Most of us have suddenly got some extra time on our hands, are surrounded by less pollution and daily make-up, probably eating a little less junk food, maybe even drinking a little less alcohol, … so we’re right in the middle of the ideal skin health moment.
So while clinic treatments are off the cards (sorry, we’re not your guys for at-home mani-pedis), we’ve created a daily guide to help you make the most of being at home and replicate professional treatments for an extra boost. They’ll make you feel great, even if you’re only seen by your boss on Zoom.
MORNING
It’s important to start your day with a gentle cleanser with a suitable pH level. Our Clean Slate cleanser is especially formulated with calming chamomile, brightening marigold, nourishing Shea and restorative cocoa butter. Twice a week, add in an extra step and do a gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and encourage glowy skin. As you’ll be at home, you won’t need to pile on make-up afterwards to cover any redness so it’s an ideal time to introduce this step to your routine.
After cleansing, it’s essential you use a serum to restore anything stripped from your skin during cleansing (Strength Training is packed with Silica and Moringa Oleifera for this reason). Follow up with a moisturiser massaged from the centre of your skin working outwards. If you include an eye cream in your skincare routine, especially important if you’re finding your sleep being interrupted at the moment, apply this in a reverse C-shape starting from the inner under eye corner and heading up toward your brow bone.
For an extra step to fill another five minutes of lockdown, replicate a cryofacial at home by using ice therapy. After applying serum, take an ice cube. Wrap it in a tissue or some kitchen roll so just an end sticks out, and wait a couple of minutes until the frostiness on the ice cube reduces. Then, rub it over your skin and around the eyes, keeping it moving at all times, for 2 minutes. Then pat it dry and add your moisturiser. An instant brightening hit at home.
AFTERNOON
Extra time = extra masking. In Eastern skincare, it’s common to use facemasks with different functions every day - moisturising, detoxing, firming, brightening, anti-ageing. So make a mask part of your afternoon routine, a lovely post-lunch indulgence. Here’s a couple of the easiest facemask recipes that you may be able to make with cupboard ingredients.
Oatmeal Mask
This reduces inflammation and works as an enzyme exfoliator - if you have sensitive skin, skip the lemon.
- 2 tablespoons of boiled Oatmeal
- 1 squeeze of lemon
Cool it down, apply to skin, wait 15 minutes and rinse off with water. It’s that easy!
Green Tea Mask
Ideal for giving you an instant glow and calming any natural redness.
- 1 mug of green tea
- 1/2 teaspoon of honey
- Enough rice flour to give it the texture of a mask
Cool down the tea, apply to skin for 20 minutes, massage and then rinse.
Turmeric Mask
Ideal for softening the skin if it’s been neglected lately.
- 1 tsp of flour
- 1 tbsp of turmeric
- 1 tsp of lemon
- 1 tbsp of milk
Mix it together and then apply to the skin for 20 minutes, then rinse.
EVENING
When we’re sleeping, the skin is hardest at work. Regeneration is as its prime, so its the best time to use active ingredients. Opt for a rich cream - such as our Midnight Feast - that has ingredients that make a real difference, such as Silica, Coconut, Hemp and Argan oils. If you’re mixing ingredients, take care not to mix active acids with oils, as combining them will cause serious irritation. Applied too much and feeling greasy? Apply to elbows or thighs - the areas which benefit most on the body.
This article is not meant to treat or diagnose. Please visit your doctor for advice about any health concerns you may have.