Karine Laudort Working from home can have its benefits (rolling out of bed that little bit later), but as many of us are finding out – it can also have its downfalls. Adjusting to a different workspace environment can take some getting used to and it’s not just our desk set-up that’s wreaking havoc with our normality. Just as we’re adjusting our minds to our new routines, our skin is also adapting. We have been researching into why this has been happening and how to free your skin from any new aggravations and give you some sense of solution and self-care during this world pandemic.
1. YOUR CENTRAL HEATING
If your skin is feeling dryer than normal when you’re working from home it could be that your central heating is causing it to dry out. Using a rich emollient based moisturiser is important to create a protective barrier to lock moisture in and protect your skin. Moisturiser forms a protective barrier against environmental irritants and encourages the skin’s own healing process. Use liberally and frequently on the body and face to soothe dry, irritated or sensitive skin.
2. BOREDOM SNACKING
It’s easy to grab the chocolates and crisps to indulge all day next to your work from home set-up, treating yourself to a glass of wine (or bottle) at the end of a shift. It’s known that sugar can break down collagen and elasticity in the skin, leading to large pores and oily skin. You can replace unhealthy treats for healthier alternatives like fruit, jelly and honey which contains natural antioxidants, but also by using a rich cleansing oil can gently unclog impurities from your skin, leaving it soft and hydrated.
Using something 100% natural is so important, you really do get out what you put into your skin. We recommend Balmonds Omega Rich Cleansing Oil (£11 for 200ml) This pure and gentle oil also nourishes and protects skin that might need extra care, particularly ageing, fragile or damaged skin. Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil contains absolutely no perfumes, preservatives or synthetics to avoid the possibility of irritation. Suitable for all ages and skin types, just massage onto your face, leave for a few minutes or so (if you want) and wash off with damp cotton wool or a warm flannel.
3. YOUR HOME OFFICE OUTFIT
Working from home has the added benefit of wearing whatever you feel like and we tend to lean towards more comfortable clothing, however the wrong material can lead to irritated skin flare ups. Avoid synthetic materials and too-tight fitting clothing which can rub against sensitive skin and further exacerbate symptoms. Instead, stick to loose, baggy and light clothing and don’t overheat yourself. Natural cotton, silk and bamboo are the best options for kind-to-skin fabric. To keep your skin protected against any unwanted flare ups from your clothing it’s a good idea to moisturise liberally and daily to support the skin’s natural cycle of regeneration and repair, keeping skin in healthy condition.
4. WASHING YOUR HANDS
With the heightened rate of hand washing due to the spreading of germs, it’s not just your facial skin that’s feeling a change in routine. Over-washing your hands can lead to dry and cracked skin, which is incredibly painful to keep on using when they are like this. Introducing a rich hand moisturiser into your routine is an easy way of staying clean but also preventing your hands from feeling dry and sore.
Another 100% Natural Balmonds product we can recommend is their intensive Hand Cream (£10.99 for 50ml or 18.99 for 100ml)
Balmonds Intensive Hand Cream has been formulated to keep hard-working hands healthy and hydrated. The shea butter-based cream works both as a protective barrier against environmental irritants, and as a super-nutritious boost for skin that needs extra help. Use it as much as you want throughout the day, no synthetic ingredients means no further irritation! It also doubles up as a facial moisturiser if you’re looking for something a bit thicker and rejuvenating.
5. HOME WORK OUT SWEAT
Whilst we’re all getting into our working from home routines, exercising is important, not only to stay fit but it is essential for releasing endorphins and mental well-being. Exercise triggers the release of histamines in the body, an inflammatory response to physical exertion or stress which is designed to protect muscles from damage. Sweating can be an extreme irritant for those with skin allergies, with histamines causing the skin to itch like mad, become hot and reddened. The only way to combat this is to wash away the sweat from your skin. Use a gentle, sensitive friendly body wash to avoid any extra irritation.
Balmonds is stocked online at www.balmonds.co.uk and in Holland & Barrett.
