A few weeks ago, we had very normal routines of going to work, to the gym and having dinner at our favorite restaurants. Now with the quarantine & self-distancing measures, we’re seeking ways to adapt to the new normal to help keep us look and feel good in these trying times. While most of our luxuries are put on hold, we can do our best to keep our skin glowing and our overall health in check. Here's how to keep your skin healthy:
CTM Cleanse, Tone & Moisturize
Maintaining your skin-care regimen will give you a sense of control during the quarantine. In fact, NPD reported that there's been a 13% increase in skincare sales the previous month alone. Additionally, this is the perfect time to spot treat those pesky stress breakouts. Been wanting to try a new DIY-face mask? Now's the time, but proceed with caution. While we love a great skin treatment, be wary of the products you're putting onto your skin. Changing up your skin routine now could cause more harm than good. Stick to what your skin knows & tread lightly into uncharted waters. Try these products from Cosmedix and SkinBetter to give the special treatment it deserves. Side Note: Don't neglect your hands! With the amount of hand washing & sanitizing we're doing today, it's essential to keep your hands hydrated as well to avoid irritation, drying & cracking.Go Make-up Free
Unless you're scheduled for a zoom conference, recording a viral TikTok or Facetiming your crush, it's the perfect time to go au natural! Take this opportunity to let your skin breathe. Especially since we're quarantined inside, this limits your exposure to external airborne debris that can clog pores and affect overall skin health.Healthy, Well Balanced Meals
We're not quite sure what it is about a quarantine that makes us want to pig out & indulge in an afternoon happy hour, but let's do our best to keep ourselves in check. While we'll never hold you back from a tasty snack & a cocktail (or two), it's all about moderation. Additionally, a proper diet rich in Vitamin C & antioxidants can help lower stress levels, improve sleep & maintain a healthy immune system.Maintain Stress Levels
While the sound of working from home or self-quarantine has a nice ring to it, the excitement is very short-lived. Not only can the disruption of your daily schedule completely throw you off, but many of us are without work, which means the domino effect of financial stress. Try creating a comfortable environment that promotes productivity and some much needed R+R. Keep yourself on a schedule without overwhelming yourself. If you're fortunate enough to still be working, allocate time to get up and walk around, put the phone or computer down & take a breather. Also, keep your workspace separate from your relaxation zone, this will help you put work responsibilities out of your head until need be. If you're currently not working, find ways to occupy your time. Plan a daily schedule to maintain a sense of routine. For example: start with washing up, getting dressed for the day and get some indoor errands done, it will definitely help the time pass by.Good Night's Sleep
Whether you're choosing to pull all-nighters or the quarantine has your sleep schedule thrown off track, getting the right amount of sleep is essential now more than ever. Lack of sleep can weaken your immune system and increase inflammation, leaving you more susceptible to illness. Additionally, occurring stress and anxiety can make falling asleep extremely difficult, causing restlessness and sleepless nights.- Creating or maintaining an evening routine to get your mind and body ready for a good night's sleep can help make all the difference when winding down. If you're finding it difficult to fall or stay asleep, try incorporating some of the following tips into your evening routine
- Try to avoid napping excessively during the day. We know how dangerous "relaxing on the couch" can be, but make sure you limit your downtime to not interrupt your regular sleep schedule.
- Get some exercise, even in moderation. While the gyms aren't open and we're confined into our homes, some simple physical activity can really make all the difference. Try some yoga, dancing, or easy-at-home workouts to get your heart pumping and blood flowing.
- Stay informed but limit your news intake. With everything going on in the world today and many questions unanswered, it's essential to have a good understanding of the current COVID-19 crisis, regulations, and updates. However, too much information can cause more harm than good, increasing stress levels that can directly affect sleep and relaxation.
- Cut down on screen time, especially before bed. Whether you're working from home, gaming, or bingeing your favorite show, do your best to give yourself a cutoff. Perhaps pick up some alternative low-stress activities like reading, playing your favorite podcast, or listening to some music.