Lockdown turned life upside down and completely changed our habits.
But while your daily routine might slowly start to return to normal, the effects quarantine has had on your skin might be lasting.
Speaking to FEMAIL, two skincare experts explained how four different types of ‘lockdown face’ have emerged, each caused by habits that have developed over the last three months.
The ‘BBQ face’ for example, is characterised by the sun damage and fine wrinkles caused by days spent under the sun, while ‘kitchen face’, caused by over-indulging, has symptoms including puffiness and ruddy skin.
Here, FEMAIL reveals how you can work out which type of ‘lockdown face’ you have and the simple steps you can take to reduce the symptoms and reduce further damage…
Two skincare experts explained how four different types of ‘lockdown face’ have emerged, each caused by habits that have developed over the last two-and-a-half months. Stock image
BBQ FACE
What is it?
The recent good weather was great for barbecues and getting people outdoors – but it can wreak havoc on skin. Too much time in the sun can lead to tell-tale skin issues.
‘If you’ve slathered on SPF while sunbathing like me, you might great tiny breakouts or have more noticeable blocked comedonal acne on the forehead,’ explained Ada Ooi, founder of 001 Skincare. ‘You might also see other related issues like blackheads, white heads because you have been layering and layering SPF the pores have been blocked.’
‘Or, if you haven’t been using SPF you might start to feel the skin becoming tight and dry, with pigmentation showing. What’s happening under the skin might also be that collagen and elastin fibres are starting to break down as they can be damaged by the sun rays.’
How to fix it
Preventing further damage is simple: wear sunscreen every day, even when it is overcast. Lucy Xu, Skin specialist and Founder of London Premier Laser and Skin Clinics, said: ‘I would suggest always using a high UVA/UVB, preferably factor 50 at all times, and reapply throughout the day especially if you are perspiring.’
Emma added you should reach for a hat when possible.
FEMAIL reveals how you can work out which type of ‘lockdown face’ you have and the simple steps you can take to reduce the symptoms and reduce further damage. Stock image
KITCHEN FACE
What is it?
‘Kitchen face’ is the result of over-indulging in alcohol, salt and sugary treats during lockdown. Unfortunately while enjoying yourself might be fun at the time, it can have a lasting impact on your skin.
Emma Coleman, dermatology and aesthetic RGN who has an eponymous skincare range, explained: ‘Eating and drinking substances with a high glycemic index can lead to inflammation in the body, which affects the skin.
‘Excess sugar can aggravate skin conditions such as rosacea, acne and eczema, and cause dilation of blood vessels on the mid-face and nose giving kitchen face sufferers a ruddy, puffy look.’
How to fix it
Lucy advised: ‘The best way to remedy this is to use a jade roller and to roll the skin to massage and promote lymphatic drainage which should help to detoxify the skin. I would also suggest drinking plenty of water to flush the sugar from your body and limit the number of snacks you eat.’
Emma added: ‘If you’re prone to inflammation, it’s best to limit the amount of sugar you consume, and avoid alcohol such as wine and Prosecco, opting instead for low sugar, clear spirits such as gin and vodka. Apply a vitamin C serum daily to nourish and protect the face.’
SCREEN FACE
What is it?
Between work and catching up over video calls, for many people lockdown has meant spending more time than ever in front of the screen.
While it might not seem like a major cause of skin damage, the reality is that all this screen time leaves its mark.
Lucy explained: ‘Blue light emitted from screens can have a detrimental effect on the skin and can promote premature ageing, skin damage, inflammation and photo ageing.’
Emma added there is also ‘elevated risk of pigmentation, dry, rough skin formation and possibly eczema and psoriasis flare ups. This is partly due to blue light exposure, but actually Zoom calls can be intense and stressful for many people.’
Ada said she didn’t think the blue light could cause significant damage on its own but warned there are other risks.
She said: ‘While I don’t believe in exposure to screen’s blue light actually do damage to the skin, staring at the screen far too long creates a lot of tension to the eyes and all the relative areas. This tension can leave you with blood stagnation dark circles/eye bags.’
How to fix it
Lucy said: ‘I would suggest limiting zoom calls where possible, if you have to do them try using an antioxidant cream or serum to help skin damage, you may also want to wear broad spectrum cream whilst on the calls which should also help protect the skin.’
Emma agreed: ‘Apply some antioxidant moisturiser under your makeup before going on a call and reapply after if you are able to do so. You may also wish to use a face massage tool such as a Gua Sha morning and night to relieve zoom call tensions.’
Ada suggested massaging the area around the eye when applying make-up, with the possibility of using a specialist tool to alleviate tension around the eyes and forehead.
Emma Coleman has her own skincare range at www.emmacolemanskin.com. Lucy Xu is Skin specialist and Founder of London Premier Laser and Skin Clinics (www.londonpremierlaser.co.uk). Ada Ooi is founder of 001 Skincare at https://www.001skincare.com/