How Does a Skin Therapist Look After Her Skin In Lockdown?

Have you ever wondered how your Skin Therapist looks after her skin in lockdown? What are her tricks of the trade and is she really an advocate of what she preaches?

My name is Sari, and I'm a Skin Therapist here at Skinmart. Today I am going to share with you my skin routine and how I am surviving in lockdown!

Firstly, I have given myself a plan and a goal of what I want to achieve during this lockdown.

This has been a time of reflection for me on what my body and skin need. During this lockdown I felt I needed to nourish my body and give my skin that extra love - unlike my last lockdown, where I, like most people, drank way too much wine.

1. Protect your protective layer!

I am working from home at moment, right in front of the heater. So firstly, I need to make sure my skin's protective layer (called Acid Mantle) does not get impaired or compromised.

I have added Essential fatty acids into my daily routine - making sure I have a well-sourced, high quality brand of Essential Fatty Acids supplement, containing two forms of Omega 3 of EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenic acid).

Including these healthy lipids in my diet increases my body's ability to create strong cell membranes which in turn, aid in strengthening the skin's Acid Mantle. And trust me, you will notice when these EFA's start to work within your body, as you'll step out of the shower and won't even need to apply a body cream!

2. Boost hydration levels!

I have been giving my skin extra love with extra doses of hydration. I do that by applying sheet masks that are infused with potent serums containing hyaluronic acid, which prevents water from escaping our cells.

The go-to sheet mask for me is the CosMedix Micro Defense Microbiome Sheet Mask and the CosMedix serum Affirm , containing Vitamin E. This serum is a great antioxidant, which will give your skin internal cell protection and strengthening power to the acid mantle.

3. Start the morning with a power green juice!

My morning ritual during this lockdown has been drinking a power green juice first thing in the morning! It's a pure celery juice - 450ml on an empty stomach.

This will help elevate brain fog, chronic fatigue, gut-related issues, and I've also noticed that my skin glowed and the clarity of my complexion improved a lot since I started drinking my celery juice every. morning!

4. Home Rolling

I want to prevent any further skin ageing or free radical damage to my skin. So what I started doing this lockdown is home rolling my skin at nighttime with a roller, plus applying a water-soluble vitamin Hyaluronic acid serum. 

Home rolling can increase collagen production and better absorption of serums into the skin.

It works by activating the wound healing response on the skin, which releases fibroblast growth factors. That leads fibroblasts to redivide, which increases your skin's ability to produce good quality proteins, collagen, and elastin.

Also read: Take Your Serums to The Next Level With Home Rollinng

5. Improve skin health from the inside out

To help my skin from the inside out, I have supplemented my diet with a collagen powder from Bestow beauty - Collagen boost.

Either in my water bottle or in my protein smoothie for breakfast. The Bestow Collagen Boost contains Hydrolysed collagen peptides which increase the production of collagen on a cellular level and it also has added Vitamin C, which is a great antioxidant!

6. Let go of caffeine!

I have challenged myself with a goal to wean off caffeine - I have become addicted! So I have substituted my daily coffee with an organic natural herbal leaf tea instead.

One of my favourites is Dandelion root tea (caffeine free), which is an excellent alternative to having a coffee and great for digestion.

7. Eat your greens!

I am a massive sweet tooth and I love my chocolate - I can eat a whole block of chocolate in one sitting! So I'll confess that unfortunately my goal of limiting my sugar intake wasn't achieved!

However, I did filled my fridge with lots of fresh vegetables and fruit and cooked my meals from scratch. I have noticed a huge difference in my body and skin since I started eating fresh and giving my body more vegetables!

8. Adjust your exercise routine

People know me as a very active person that can not sit still. I am always busy and I don't tend to like downtimes! But mentally and physically we all need those downtimes. Since the gym is closed I have swapped my frantic days with different exercise alternatives.

I would normally head out for a massive run, be all red and sweaty, but now I have chosen to give my joints and body a rest and do long steady walks instead and take in my surroundings.

Instead of resistance training and big compound movements at the gym, I have swapped to pilates at home, working on my core, and re-aligning my body for a better posture for lifestyle and my work environment.

Plus, having time out in a bath with Epson salts and lavender, is a real bliss! I know everyone can relate to the relieve and relaxation a bath can provide after a day full of activities.

9. Makeup FREE!

One last thing: wearing no makeup!

Even though I only ever wear mineral makeup, it's still refreshing not to apply make-up every morning for work and just let my skin breathe!

Also read: We Love Sheet Masks and This is Why

I hope you have enjoyed my little skin tips and advice. If you would like to know more about what you can do to improve your skin's health through lockdown downtimes, book a Complimentary Skin Consultation with me or one of our other Professional Skin Therapists here.

My name is Sari Pols,
I have been in the skincare industry for over 15 years. My passion lies in ‘Health’. Health for the skin and body. My philosophy is if we have good well-being on the inside, then it shows our vitality on the outside.
I have furthered my knowledge of Skin Anatomy, Skin Concerns, and Fitness. I am a true believer in how to make my clients feel their best both inside and out. My emphasis is on guiding my clients through their journey of skin concerns and conditions. I do not like to band-aid a concern or condition but want to get down to the root of the cause. I aim to give personalised consultations with treatment and correct prescribed skin products.