We’ve been practicing social distancing and staying at home, which means we’ve had more time than ever before to take care of our skin. I’m often asked how to build a skincare routine during these times, but I say that it should be no different from the regimen that you always maintain. Dermatological treatments are most effective when skin is nurtured and prepped. Ultimately, caring for your skin is personal, but barring a few cases, every skin type can benefit from the steps that I’m sharing below.
Image courtesy of unsplash.com
It’s necessary to cleanse your face even if you aren’t applying makeup, as dirt can easily accumulate and block your pores. Using a good cleanser at least once a day is a must to ensure that your skin remains clean and supple.
Did you know that UV exposure from lamps and other indoor lighting can cause photoaging? This is why sunscreen is integral to use even if you’re not stepping outdoors.
Image courtesy of unsplash.com
Did you know that UV exposure from lamps and other indoor lighting can cause photoaging? This is why sunscreen is integral to use even if you’re not stepping outdoors. It can be mixed with your day cream, but if your skin is oily, it’s best to use an oil-free gel SPF.
Use firming and tightening masks, as they contain peptides that enhance the texture and resilience of your skin. There are masks that are rich in hyaluronic acid, and some that are rich in retinol and Vitamin C. The best part is that you can pick a variety of these at your local pharmacy or order them online.
Image courtesy of unsplash.com
Then comes the toner, which reduces pore size and offer a moisture-filled lift, and serums with active ingredients such as Vitamins A and C and hyaluronic acid. Serums may also contain arbutin, kojic acid, lactic acid, azelaic and ascorbic acid, which reduce pigmentation. For dry skin, I recommend applying a serum with high-molecular hyaluronic acid.
Always use a good serum based on your skin’s need and you can top it with your night cream or day cream. Don’t forget to focus on the skin around the eyes and invest in a good eye cream that’s rich in hyaluronic acid to minimize fine lines. If you have dark circles, opt for one with Vitamin C, as it visibly plumps the skin.
Don’t forget that your kitchen is the best source of nutrition. Remember to consume fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in Vitamin C.
Image courtesy of unsplash.com
Don’t forget that your kitchen is the best source of nutrition. Remember to consume fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in Vitamin C. Fruits and vegetables that are yellow and orange in color, such as pumpkin, carrots and yellow peppers are rich in Vitamin A, which gives your skin a glow. Whatever you put inside your body will reflect on your skin.
Image courtesy of unsplash.com
It’s advisable to use ingredients, such as yogurt, honey, turmeric and rose water, which are all available in your kitchen. For your hair, use coconut oil for nourishment and castor oil to boost growth.
If you maintain a skincare routine, your skin would be better prepared for professional treatments and procedures that aestheticians can offer.
Image courtesy of unsplash.com
Whenever patients visit me with prepped skin, any skin booster that I perform looks better, and treatments with laser, radio frequency and PRP therapy prove to be more beneficial. If you maintain a skincare routine, your skin would be better prepared for professional treatments and procedures that aestheticians can offer you, so you can always look your best.
Dr Basmah Alrowaily is a Canadian-board-certified physician, family medicine specialist and aesthetic physician. She has over 20 years of experience in family medicine and over 12 years in aesthetic medicine with a focus on anti-ageing. She has a medical degree from King Faisal University in Saudi Arabia and a Family Medicine Specialist degree from the University of Calgary in Canada. She’s also a member of the American Academy of Anti-Ageing Medicine and Emirates Medical Society UAE. Dr Basmah practices at the Dr Helena Taylor clinic in Dubai. Follow @Htclinic on Instagram.
Dr Basmah’s illustration by Alicia Goveas
