I’m spending my time in self-isolation fixing my skin issues with these new beauty habits.
Rushing here, rushing there, it seems like a lifetime ago my calendar was filled with meetings and appointments, exciting beauty launches and coffee dates.
Now staring at the blank pages of my diary, it’s hard not to feel a little nostalgic, that it was only three weeks ago we were still allowed to attend events, enjoy the company of friends and family at gatherings, or sitting down to a yummy brunch at your favourite weekend café.
Though the situation may seem lonely and almost hopeless, self-isolation for many (like myself), is actually turning out to be a good thing. For rather than sitting down and thinking of what life was like three weeks ago, I have been spending my time thinking about what I can do with the time which has been given to me now.
Time, which up until three weeks ago, was hard to come by.
So, using my now abundant spare time in self-isolation, I have adopted five new beauty habits to help me treat my skincare concerns and get my skin back on track.
And, I’m not the only one.
According to the American research panel NPD (National Purchase Diary Panel Inc), although the impact of COVID-19 outbreak is still unclear, skincare has been outperforming the general beauty market since people began self-isolating themselves at home.
Finding comfort in skincare, many people have taken to their digital platform of choice sharing posts of images and videos of their new skincare routines and makeup trials, as a way of passing the time at home.
These are the five beauty habits I’ve adopted since being in self-isolation:
Wearing No Makeup:
First on the list is no makeup. In particular; Foundation. Although I can’t live without it, foundation has always been an enemy to my skin. Blocking my pores, creating congestion. It seems like no matter the brand I use; whether it be basic or luxury, wearing foundation generally results in breakouts by the end of the week. Leaving me with damage control on the weekend to treat and heal the blemishes.
I am using my time in self-isolation to steer clear from foundation. And if I do need to duck out to the shops for groceries, I dab a little concealer onto any questioning spots, to ensure I keep my skin clean and clear. As far as mascara, eyeshadow and lipstick goes, I haven’t touched these in more than two weeks.
The result: so far so good. No new breakouts in over a week. This is amazing progress in my skin developments. Especially around the t-zone area which is prone to blackheads and heavy congestion after wearing a day of foundation.
A Face Mask A Day:
Self-isolation has provided me with the time to finally use rich hydrating and detoxification masks which require a little more than twenty minutes on the skin to work.
Before COVID-19, with no time to spare, the only masks I had time for were quick under five-minute ones, which I often questioned the benefits of and whether or not it was working for my skin. Now I have time to sit back and relax, with rich hydrating morning sheet masks whi9ch require at least twenty minutes on the skin to work. And deep pore cleansing masks at night which work better when left on the4 skin for at least thirty minutes.
The result: overall skin tone and skin hydration has slightly improved. With the weather bouncing all over the place from hot to cold, I am struggling a little to keep skin hydrated.
Hair Detox:
Attending meetings and beauty events, always meant heat styling hair and a lot of products to keep it there. With the cancellation of so many meetings and events, I have given my hair a break from styling, reduced the amount of product I use, and started leaving hair masks on for longer.
Instead of five minutes, I now have the time to leave hair masks on for at least twenty minutes. The improvement in hair health is noticeable, with shinier hair and less hair being lost when combing out knots. Sure, the greys are starting to show as I can’t get to my salon for a cut and colour. But that’s nothing an at home hair colour can’t fix.
The result: With less heat styling and a reduction in hair styling products to go with it, my hair has finally had time to breath and repair from all the stress and damage caused from over styling.
Taking More Baths:
With an entire bathroom cabinet drawer dedicated to nothing but bath products, I have finally found the time to take baths.
Although showers are convenient and easy, and probably use less water than that of running a bath. There’s no better way to truly relax, then to soak in a tub of hot water infused with botanical oils which help melt away stress and nourish skin.
The result: having no access to my yoga studio or Chiro, many aches and pains have been presenting themselves. Soaking in a bath of epsom and magnesium salts has really worked wonders for both my body and my mind.
Giving Myself a Skin Detox:
I talked earlier about ditching makeup whilst in self-isolation, so whilst cleansing my skin from any impurities, I am also using the time to cull through a lot of the beauty products I have to see which ones really work and want doesn’t.
Focusing on what it is I know my skin really needs and understanding what it responds well to, I have cleansed the bathroom cabinet of any beauty products which I felt were not delivering on helping me combat my skin concerns. Sorry 100 percent organic face serum, you gotta go.
The result: By focusing on the ingredients my skin really responds to, such as vitamin C and A, glycolic serums and enzymes, I am able to treat any ageing concerns and treat any breakouts properly. My skin feels vibrant and renewed.
My Favourite Beauty Product of the Week:
Rodan + Fields Micro-Dermabrasion Paste RRP $83
This product has been my skin’s saving grace during my self-isolation.
Unable to get into to see my regular beauty therapist for my fortnightly dermabrasion treatment, I was concerned about how my skin would react to no more deep cleanses, only a therapist can provide for you.
The texture is fine like that of the dermabrasion crystals used in a micro treatment at the salon. With a gritty like texture it works to scrub away all dead skin cells and dirt from the skin, leaving it glowing, refreshed and renewed.
TIP: Cleanse and wash the face, then dab dry only to leave skin damp. Scoop a twenty cent size dollop of paste into hands and slowly massage all over the face. Leave for one minute and then wash off with warm water. I followed with a rich face serum afterwards to lock in moisture and close off pores.