Here we glow

Bring your skin back to life

body and limit the number of snacks and sweets you eat.

If you’re prone to inflammation, it’s best to avoid the more sugary alcoholic drinks such as wine and Prosecco. Opt instead for low-sugar, clear spirits – gin or vodka, for example.

Apply a Vitamin C serum daily to nourish and protect the face.

SLEEPY FACE

With all the fallout from lockdown, anxiety and a disrupted routine are causing many people to sleep less well than normal – leaving them looking tired and feeling sluggish.

Emma says: “If we are sleepdeprived, the skin can start to appear dull, almost grey, and the skin around the eyes is likely to become very inflamed and red.

“This is because our skin’s immune system may be weakened by poor sleep patterns, so we’re less able to fight off free radical damage.

“Unrested skin is prone to dehydration and formation of lines and creases as it struggles to create new collagen.

“Those with poor sleep can fall into a cycle of stress/sleeplessness/anxiety.”

SKIN FIX: Prioritise sleep. Try using lavender pillow sprays, sleeping tablets or get an earlier night to try and help you sleep better, as this is the only way your skin will properly benefit.

Nap in the day if you have to, then gradually build the sleeping routine back that suits your work or lifestyle.

Keep at it, too, as sleep is so important for the body to function properly.

SCREEN FACE

Between work and the lack of face-toface contact with friends and family, we’re spending more time than ever in front of a screen on video calls.

Skin specialist Lucy Xu, founder of London Premier Laser & Skin Clinics, says: “Blue light from screens can have a detrimental effect, promoting premature ageing, skin damage, inflammation and photo-ageing.”

There is also a higher risk of pigmentation, dry, rough skin and possibly eczema and psoriasis flare-ups.

This is partly due to blue light exposure, but actually video calls can also be intense and stressful for many. Staring at the screen for too long creates tension in the eyes, which can increase dark circles and bags.

SKIN FIX: Limit video meetings and catch-ups where possible, and take regular screen breaks.

The Health and Safety Executive suggests short, frequent breaks are better than less frequent longer ones.

So a 5-10 minute break every hour is better than a single 20-minute break every three hours.

Try using an antioxidant cream or serum, and wear a good moisturiser while you are on calls.

Using a face massage tool after each call will also help you to relax your facial muscles.

WASHED OUT Drink water to flush the toxins SLEEP ’N BEAUTY Your skin needs rest to restore itself