The Covid-19 pandemic has forced many businesses to temporarily close and most people to work from home. As such, beauty treatments such as Laser and botox are not allowed to operate. So what can we do then, to maintain our skin health?

Dr. Justin Sii, resident at S Aesthetics Clinic, recommends some ways to keep the skin in the best possible condition.

(1) Hydration

The first and most important, according to Dr. Sii, is hydration. Said the doctor “Hydration is a fundamental building block for healthy skin cells. Plants will die without hydration. Similarly, skin cells will deteriorate quickly without adequate hydration.”

Hydration comes mainly from the water and the fluids that you consume. 

While drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day is enough for most people, it may be insufficient for those who have aged and sun-damaged skin; that is where topical hydration agents such as moisturiser and serums come in handy.

(2) Cleansing

Cleanse your face thoroughly according to Dr. Sii, to keep your skin healthy. He said, “No regular facial for two weeks should not be disastrous to your skin as long as you cleanse your face twice a day.”

Choose a soap that is suitable for your skin type too; oily skin should use a foaming liquid cleanser while dry, aged skin should use moisturising skin cleansers or oily cream-based ones.

(3) Sun Protection

Sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays according to the doctor and even brief exposure can cause some skin damage. If you are at home, choose sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and SPF of at least 30. This applies to those who like good ventilation and have your windows open all day when you are at home, as the sun’s rays will be coming into your house.

(4) Serums

For mature or sun-damaged skin, you will need a good serum to retain moisture in your skin, according to Dr. Sii. This can target specific spots such as skin pigmentation, wrinkles and large pores and also provide long-term anti-ageing benefits for the future.

(5) Exercise 

Regular 30-minute exercise three times a week improves your physical health as well as enhancing blood circulation to your skin, bringing with it essential nutrients and hydration.

As well, exercise reduces stress hormones, stimulates the production of skin collagen, improves your muscle tone, makes your skin look firmer and more supple, and reduces the appearance of cellulite.

Said Dr. Sii, “If you cannot exercise outdoors, exercise at home. In fact, exercising at home was already a trend before Covid-19 hit us.”

(6) Healthy Diet

Said Dr. Sii, “We are what we eat. A balanced nutritional diet contributes to healthy skin.”

Food rich in Vitamin C contain beneficial antioxidants and protect your skin from free radicals. However, in contrast, high-GI foods or those high in sugar causes premature ageing, affecting skin quality.

(7) Sleep Well

Your skin repairs itself when you sleep, producing more collagen and elastin that keeps the skin youthful. And as well, sleeping well keeps your stress hormones under control, reducing the risk of acne breakouts and the formation of pigments.

In contrast, a lack of sleep causes dry skin, wrinkles and premature ageing.

We should aim to sleep at least eight hours per night.

Conclusion

Says Dr. Sii, “During this constrained period, we have plenty of ways to keep our skin in the best form possible.”

S Aesthetics Clinic: https://saestheticsclinic.com

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