The Covid-19 (nCoV) pandemic appeared, making each person better aware of the importance of health, daily routine and eating habit. So, during the days of social isolation, why don’t you make the most of each day to take care of yourself more seriously and scientifically? So that, once the epidemic is over, you can own healthy and beautiful skin, an energetic body like a real-life goddess. These positive results may even come sooner if you do them today.

I. Proper skin care is a fundamental element to help you own “no-aged” skin

1. 4 integral steps in the skincare ritual

If the days before, you were too busy with your work or study and without skincare time, now is a great time to do that. Skin care is not complicated, as long as you understand it correctly and do it right.

Depending on the skin type and skin condition, each person chooses a different care method. No matter which “school” you follow, make sure your skincare routine has the following main steps:

Apply sunscreen daily

All skin problems (dullness, dark spots, wrinkles, …) are mainly caused by direct UV exposure to the skin. So even if you don’t have to go out much, make sure to apply sunscreen daily. Because UV rays can penetrate through glass windows, remember that the rays are always there though sunny or cloudy. According to the FDA⁽¹⁾, choose a sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 for the best protection from sunscreen.

Cleansing your skin

Though how much skin care products cost you, if you don’t clean your skin in a proper way, they become meaningless. Social distance period is when you stay at home more, have more time to take care of yourself. Take advantage of this moment to thoroughly care for the skin. In particular, applying the Double cleansing method which helps the skin to be deeply cleansed, to remove all dirt and lubricants, to bring smooth and to absorb nutrients in the following steps more effectively. Flora also has an in-depth article of how to clean the skin, how to wash your face and how to choose the right products. Click here to find more details.

Exfoliating the dead skin

Exfoliating brings many benefits to the skin: unclog pores and increase the ability of the skin in the next steps. Currently, exfoliation is classified into two main types: chemical exfoliants and physical exfoliants.

Chemical exfoliants	Physical exfoliants
Apply products with chemical ingredients (commonly AHA, BHA) to the skin and do not need to wash again. These active ingredients help remove impurities, dead cells from the skin, from deep in the pores.	Use granular products, gel or from existing materials (lemon, sugar, and coffee grounds) gently massage on the skin, rinse with water to remove dead skin.

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. However, whichever way you use it, you need to keep in mind about frequency: 1-3 times / week, depending on skin condition. Also, always apply sunscreen during the day to protect skin. Because after exfoliation, especially the chemical form makes the skin more vulnerable to the sun, it is easier to reactive to the sun.

Moisturizing

Moisturizing is considered a “key” to help the skin prevent premature skin aging. Especially the harsh weather today: the cold, dry North or the hot South of Vietnam lasting for a long time makes the skin dehydrated faster, drier if not moisturized enough. Therefore, choose products that contain: Collagen, Ceramide, Hyaluronic acid to moisturize the skin. These are the top 3 top ingredients for impressive skin-protecting and anti-aging effects. Read the article about these 3 substances if you are wondering whether to choose an effective moisturizer.

Besides, masking is a step of skin care which also brings amazing emotional state. Firstly, when masking at home, you will experience the feeling of relaxation and comfort. Accompanied by a face massage step again, it is not less like skincare service at the spa. Second, the skin is absorbed nutrients and cared for in a different way – that only a mask can bring. Details about masks and their effects, please read here.

3 important notes when skincare

With the steps above, in order for the skin to be cared for in the most scientific and effective way, please remember:

• Do not put your hand on your face. This action inadvertently sends bacteria to the skin, causing the skin to become acne-prone / inflamed, etc. Especially during the Covid season, the risk of infection is quite high if we accidentally touch the shot of an infected person. and apply to face / nose / mouth.
• In order to have beautiful, smooth, healthy skin, it is required to have regular and daily skincare routine. This result does not come in just a few days, or a few times skincare.

2. Don’t forget to combine body care

Owning “no-aged” skin becomes true and fulfilled only when you spend time taking care of the entire body, not just the face. Use this time at home to relax your body and chill out with your DIY home spa.

The process of caring for the body is not too complicated. You only need to remember 3 things: exfoliate (1-2 times/ week), cleanse and moisturize (daily). And there is no shortage of body care products to choose from (body lotion, hand cream, …). The most importance is regularity. Just work for it, you will be surprised at the changes in your body.

II. Stay healthy physically, relieve anxiety of illnesses

Everyone has a risk of being infected – this is an undeniable fact. However, the good news is that we can be proactive in preventing and fighting these diseases if they are applied correctly and fully as follows: physical activities and healthy eating.

1. Full body exercises and physical activities at home

During social distance period, you can fully practice some workouts like Yoga, Gym, Cardio, … at home. There is no need to go far, you only need a mat, Internet-connected phone (see instructions, if necessary) and determination for a healthy body.

Every day you spend a minimum of 15 minutes of exercise, the body will receive 5 of the many tremendous benefits that these exercises bring:

• Improve mood, reduce stress
• Speed ​​up metabolism, burn more calories and help with weight loss. Owning a charming and neat body or an overweight body with less confidence completely depends on the determination and actions of each person.
• Stimulate the body to produce natural antioxidants, protect good cells for the skin
• Slow down the aging process
• Reduce the risk of chronic disease. A study⁽²⁾ indicates that sedentary body is the main cause of chronic diseases.

2. Eating healthy foods

When all food stores and restaurants are closed, it is a good opportunity for you to enjoy delicious and nutritious food at home. Eating foods that provide the following 4 main groups of substances will help boost physical and mental health:

• Protein (meats, eggs, fish, …)
• Fat (butter, cheese, olive oil, …)
• Starch (rice, potatoes, corn, …)
• Fiber and vitamins (vegetables, tubers, fruits)

In addition, the addition of foods containing Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Ceramide contributes to healthy skin, and helps slow down the aging process.

Now you may know how you should take care of your skin, how to exercise and eat to become healthier, more beautiful, right? So what else are you waiting for, apply and do these tips from today! Soon you will be as gorgeous and radiant as a real-life goddess. Take action to have the body you really want, not just stop at “wishing”!

Reference sources:

⁽¹⁾ https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun#spf

⁽²⁾ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4241367/