Do you have 'lockdown' face?

If you’ve furloughed your make-up bag during lockdown, you’re not alone. A recent survey by Boots says 82 percent of us are currently wearing less make-up. So after several weeks of lockdown, by now, in theory, our complexions should be glowing.

Not so if you’re suffering from ‘lockdown face’ – skin concerns triggered by the stressors and lifestyle changes of self-isolation. “Stress can lead to surges or fluctuations in the hormone cortisol, provoking acne flare-ups and exacerbating other skin conditions,” says Dr Nick Lowe, Consultant Dermatologist at London’s Cranley Clinic.

So what is ‘lockdown face’? It’s a deepening of frown lines, stress breakouts and a lacklustre complexion, made worse by the fact that we're unable to visit the skincare experts we’d usually rely upon. But in the beauty world, there's always a remedy. We’ve outlined the five signs of lockdown face and the tips and products to combat it at home.

1. Stress breakouts

“Even if you don’t often suffer from acne, lockdown stress may have triggered breakouts. Products containing blemish-fighting niacinamide help mop-up excess surface oil and calm acne-prone skin,” says Dr Lowe. Once you've applied niacinamide, allow it to dry thoroughly  and avoid repeatedly touching your face to prevent bacteria, dirt and oil transferring to your skin.

DIY with: Use a meditation app twice a day to keep stress-hormone levels in check. Headspace is free and teaches breathing techniques to help lower stress levels in under ten minutes.

Treat with: Inkey List Niacinamide Serum, £7, containing 10 percent niacinamide and hydrating hyaluronic acid.

2. Under eye-bags

“If your sleep patterns are out of whack, whether down to stress or not, it can cause skin to look dehydrated, emphasising dark circles and under-eye bags,” says Dr Daron Seukeran, Group Medical Director at sk:n clinics. “Aim for seven to nine hours sleep and drink plenty of water. Eye creams containing smoothing Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) can also help.” For a more restful sleep, drinking a cup of herbal tea containing calming passion-flower before bed might help you switch-off.

DIY with: Keep two teaspoons in the fridge and hold gently beneath your eyes to instantly de-puff and soothe.

Treat with: Dermalogica Total Eye Care, £45, contains tightening AHAs and light-diffusers to instantly diminish dark circles.

3. Worry lines

Have you noticed your forehead looking more furrowed? "Stress and worry can cause us to frown more than usual, says Dr Lowe. "Especially if you're staring at a computer or phone screen for hours. Of course, many of us are struggling to avoid excessive screen time now, due to challenging working situations."

These can all cause deepening of fine lines and frown lines, particularly across the central forehead. Retinol is the gold-standard when it comes to wrinkle-busting, so introduce a retinol cream or serum into your routine, starting every other night.

DIY with: Take regular breaks from your screen and try to relax your whole face and jaw with a facial massage using freshly cleaned hands.

Treat with: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 Refining Night Treatment, £65. 

4. Blocked pores

“If you’re wearing less make-up during lockdown, you might be not be cleansing your skin as thoroughly as usual, this can cause pores to become plugged with oil and dead skin cells,” says Dr Seukeran, “It’s vital to still cleanse twice a day and exfoliate weekly.” To loosen dead skin cells, apply a liquid exfoliant containing salicylic acid, it works to exfoliate within the pores too.

DIY with: Massage your cleanser or face wash into your skin for at least two minutes. If you have time, do a double-cleanse.

Treat with: CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser, £12, contains pore-exfoliating salicylic acid and moisture-boosting ceramides to soothe sensitised skin.

5. Dull complexion

Life is undoubtably more sedentary right now since we’re spending more time indoors. “We also might be experiencing dietary changes, missing out on essential vitamins like Vitamins D and C which are essential for body and skin health and can cause skin to look dehydrated and lacklustre,” says Dr Lowe.

DIY with: ake 500 mg Vitamin C which is essential for collagen production and 2000iu Vitamin D supplement to promote healthy bone density daily.

Treat with: La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C-10 Serum, £38, contains brightening Vitamin C to help correct uneven skintone.