slow I mean start using twice a week initially and gradually build up.
Skin Care Tool
We are living in a great time, where effective skincare tools and devices are accessible for home use. Introducing a device into your routine will really enhance your at home facial. The Sensica Sensilift is a perfect example. Radio Frequency has been used in salon facials for years and is still a favorite amongst London’s top facialists. The Sensilift uses clinically proven Dynamic Radio Frequency (DRF). Dynamic refers to the massaging element this device incorporates whilst delivering radio frequency. This combination maximizes the effectiveness of the RF waves, allowing them to reach deeper layers of the skin more evenly. RF stimulates collagen production which in turn reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles so skin is left smoother and firmer. A device like this, when used frequently, will enable you to achieve salon results at home.
Moisturize
A final but important step. When skin is well hydrated, it will appear plump and youthful. Again choose your moisturizer based on your skin type. Many moisturizers will include active ingredients used to target specific concerns, a prime example of this is retinol which is wonderful at targeting fine lines and uneven skin texture.
And finally….
So there you have it, a salon-like facial recreated from home to keep you ticking over until normality resumes! It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when spending every day at home but please don’t neglect your skin. Not only will your skin thank you but it’s also an important way to look after your wellbeing.
And before I sign off I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t remind you to apply sunscreen! We should be wearing it daily anyway but be aware that some of the ingredients mentioned above will make your skin a little more sensitive to the sun.
Natalie Fisher is Sensica’s Expert Dermatologist.
