Skincare à la Mode: Quarantine Edition
The current times find many of us living in a state of uncertainty that has left several things, such as self-care, by the social-distancing curbside. Something as simple as maintaining a skincare routine can not only keep our skin looking and feeling its best, but it can positively impact our mental health and provide a feeling of normalcy.
Here are a few ways you can update or improve your skincare routine while quarantining or social-distancing;
Slather on that SPF
All this time indoors means you don’t need an SPF anymore, right? Surprisingly, the benefits of SPF apply even when we are spending the majority of our time indoors. UV damage can still occur while at home through natural lighting from windows and doors. This can be amplified due to the season, or for those of us who aren’t accustomed to staying home as often, as we aim to keep the curtains drawn and windows open as much as possible.
A moisturizer fit for your skin type with added SPF can be applied in the morning, so you don’t forget this essential step.
Skip the Cleanser… Sort Of
Applying an SPF in the morning means evening cleansing is essential; and a gentle double cleanse can break through both mineral and chemical style sunscreens. Morning cleansing, on the other hand, may be an optional step for some. Try opting for a cleansing water instead of the usual foam or cream cleanser; or just freshen up with a splash of water and skip your morning cleanse all together.
You’ll want to keep your morning cleanse if your skin is on the combination to oily side, if you are acne prone, or have more sensitive skin; as sudden changes to routine can irritate or otherwise upset your skin.
Moisturize
Moisturizing your skin is an essential step to any routine, especially while we are spending more time indoors. The recirculated air in many homes can be very dry; especially for those of us emerging from what feels like a relentless winter. Try checking the humidity in your home and introduce a humidifier alongside a moisturizer fit for your skin type. This can amplify the benefits of your moisturizer, as well as benefit your hair and body.
With the gift of extra time, try to track your water intake and moisturize your body daily to keep every inch of you soft and hydrated.
I’ve personally been adding The Ordinary’s Rosehip Seed Oil to my face and hair alongside my regular moisturizer for a light, calming hydration boost.
Add Variety With Masks and Exfoliators
A great way to spice up your routine is the addition of a mask or exfoliating treatment. These can help tackle some specific skincare concerns like brightening, lifting and firming or deep cleansing and purifying. A moisturizing or nourishing mask can be introduced to give your skin a mid week boost. If you’re working from home or self-isolating, try using your mask mid-afternoon as a little mood elevating delight.
For anyone with more time to devote to skincare, the addition of an exfoliator can really boost your existing skincare regimen. Plus, who doesn’t love soft and glowing skin?
Try applying your favourite moisturizing facial mask to the backs of your hands for an extra treat. Hands and cuticles can get dry and cracked easily with frequent hand washing or sanitizing.
Be Wary of Idle Hands
Skincare can easily be overdone when we are bored, which can counteract the intended effects. Loading your skin with new steps and products can overwhelm skin, resulting in irritation or breakouts. Try to pre-plan your skincare routine for the week and stick to it; you can always make alterations each week based on what worked for you and what didn’t, but this can help keep you from overloading your skin and burning through your products quicker than intended.
In addition to pre-planning your weekly routine, slowing down each step can prove beneficial. When cleansing or moisturizing, add in a mini facial massage and work the product around for 30 to 45 seconds. Try using a facial roller throughout the day for a little added pampering – a cold facial roller kept in the fridge can refresh tired or puffy skin.
I personally love slowing down my routine and taking my time; gently massaging my eye area with Sulwhasoo’s Bloomstay Eye Cream and the provided tool – which I keep in the fridge.
Hopefully these tips help your skin look and feel its best while you spend more time indoors! Feel free to share your favourite skincare products, or tips that work wonders for your skin in the comments below!
**Please note that the above article was not written with the intention of minimizing the current pandemic, and the crippling panic many people are grappling with daily. For updates regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, and for information on how you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe, regularly consult with the World Health Organization and the Centre for Disease Control.**
Stay Safe,
Lady Scynestra, the Vamp in Wolf Clothing.
I absolutely love this article but I am all about some good skincare =^_^= thank you for the share I am definitely going to have to keep in mind about putting on my spf while in the house. I am also going to have to try some of those products as well. Where did you snag up that rosehip oil? O.o it looks very interesting.
Thank you love! Wearing SPF inside makes such a difference, especially if you use Vitamin C serums or enjoy basking in the light by large windows.
The rose hip seed oil is from the brand “The Ordinary” and its available on their site (deciem.com); as well as Sephora.com and Ulta.com! You’ll have to let me know how you like it, if you try it out! <3
I am definitely a kitten who loves to soak up the sunlight =^_^= and SPF is my best friend during my walks lol. I will definitely let you know what I think about it.
@Scynestra. Thank you for the reminder and the tips. I love using the Micellular water> I was actually going to do an article similar to this on tips for getting photoshoot ready. This is a great time to start implementing these so that they become good habits. Great job!!
@DeviantMynx Thank you so much! I adore cleansing waters as well, and completely agree, it’s a great opportunity for some!
Ooh! Thank you for the ideas and products! I often have issues with my skin either being too oily or too dry~ I love hearing about what other ladies are doing for their skin care routine!
@Kiurym My pleasure, love! It could be environmental as well; without enough humidity in the winter for me I turn to dust. Hopefully some of the tips help, and work for you!
I have sadly neglected my skin for the last week. This is a fantastic reminder to get back to my routine. Spf is crucial here in co and moisturizer. I always get in a great routine. Then I skip a day and it becomes a chore. I don’t like it to be a chore but personal care.
@drusilav Oh completely, it can feel like a chore some days. Simplifying things and keeping them minimal tend to help. I always have a splash of wine and listen to some old swing or blues to make my nighttime routine something I look forward to. 😉
I have so many great mask that I’d love to use. I never know if they actually work though or if it’s just a placebo affect. I know staying consistent with washing my face day and night and applying moisturizer day and night helps my hormonal acne immensely.
@drusilav Depending on the mask and the claim, some act more like a placebo and other’s do show improvements. You could always try a soothing or nourishing mask to help calm your skin, and they feel amazing on! <3
I actually have a few of those. I’ll have to try them out.
Great tips- I am also guilty of throwing all my routine out of the window ! I haven’t moisturised for about 6 weeks …YIKES! Thanks for the reminder
@VioletNeko My pleasure! Your skin is going to feel so amazing once you resume your routine! <3
Love this. I agree good skin care is so important. I like to use natural spf/moisturizer. Mostly a combination of rasberry seed oil and coconut oil. This kitten is older than most would guess. So good skin care is a must.
@callipsokitten Oh completely, good skincare is so essential. I haven’t tried raspberry seed oil, I’ll definitely need to try that out – but coconut oil was a favourite for a very, very long time. It’s so versatile. Also you are stunning, and your skin looks incredible! <3
So are you thank you. I just recently added the rasberry seed oil. It’s been a great addition. Along with its natural spf, it is great for moisturizing, fine lines and inflammation
@callipsokitten Thank you! I’ll have to give it a try, that sounds like everything I’ve been looking for in one wonder-oil.
Great tips. Im going to have to try some of these. My skin care is terrible lately. Thank you for sharing these :).
@Toxic My pleasure! Even just keeping up with regular moisturizing can make a world of difference in how your skin looks and feels. <3
Ill remember that :). I dont do that lol.
Thank you for the tips! I tend to over complicate my skincare routine, and it hasn’t worked for me. Using fewer products and adjusting accordingly may be the way to go!
@ashley.nekole You’re welcome! Totally; usually pulling back to the basics for a few weeks helps. Sometimes your skin can change and no longer need the products you were using – so simplifying things can help you re-assess. <3
Great article. I’ve developed a tiny skin care routine over time. Do I always keep to it, that’s a different story lol.
@lunawhispurr Thank you! That’s great though, having something set up really helps and makes it easy to do as often as you can! <3
Right now for skincare I use a lot of natural things, I love to use rose water the most and it really helps with sensitive skin.
@darkcrystal Oh I forgot about how wonderful rose water is! It really does, plus the smell is wonderful. I’ll need to get some when I am able to, thanks for sharing! <3
Yes it works great for me sometimes it is hard to find though! Do you have any other recommendations that I should use for eczema?
Some thicker oils may help; I find olive oil to be miraculous but a touch messy. I’ve also found the brand Eucerin had some incredible lotions that can help with severely dry skin, or other skin concerns like eczema!
I will look that up and try it! Thank you so much!