How to Start Your Skincare Routine During Quarantine
Let’s face it: times are strange right now. And things like upset routines, uncertainty, and being stuck inside all day can start to take a serious toll on our mental and physical health. One excellent way to combat the quarantine blues is to prioritize self-care and start a new skincare routine.
Why Prioritize Self-care?
Our busy lives often leave little time for self-care, but you feel a thousand times better when you invest in your health. Embrace this extra time at home to introduce some new wellness habits, such as a skincare routine. There’s no better moment to give yourself—and your skin—the love and affection you deserve.
Morning Skincare Routine
Not sure where to get started? Follow this AM skincare routine, and you’ll be on your way to radiant skin.
Cleanse
Start with your favorite cleanser. If you don’t have one already, make sure to choose a face wash that’s suited to your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, look for something with the active ingredient salicylic acid. And regardless of skin type, use a gentle cleanser and avoid hot water, which can dry your face.
Apply Antioxidant
The next step is to apply an antioxidant serum, like the Advanced Vitamin C Serum. Vitamin C protects your skin against assailants like free radicals, pollutants, and UV damage, which makes it an excellent anti-aging product. It also helps brighten dark circles and fade pigmentation.
Moisturize
The third step is to apply a moisturizer. Our favorite is hyaluronic acid, as it delivers intense moisture. We recommend applying our Concentrated Hyaluronic Acid Serum to damp skin for maximum benefits. Follow it with the Restorative Eye Cream on your face, neck, and décolleté.
Sun Protection
Finish your morning routine with a full spectrum SPF 30. Yes, you might be indoors more than usual, but sunscreen is still a must. The UV rays that cause aging come through windows, so make sure to apply sun protection every day.
Additionally, the sun emits blue light, or high-energy visible light (HEV). HEV light contributes to the formation of free radicals, which age our skin. And not only are we at risk from the sun, but our devices and screens also emit HEV light. Choose a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for the best protection against this kind of damage.
Evening Skincare Routine
Now let’s take a look at what makes the perfect PM routine.
Double Cleanse
Start by removing any makeup and cleansing with micellar water. Then follow up with a cleanser to remove any remaining dirt and impurities.
Exfoliate
Once your face is clean, it’s time to exfoliate. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and helps rejuvenate your face; not to mention, it feels super luxurious. Use products like AHAs, sheet masks, or regular masks to reveal bright, smooth skin.
And remember, once or twice per week is plenty when it comes to exfoliation. Any more and you risk damaging the delicate skin barrier.
Night Treatments
Finally, wrap up your routine with some targeted night treatments. This is the moment to apply any eye creams, as well as an anti-aging product like the Intensive Retinol Moisturizer.
New to retinol? Retinol benefits the skin in several ways. It boosts collagen production, speeds up cell turnover, and helps to exfoliate and moisturize. It can be irritating, however, so you should gradually work up to more consistent use.
As you build your tolerance, you can alternate with Rosehip Seed Oil on the nights you don’t use retinol. It has excellent hydrating effects, and it also firms and brightens your face. While not everyone can tolerate retinol, most everyone can use rosehip seed oil. It’s gentle enough even for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Self-Care Tips for the Mind and Body
Skincare is one of many ways to practice self-care. Self-care extends to our body and mind, too. Here are some tips to promote general well-being, both in quarantine and beyond.
Remain Active
The gym might be closed, but even without it, you can move your body. Take a walk around your neighborhood every day and get some fresh air and sunshine. And if you need more vigorous exercise, there are plenty of at-home workouts available on YouTube. Try yoga, Pilates, or high-intensity workouts—whatever feels right.
Meditate
Quieting your mind during challenging times is highly beneficial. Start a daily meditation practice, which can help combat anxiety, fear, sleeplessness, and stress.
Fuel Your Body with Healthy Foods
Too much sugar and processed foods can make you feel sluggish. Fill your body with healthy foods to stay energized and feel good.
Challenge Your Brain
Keep your mind active and learn something new. Whether that’s cooking a new dish, learning a skill, or studying a second language, challenging your mind is an excellent self-care practice.
Our Top Skincare Recommendation?
Have fun and experiment! Wellness is an ongoing journey, and your regimen should work for you, even if it’s low-maintenance. Skincare is an enjoyable way to relax.
Now It’s Your Turn
What are your favorite self-care tips? We’d love to hear your quarantine skincare and mental health survival tips below.
