Back-2-School Skin Tips for the Busy Bee
There is a major trend in self-care right now. Our Instagram feeds are crawling with images of yoga poses, bubble baths, and hammock selfies with good reason – we are all in need of a little relaxation these days.
So, what are busy parents to do?
A constant on-the-go lifestyle can leave you physically drained and can also take a toll on your skin. Now that the school year is starting again, you might have more time to focus on your physical and emotional wellness, which can work wonders for your body and spirit.
If you’re feeling a bit strained after spending the summer running around with the kids, here are a few simple strategies to help you unwind and get your skin back into tip-top shape.
Get some sleep.
Sure – easier said than done, right? But sleep is the most important element in any de-stress routine. If you struggle to fall asleep, cut off your screen time (TV, laptop, tablet, phone) at least two hours before bed. LED lights can trigger a neurological response that makes drowsiness difficult.
Here are a few more quick tips for falling into a restful sleep:
- Cut back on the afternoon coffee. Avoid stimulating foods or drinks containing sugars, nicotine, alcohol, or caffeine at least two hours before bedtime.
- Lower the temperature. A cool – not cold – bedroom is critical for achieving optimal sleep. Try to keep the temperature between 60° and 65°.
- Dim the lights. Ambient lights from electronic devices and digital clocks can make falling asleep difficult. Maintain a dark room, if possible. Sleep masks are highly effective if reducing light sources isn’t practical.
- Create a regular bedtime routine. A consistent end-of-day routine can help you fall asleep faster and achieve deeper sleep. Taking a warm bath or shower one or two hours before bedtime has been shown to significantly improve sleep quality.
Including a regular bedtime skincare routine can both help you unwind and improve the texture and luminosity of your skin. The act of pampering yourself is inherently relaxing, helping you fall asleep faster and achieve deeper, more restorative sleep. Additionally, your skin is better able to absorb the active ingredients in your skincare products during sleep than it is during waking hours.
Our skin’s permeability is enhanced at night during sleep. One of the best tools for rebuilding and preserving collagen while protecting barrier function is a product rich in hyaluronic acid, green and white tea polyphenols, and pentapeptide-4. WestDerm Ceramide Dermal Repair Cream offers a blend of these valuable compounds and an intense boost of antioxidants which can neutralize the free radicals that accelerate aging.
Get a move on!
That’s right, the key to relaxation is exercise! While that might sound counterintuitive when you only want to crash on the sofa and binge-watch Stranger Things, working out helps your body wind down, improves your mood, and facilitates deeper, more restful sleep.
Before you head out for a run or to the gym, cleanse your face of dirt and makeup with one of our favorites, EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser. Exercise can cause pores to open, making it easier for makeup to get inside. You should also apply a healthy amount of sunscreen to any part of the body that isn’t clothed when you’re outdoors.
Additionally, it’s important to gently cleanse your skin after your workout to remove sweat and bacteria. (However, you should consult your dermatologist if you have sensitive skin so that you don’t trigger any inflammation from too-aggressive cleansing.) Follow up with your normal daytime or nighttime skin routine for your skin type.
Get hydrated.
Did you know that dehydration might contribute to mood fluctuations?
Hydration and relaxation are deeply interconnected. While drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day won’t automatically cure stress and anxiety, dehydration has been shown to increase cortisol (stress hormone) production. Several studies have found evidence that improper hydration can impair the body’s ability to self-regulate its biological systems and might increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Self-care should involve proper hydration. It is critical for cellular repair and healing, and could help you regulate your mood. Ensure you are always hydrated by sipping water throughout the day. Especially if you’re a busy parent always on-the-go, this is an easy tip that can make a big difference in not only your skin, but your energy levels.
Your skin needs to be hydrated, too. WestDerm Peptide & HA Hydrating Serum offers a healthy boost of antioxidant power and humectant moisture, helping skin to stay plump and hydrated all day.
Get a facial!
Of course, giving yourself a periodic home facial is great for your skin and your mood, but let’s face it – there’s nothing like the real thing! If you CAN carve out some time in that busy schedule, indulge in a little self-care and schedule a facial.
A professional facial can yield dramatic results for numerous common skin issues that require management or correction. In our clinics, our team of qualified dermatologists and aestheticians can custom design a series of services that will address your unique concerns. Not only will you feel fabulous, but your skin will also be brighter, clearer, and more radiant.
Now that summer is coming to a close, and kids may be back in school, it’s time to shift the focus back on you. If you have any concerns, or simply want to get your skin checked out, schedule an appointment with us today.
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