COVID19: Your health and your skin

Hi, how are you? 

I know it’s been one hell of a couple weeks but I think we can all agree that these uncertain times are bringing out parts of ourselves we had forgotten about. 

Social distancing is becoming more and more prevalent across the globe and while we can hear the cheers of homebodies everywhere, we have to acknowledge that it’s completely changing our day to day. 

So we came up with a few helpful tips to not only stay sane but to also help keep your skin a priority among the madness.

7 TIPS FOR A (RELATIVELY) B.S.-FREE QUARANTINE

Keep moving: Find some at-home workouts on Youtube, take a walk if that's possible in your area, or stretch out those limbs and finally touch your toes! 

Whatever you need to do to keep the blood flowing through your body will be your best bet. 

If it helps, set a timer on your phone so that at least once per hour, you’re getting up from wherever you’re sitting and at least stretching your limbs.

Stay hydrated: Just because you’re not going anywhere and likely reducing your physical activity doesn’t mean you can skimp on the water. 

No matter what goes down, your body is still made of mostly water, so it's important to replenish your body with its most coveted liquid. 

Keep a water bottle near you at all times and before you snack or make a coffee, take a few sips of water. Your skin will thank you.

Make time for others: Make some calls, facetime, send funny TikToks - do whatever it takes to show others that quarantine doesn't mean total isolation. 

We’re inherently social animals (yes, introverts, even you) so while social isolation might seem like a dream come true, it’s proven to take a toll on your mental health. 

So here’s a challenge for you: for 5 minutes every day, reach out to one person - on the phone, via skype, however! - and catch up with them. 

You don’t know how bad the person on the other side might be needing that interaction.

Want another challenge? Take our 2-week challenge and give your skin the pampering of a lifetime. Check it out here.

Stick to routines: Your mental, physical, and emotional health can be kept in check by sticking to your usual routines. 

Wake up around the same time, go to bed at around the same time (I know, it’s hard), and when you wake up in the morning, put some clothes on and “get ready” for your day the same way you did before crap hit the fan. 

Your skincare and self-care routines are still important for your well-being. 

When it comes to skincare, we have some favorites when we’re down to a minimalist routine:

• Gentle Foaming Cleanser: sulfate-free, breaks down makeup, dirt and the crust from your eyes after admittedly sleeping in.
• Purifying Facial Toner: give yourself a refreshing boost while Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree Oil help combat acne-causing bacteria. Plus, it’s alcohol free.
• Vitamin C + E Serum: get an instant dewy finish with this best-selling serum and in 2 weeks, you’ll notice a brighter, more even complexion.
• Day + Night Hyaluronic Cream: multi-layered hydration that sticks with you throughout an entire Netflix binge session.
• SPF Moisturizer: hydrate while you protect with a collection of antioxidants ready to fight free radicals. Yes, you still need SPF. We’ll get to this in a sec.

Shop the first four products in our Self-Care Bundle and bring less B.S. into your daily skincare routine.

Keep hands moisturized: With all the hand washing and sanitizing, there's a growing number of dry hands out there. 

Dry skin not only feels rough but it can be dangerous in today's climate as it creates cracks in your skin, leaving you exposed to the virus and more prone to getting infected. 

The last thing you want is to give this virus any upperhand so doing the most you can, even if it’s a simple act of keeping your hands, lips, and overall skin hydrated can mean the difference between healthy and critical. 

Our product recommendation: Hand + Body Moisturizer. It has all the natural moisturizers your body needs to keep skin touchably soft, smooth and protected.

Don’t forget your sunscreen: “okay, why do I need sunscreen?” you might be asking. Well, even if you’re not catching rays like you used to, there is still a threat to your skin that looms in your home. 

The blue light that emits from every single screen you use is a hidden threat because, according to board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at New York University, Shari Marchbein, “it  contributes to photo-aging, including wrinkles, worsening skin laxity, and hyperpigmentation.”

Also, unless you’re hunkered down in an underground bunker, your windows are an accomplice for letting sun rays into your home. It’s not the same beaming sun you get on the beach but even the sun that shines through your window is enough to cause damage to your cells. 

READ: 10 things you need to know about sun exposure

Make time for yourself: You know the cliched saying “seize the day”? Let’s follow it up with another cliche “there’s no better time than now!” and it’s true. Now more than ever, we are living in a world when we have the time to do that thing we never have time for. 

Whether it’s taking a few more minutes to stretch in the morning, get through that pile of books you’ve been meaning to read, or finally learn how to code, there is absolutely no better time than now.

I spent 20 minutes in a foot bath listening to a podcast - on a Thursday! So, less “I’m too busy” and more “I’m just chillin’”

READ: The No B.S. Guide to Everyday Self-Care

THE NEW NORMAL

It’s a fact, going outside these days means taking extra precautions to protect yourself. 

Hand sanitizer, wiping down every surface before coming into contact with it, wearing gloves and a mask - if you’re lucky to have gotten your hands on any of these things before they sold out - and, ultimately, washing your hands when you return from the outside world. 

It’s a drag but it’s not far-fetched to say it’s becoming the new normal. Our advice? Practice the tips listed above along with endless gratitude. If you’re reading this it’s because you’re likely healthy enough to sit up right and enjoy your day without the threat of a virus looming over your body. 

ONE MORE THING

Even though Sephora, Glossier, and other beauty stores had to shut down their stores, there’s still a solution if you have an itch for an at-home beauty experience. 

Our Trial Box has always been the best way to sample our best-sellers in the comfort of your own home, and now that we’re all cooped up - why not make it a time to explore clean potent skincare? 

We deliver it right to you with no human contact and no preparation to face the outside world. Just you, our best-sellers and all the time in the world to try before you buy. Click to start your trial.

We hope you make the most out of this crazy situation we’re in and choose to stay positive when it’s so easy to be negative. If you need to reach our team, we’re available every business day on Facebook, Instagram, and email at contact@livenobs.com to answer your questions.

Stay bold!