Style clinic
Dear Style Clinic
I am finding working at home most of the time is taking its toll on my skin, especially my face and hands, which seem to be dry and tight, contributing to my stress levels. What do you suggest?
I suspect many of us are finding getting back to work a little tough this January. The home office is not always an ideal environment, not least because constant central heating can dry out the skin and hair, leaving us feeling uncomfortable and distracted.
For the face, a great nourishing serum and moisturiser are a must, but try starting with a hydrating skin tonic or toner too, like the Pixi one here, currently on offer. It is especially good if, like me, you cleanse your skin in the morning using the damp cloth method (for example, Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish). A skin tonic takes away any residual cleanser, leaving your skin primed and ready to take in all the goodness from your moisturising products.
One of the benefits of working from home is that you can wear a face mask, and I often do, but a gel or light cream version rather than a sheet mask (I don’t want to alarm the postman). This L’Occitane one is ideal, rich but melting. I only use a little.
For the hands, I always keep a small tube of hand cream on my desk, not just to keep my hands feeling supple, but also an aromatherapy boost, to lift my mood when I am starting to flag (and, in theory, stop me grabbing a biscuit). Check out the Tisserand collection, great prices and really lovely scents, so you can take time out for a moment or two and breathe in something heavenly. Oh, and do try to get outside for a quick walk, if only for 20 minutes. We need that vitamin D boost more than ever.