Keeping busy during social distancing is surprisingly easy in between Zoom calls, work, kids for some, and a sudden onslaught of housework you’ve probably never bothered about too much until now. But there’s still plenty of time for us to finally focus on our health, and we don’t just mean with our workouts. Now that we’re more prudent with our time and money, why not have a good look at our beauty routines too? With little to no makeup and hair styling involved these days, most of us have been on a full-on beauty detox and re-examining what exactly has been giving us those persistent skincare, hair and body problems. Ahead, we list the beauty products we are love during the social distancing period.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels are being embraced by many skincare junkies and are perfectly safe to use if you do your research thoroughly and consult your dermatologist. Commonly referred to as ‘acids’ and ‘chemical exfoliants’, these peels work overtime (and overnight) to leave your skin baby smooth by performing within your pores to break down built-up layers of dead cells and stimulate the growth of healthy skin cells. It’s favoured over a physical exfoliant, also known as face scrubs, which can be abrasive and they only temporarily remove dead skills from your skin’s outermost layer.
Chemical exfoliants can range from mild to intense. They also come in two forms: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). For AHAs, glycolic acid and lactic acid are the most common ones, and are primarily used to treat mild hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tones.
BHAs are used to counter acne and sun damage, and are suitable for oily, acne-prone, or combination skin as the acids go deep into your pores, drying out excess oils, and dead skin cells. BHAs primarily refer to salicylic acid. The most intense exfoliants combine both AHAs and BHAs such as the Dr Dennis Gross peel pads.
Hand soaps
Truth be told: This is the most we’ve ever washed our hands in a day. So while you’re fighting germs, why not invest in a luxury soap with all the right cleansing properties and a great scent? Think of it as a small yet necessary indulgence. Head here for some recommendations.
Haircare rituals
With nowhere to go, heat styling can take a backseat. Take this time to nourish your hair thoroughly. That starts from the scalp, an area many people tend to neglect in their usual routines. Your scalp is skin, and needs a detox too, just like the clogged pores on your face. How do you know when your scalp needs a detox? When it’s itchy, excessively dry, dandruff-prone and oily. Surprisingly, the easiest thing you can do to detox your hair is brush it regularly to remove debris.
Otherwise, look into scalp treatments that soothe, moisturise, purify, and reduce sebum secretion.
Another thing to try during this circuit breaker is to treat your hair with olive oil, leaving it on overnight. It’s loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins that relieve an itchy scalp, and strengthens hair. Remember to wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo once a week to prevent build-up on your hair follicles.
Foot peel
If you’re constantly out and about in heels on a regular work day, you probably have tough and rough calluses. With a pedicure appointment nowhere in sight, a satisfying foot peel may be just what you need. Put on Netflix, a face mask, and slip on a peel which often comes in the form of booties with an exfoliating solution that strips away dead skin cells. In some cases, like the Baby Foot Peel in the gallery above, it sheds skin in layers, leaving your feet baby soft. While not all masks promise peeling away of dead skin, they will certainly leave your skin smoother and softer.
Ampoules
If you’re not getting good sleep or have been neglecting your skincare routine, get a head start with an ampoule. These are single-use serums for when your skin needs an instant and quick shot of nourishment. Highly concentrated, they deliver a soothing and hydrating effect. To get the most out of your products, layer an ampoule under a sheet mask.
The story originally appears on Prestige Online Singapore.
Buy products online at Sephora Thailand and Paula’s Choice Thailand.
