As we go through another lockdown, visiting salons or spas are no longer possible. This doesn’t mean you have to ignore your beauty regimen. In fact, you now have more time to engage in some self-care, something you probably never had much time for before.
Here are eight self-care habits to help you feel good during the lockdown:
1. LET YOUR SKIN BREATHE
Going without makeup frees your skin from toxins and can only be good for your complexion. This will allow your skin the chance to breathe and will give it a much-needed break from pore-clogging products. This is especially important for those with sensitive skin or prone to breakouts, as the build-up of dirt and oils in the makeup can cause blotchiness or acne.
2. STOP USING HEAT ON YOUR HAIR
If you’re someone who regularly blow-dries, straightens or curls your hair, then this is your time to go all-natural. Though your daily styling routine might give you dreamy hair, too much heat can ultimately do a lot more harm than good to your overall hair health.
3. DRINK ADEQUATE WATER
Now that you’re home not having time or access to water isn’t an excuse anymore. Try drinking at least eight glasses of water a day. To ensure you’re getting your full eight glasses a day, try drinking two glasses right away when you wake up. Then have at least one to two glasses of water before each meal. Just remember nothing happens overnight, so you may not notice the results of increased hydration for a few weeks.
4. CLEAN YOUR FALSE EYELASHES
Leftover glue and mascara can cause clumping that can undermine your look. However, buying a great pair of realistic-looking false eyelashes after each use can be pretty costly, so there’s no reason why they should be a single-serving beauty product. Take this lockdown opportunity to clean your false eyelashes and make them look as pristine as the day you bought them.
5. GET ADEQUATE & GOOD QUALITY SLEEP
Getting adequate and good quality sleep is suitable for your mood and has many skin benefits. Among them, no more dark circles, reduced ageing, minimised breakouts and a glowing complexion. When confronting the Covid-19 pandemic, though, sleep becomes even more essential because of its wide-ranging benefits in terms of physical and mental health.
6. EAT YOUR WAY TO FABULOUS SKIN
The adage ‘beauty starts from within’ means that you are indeed what you eat. It’s possible to influence your looks by choosing to eat a specific food, as your diet plays a massive role in developing lustrous and shiny hair, radiant and brighter skin, attractive looks, hormonal balance and more. Make sure your diet includes Vitamin C sources like lemons, oranges & strawberries; Vitamin E sources like nuts, seeds & leafy vegetables and Omega-3 sources like walnuts and beans.
7. GET ENOUGH EXERCISE
Many of us experience stress and anxiety associated with being confined to our homes and dealing with uncertainty. One way to deal with this stress is to exercise! Aside from health and physical benefits, regular exercise releases specific hormones, which can cause positive mood changes. Going out for a quick walk or even just exercising at home can be very helpful in this regard. Small efforts such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator and taking a few minutes to stretch can do wonders for your physical health.
8. PRACTICE THE C-T-M ROUTINE
Cleansing, Toning & Moisturising (C-T-M) heals & rejuvenates your skin to keep it healthy and beautiful. Follow this easy & efficient 5-minute C-T-M regime:
STEP 1- Squeeze a dime-sized amount of your cleanser of choice. Using three or four fingers, start massaging in gentle circular motions, working from the centre of your forehead out toward the temples before you wash it off with lukewarm water.
STEP 2- Dry your face after cleansing and pump a small amount of toner onto a cotton pad. Wipe over your face or dab gently.
STEP 3- After your toner is absorbed, massage your skin with a moisturiser or beauty oil.
