A pandemic skin-care self-care plan is what you need right now in the COVID-19 era. Simply put, it is committing to and adhering to a routine that will benefit the health of your body's largest organ that is, your skin, as well as provide the structure and pampering that benefits your psychological well-being.
“Taking care of my skin is one of the first steps in my routine for self-care,” says Dr Niketa Sonavane, Dermatologist in Mumbai and founder of Ambrosia Aesthetics.
Yes, she's a dermatologist, so she's naturally skin-focused, but there's a good reason for the skin pampering. “The reality is that our skin serves as a ‘check engine light' for our internal health in a variety of ways. “We feel better about ourselves when our skin looks good,” she says.
One of the most significant changes we're going through right now is the transition from being out and about to being at home all the time. The structure and routine of your day are disrupted as a result of the change. Healthy eating habits, exercise, journaling, and skin care are among those routines. Those routines are critical for your overall health, both physically and mentally. Researchers discovered that people who have less consistent routines throughout the active parts of their day are more likely to suffer from major depressive and bipolar disorders, mood problems and loneliness.
These routines feel good and serve as a comforting force in your life, providing an anchor to your day and a point of stability in your week. You might even feel like you've accomplished something on a small scale. Especially in light of COVID-19, it is critical to maintain some routines during the week; otherwise, one day begins to blend into the next. Now is a fantastic time to reap the benefits of these habits.
You may discover that certain times of the day trigger intrusive thoughts, but you can break the cycle with self-care. Patients who suffer from anxiety and depression frequently report that their symptoms worsen 30 minutes to an hour before bed. This is when they have more free time, which causes concern for many people. You can get out of your head and focus on what you're doing when you're engaged in an activity, such as washing, toning, and moisturizing your face. This applies to any activity that keeps you busy, such as working on a new project, cooking dinner, or taking your dog for a walk around the neighborhood.
The act of caring for your skin also allows you to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is defined as focusing on sensations in the present moment without passing judgement the soothing feel of warm water, for instance. This practice buffers depression and anxiety by preventing worry and rumination. You can help your brain unhook from less healthy, spiraling thinking patterns by engaging in this activity for a few minutes.
Make a routine that feels good to you and includes products you enjoy using. Don't underestimate the power of gently massaging skin with a warm washcloth to cleanse, or of taking the time to smooth a silky moisturizer on your face or applying a mask. You can even make this an evening event. Caring for your skin during quarantine will definitely give you something to look forward to. When you do at-home facials, set the mood by lighting some candles, having a glass of wine, and listening to some relaxing music while you let your anti aging mask sit.
With so many people experimenting with at-home facial treatments like masks and chemical peels, we suggest sticking with a mask if you want a more concentrated skin treatment. "Masks are much more secure at this time. There is a higher risk of having a skin reaction to a chemical peel, and you can't rely on going to a dermatologist to get you out of a jam right now,” says Dr Sonavane. Masks, on the other hand, are gentler and can temporarily plump the skin to give you a youthful, refreshed appearance.
The experience of an at-home facial or treatment is certainly soothing, but just planning for it gives you a lot of satisfaction. Anticipation of happy events releases feel-good hormones in the brain. According to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology in January 2018, expecting positive events has been shown to activate a specific area of the prefrontal cortex, a brain region associated with a sense of well-being. For something so simple, it's a natural little high.
This is one of the reasons why baths are so relaxing. First, you should expect to feel relaxed as you lower into one, and second, warm water relaxes muscles naturally. Physical relaxation signals to your brain that it is time to be calm and mellow, reducing the fight-or-flight stress response.
Dr. Sonavane recommends adding oatmeal to your bath water to turn it into a self-care ritual while also improving your skin's health. Look for packets of colloidal oatmeal, which soothes irritated skin caused by eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin in general. She recommends soaking for 10 minutes.
According to a study published in the journal Psychological Science in May 2018, spending this concentrated time with loved ones pursuing hobbies and enjoyable activities is associated with higher levels of happiness. You can create meaningful time together that will foster your sense of personal satisfaction and family bond at a time when you may feel too close for comfort with the other members of your household.
One key step in this process for is sharing this routine with adolescent children. At this time, with less direct social interaction, I find that spending my self-care time with my daughter is so much more effective in getting a balance of physical and mental well-being.
You can also make this an enjoyable experience for everyone. There is no need to buy a new product case. Instead, concentrate on the people you already have at home who you adore. Alternatively, you can turn this into a fun, bonding event by searching your pantry for skin-friendly ingredients for a DIY mask, such as coconut oil, mashed avocado, or a milk compress.
The world is extremely stressful right now. So it may seem tempting to stay up late watching TV and then roll into bed without even splashing your face with water, you're just too tired. But what if you focused on taking care of yourself in this small way instead? Spending five minutes extra to treat your skin sends the message, “I'm worth it,”. This is similar to the benefit you might receive when you apply mascara in the morning, colour to your cheeks to make them pop, or smooth on that tinted moisturizer that makes your skin glow.
Finding a moisturizer that you really like could be one of the more impactful steps. Things to think about: Is it pleasant to apply to your skin? Is it pleasant to smell? Does your skin feel better afterward? “Moisturizing improves the overall look and appearance of the skin while also restoring and maintaining the skin's function as an environmental barrier. It also improves circulation to the skin, which can improve your overall sense of well-being.
Why Is Self-Care So Important Now, Including for Your Skin?
There are numerous ways to practice self-care, but focusing your efforts on improving skin health also benefits your mental and emotional health — which is especially important during COVID-19. You will find a direct correlation between your skin-care routine and your mood,” Dr Sonavane says. “Taking the time to care for your skin benefits both your mind and body. It boosts your confidence and gives you a sense of control over the course of your day.”