The lockdown has taken us all by surprise. It has put us in overdrive with our emotions, which is surprisingly connected to how our skin and body reacts. So, this is a good time to incorporate a routine which is easy to follow, while you continue going about your day.
Here are a few tips, for different skin types:
- Splash your face with ice cold water first thing in the morning. This is great for tightening the skin and increasing blood circulation.
- Use an organic face wash if you can. If you don’t have one, reduce the number of times you wash your face with your regular face wash to not more than twice a day.
- Sun block is a must, even though you are indoors. However, you do not have to reapply every 3-4 hours, as you are indoors for most of the day. If you are out of sunblock, please use a moisturiser. Keep the neck and under eye area moisturised too.
- It is not necessary to cleanse your face and neck with a milky cleanser as your skin is not exposed to pollutants and sun at this time.
- Give yourself a simple facial once a week
- Cleanse your face and neck with a cotton swab and cold cream or face oil. This helps remove dust and grime.
- Steam your face for 2-3 minutes
- Use a gentle exfoliator. If you don’t have one, you can make your own! Finely grind oats, keep it in a glass jar and refrigerate. Take 1 teaspoon of the powdered oats, mix it with rose water or regular water and gently exfoliate your face and neck for 10- 15 seconds. Exfoliation removes dead skin as well as superficial blackheads and whiteheads. Rinse off with water.
- Gently and lovingly massage your face, under eye area and neck with a light oil for 5-10 mins, keeping the strokes upward and outward
- Use a face pack over this for 15-20 minutes (you can find recipes for easy DIY masks below)
- Wash off the face pack and pat dry
- Spray your face with an alcohol free toner, like rose water or splash with ice cold water
- End by massaging a light moisturiser on your entire face and neck
This is something you could include into your day, just once a week. Make this a joyful & calming experience for yourself.
6. The tendency to nibble is greater now than ever. Include food and drinks that are immunity boosters –
Star Anise infused water – Boil a few star anise in water and drink it through the day
Cucumber sticks – High in water and very cooling for the body. You can also cut a few rounds of cucumber and place them on your eyes. This helps reduce dark circles and is very refreshing for the eyes.
- If you have access to it, a very good supplement which has many benefits, is collagen. It acts at a cellular level and is also great for skin and nails.
- Create some time for self-reflection and silence at the end of your day. You will be amazed at what it can do for you.
- Last but not the least – always give gratitude for all that you have been blessed with!
EASY DIY FACE PACKS:
- Acne Prone and Oily Skin: Simple Aloe Vera gel is excellent. It has great hydrating properties, works well on reducing post acne marks and gives the skin a more even tone.
- Normal Skin: Mix gram flour, a pinch of turmeric, a few drops of lemon juice and a little yoghurt. Make it into a paste consistency. Apply on the face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Remove with tap water using small circular movements. This is great for giving a glow as well as tightening the skin.
- For Under-Eye Puffiness: Peel and grate a small potato. Pat it under the eye. Let it be for 15-20 minutes. The starch in the potato works well to reduce puffiness under the eyes.
We hope you use these simple tips and make this time work positively for your mind, body and soul.
