The COVID-19 quarantine has left countless people without the beauty and skin care treatments that they love and depend on for self-care. While everything from hair and nail appointments through to treatments from your Loveland dermatologist are waiting to be rescheduled, there are some safe and simple skin treatments that you can do to help you look and feel your best at home.
Use This Time to Perfect Your Skincare Routine
Whether you’re working from home, working on homeschooling your children, or simply waiting for the end of the stay at home order, this is the perfect time to develop your skin care routine and make a habit of it. Without the pressure of getting ready for work or rushing out the door to get kids to school, you can invest more time into your skin care routine in the morning and at night. Or perhaps there are products that you have wanted to try, but were nervous of how your skin would respond. Use this time to calmly test and perfect your routine from cleansing through to makeup application.
Get in the Habit of Washing Your Face
It is extremely important to wash your face both in the morning and before you go to bed. However, many will skip this step. Lack of time or energy may keep you from reaching for your cleanser, but washing your face is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Washing your face clears your skin of dirt, grime, and oils that can prevent your skin from looking its best. Washing your face properly and with the right products boosts hydration and removes build-up that can prevent your skin from absorbing nutrients. Use the quarantine as an opportunity to strengthen the habit, so that when the busyness of life returns you won’t skip over this step.
Try Gently Exfoliation
Exfoliation is used to remove dead skin cells, the most superficial layer of the skin. When done properly and carefully, it can improve and rejuvenate the appearance of your skin, but if done too aggressively it can damage your skin causing redness or even breakouts. To safely exfoliate at home, avoid using harsh products or tools. Use products formulated for your skin type and apply them in gentle, circular motions with a brush, sponge, or washcloth. After 30 seconds, rinse the product off with lukewarm water and apply moisturizer immediately after to hydrate your skin rather than over-drying it.
Cook Up a DIY Face Mask
While you’re binge-watching your favorite show, why not do so with a DIY face mask? Facemasks can be made from a variety of ingredients that you likely have in your kitchen. Homemade facemasks may not offer the same benefits of a facial, but they can make a difference. Ingredients such as honey, milk, oatmeal, berries, avocado, eggs, and others can all benefit your skin in different ways. Make a safe facemask about once a week, leaving it on for about 15 minutes before rinsing off and moisturizing.
Give Your Hair a Break
If you have color-treated hair or if you blow dry, curl, or straighten your hair on a daily basis, there is a good chance that your hair could use a little break. By taking a break from the things that can cause damage, you can give your hair an opportunity to rehydrate and restore. During these weeks of quarantine, hang up your blow dryer and let your hair dry naturally. Order a hair serum or hair mask that you can apply once or twice a week and when this is over, you might find that your hair look and feel healthier than ever.
Have a Spa Day
You might not be able to schedule a spa day, but that doesn’t have to stop you from pampering yourself. Whether you’ve run out of things to do or you’re overwhelmed with work, clear a couple of hours in your schedule for a DIY spa day. You could take a bath with Epsom salts and essential oils while you read a book and enjoy the scent of your favorite candle. Or you might sit down to calmly and carefully give yourself a manicure complete with a hand soak and arm massage. Or simply put on your homemade facemask and cucumbers over your eyes while you listen to your favorite playlist. Whatever you do, invest time into self-care.
Be Careful What You Try
Although the Internet is full of ideas for DIY skin treatments, be careful that you don’t attempt anything that could harm your skin more than help it. When in doubt, take a moment to research the do’s and don’ts for DIY skin care or you could even send an email to your local dermatologist.