Our experts explore the symptoms of Lockdown Face and how to address any concerns
There is no doubt that it has been a stressful year for the majority of us. The move to working from home, lack of beauty and salon treatments and additional worry, combined with the amount of time we have spent on our sofas instead of out with friends has naturally affected the way we look.
So it’s perhaps unsurprising that we find ourselves with more worry lines, irritated eyes, blemishes, dark under-eye circles and duller complexions. If you are finding yourself struggling with any of these symptoms, here at Transform we have put together some top tips and tricks on how to get back to your pre-Lockdown self.
Fine lines
As we get older, fine lines and signs of aging are expected, however there are a variety of ways that you can reduce their visibility.
Prevention is key, so when looking to slow down signs of aging your first step should be to apply sun cream regularly. UV rays from the sun can cause premature aging to your skin, resulting in fine lines, dark spots, sun damage, and even ‘visible light’ from light bulbs and devices like smartphones can add to this damage.
To protect yourself from different forms of light, wear a broad-spectrum SPF every day, even if it is cloudy or you are inside as UV A rays can still penetrate glass and clouds. To get enough protection you should be using at least half a teaspoon’s worth to your hands and neck.
If you are looking to improve on any visible fine lines that you already have, then try incorporating products containing Vitamin C into your routine. Vitamin C is an ascorbic acid ingredient that contains a powerful antioxidant to shield skin from free radical damage caused by UV rays and pollution. It will aid you by thickening the top layer of skin to protect against sun damage and promoting collagen synthesis. You can also take supplements or eat citrus fruits, strawberries, and leafy green vegetables to increase your Vitamin C intake.
If you’re looking for quicker results to address visible signs of aging, then you may want to consider opting for a facial peel. Facial peels use a chemical solution to deeply exfoliate the skin, removing any top layers of dead skin cells and encouraging cell renewal. This treatment can reduce lines and wrinkles and reverse sun damage. There are also different options of this treatment to suit your own skin-type and ensure the best results.
Blemishes
When addressing blemishes, remember that patience is key as they can be caused by oil production, diet, or hormone levels and you may have to look into a variety of areas of your life to find the cause. However, when looking to address the blemishes themselves, there are certain ingredients that we recommend.
Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) that exfoliates the skin, reduces sebum secretion and has antibacterial properties that can address inflammation. This acid offers a deeper penetration than other exfoliants, making it the perfect way to unclog pores and reduce blemishes.
Skin that is lacking in Vitamin B can also be dry, flaky, sensitive, and prone to breakouts so including this in your skincare routine can calm down any outbreaks that you may have. The most common vitamin B supplements available for skin care are B3 (niacinamide), B5 (pantothenic acid) and B12 (cobalamin). The component B3 or niacinamide is easily available and perfect to use as this can reduce skin’s redness, refine pores, and regulate your oil production.
Dull complexion
Dull and shallow complexions can be caused by a variety of factors such as dehydration, poor diet or sleep, and stress. Addressing any lifestyle habits in your life can be a way of brightening up tired skin, however there are also skincare ingredients that can be used to help with this problem.
Dead skin cell build up can cause your skin to look dull and dry so regular exfoliation and increased hydration are key to getting glowing and evenly toned skin. Introducing skincare products containing Vitamin A such as Retin A, Retinol and Tretinoin into your routine will encourage skin cell turn over and stimulate collagen production which will brighten your appearance.
Ensure that you drink enough water throughout the day as a lack of hydration can also cause a dull complexion. When looking at hydration issues, Hydafacials could be the perfect option. These facials involve a six step process: detox, cleansing, brightening, extraction, hydration and rejuvenation. Using antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, this facial is suitable for all skin types and gives you instant results; a boost in hydration and glowing complexion.
Under-eye circles
Dark under eye circles can be caused either by hyperpigmentation or diluted veins underneath the eye. Certain lifestyle habits such as smoking or getting a poor night’s sleep can create hyperpigmentation under the eye, whereas diluted veins can be the result of seasonal allergies or eye strain.
The best way to address these issues is by packing your diet with anti-inflammatory food such as fresh fruit and veg; in particular, tomatoes, blueberries, and watermelon. Hydration is key so unfortunately, you may need to reduce your red wine and caffeine intake as these will add to any dehydration. However, caffeine in your skincare could work wonders on your dark circles so aim to incorporate this into your routine. You should also look to include any hydrating moisturisers and serums, keep a look out for any products with hyaluronic acids or ceramide creams.
