We have certainly seen an increase in people having problems with their skin at the moment. This can be down to a number of factors such as stress, eating differently than normal, illness and even just an increased amount of time spent inside.
Or maybe you’re missing your monthly facial, which helps to keep your skin in check and now without it your skin has gone slightly haywire. For others who may have been sick, skin is drier and more sensitive, this can also be exacerbated by spending more time indoors.
We caught up with skincare guru and salon owner, Corinna Tolan for her expert advice on how to look after you skin at this time.
Skin and Medicine
Many of the medications used to treat colds and flu have an effect on the skin. Antibiotics can make your skin light sensitive while pain relief like paracetamol can make your skin irritated and itchy. This, in turn, can lead to skin becoming more permeable and lead to heightened absorption of Vit-A, potentially causing a negative response.
Be more mindful of applying SPF. And increase Vit-C supplements and Skin Omega fish oils from Advanced Nutrition Program.
Skip Active Ingredients
As a result of sensitive skin from medication and blowing your nose, it’s a good idea to temporarily stop applying AHA’s and high level Vit-A products during this time and increase the use of hydration masks and intensive moisturiser like Super moisturiser and Clay mask from Environ Skincare. Hydration oil capsules would also be an ideal addition.
Lip Care
As a result of not being able to use your nose to breath, lips can easily become dry and dehydrated. Lip drink from Jane Irdale with SPF 15 is a drink for your lips. It’s petroleum free and rich in antioxidants with a refreshing lemon flavour. Also Skin Omegas supplements will help keep lips hydrated.
A Jade Roller
Facial rollers are a great addition to any skincare routine to help with inflammation. A jade stone roller will decrease puffiness and under-eye circles and help products absorb better into your skin. The cool jade stone can also constrict blood vessels to further minimise swelling and redness.
Afterspa Facial Jade Roller; €19.99
Chapped Nose
Continuously blowing your nose and use of tissues will inevitably leave the skin on the nose dry, sore and chapped. Apply some lip balm or a face oil to the area, it will help act as a shield and protect the delicate area. When you start to recover and are no longer blowing your nose, a cream for bites or stings will help rapidly heal and soothe the area so you can return to normal as soon as possible.
Hand Cream
Your hands will require some TLC as they will be washed and disinfected more often when your are ill. Caudalie Hand Cream is full of antioxidants derived from the grape to repair, nourish the hands and nails, without leaving a greasy film.
Clinicare EGF Glow Mask; €20.00
Masks
As the skins natural barrier is impaired at this time, the skin is naturally more permeable. This makes it an ideal time to hydrate. We love to use hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that’s most active in the dermis, providing a soft cushion to support your skin cells, as it’s naturally found in the skin, but vacated as we age. The skin will rejoice when it’s applied and enjoy the cool calming feeling. We love Clinicare Sheet Masks. Each mask can be used 3-5 times and kept in the fridge for extra chill when feeling hot and balmy.
Supplements
Now is the time to give your energy and immunity a boost. For a good all round multi-vitamin supplement try Akin Vitality 1 Skin Omegas for extra hydration. Youth Biome probiotic to help ensure good gut health and Vitamin C Plus for wellbeing.
Showers and Baths
Try adding a few drops of eucalyptus and/or peppermint oil to your bath or shower gel. Research has shown that Eucalyptus can decrease mucus and expand the bronchi and bronchioles of your lungs. It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory, while peppermint may may help relieve tension headaches and clogged sinuses.
If you require more specific advice on any skin issues you’re having Monica Tolan’s are offering online skin consultations which are €50 which is then redeemable against products.