Isolation skin is a now a thing. Terri Vinson, skin guru, cosmetic chemist and founder of Synergie Skin, shares her expert tips for giving our skin some extra love during quarantine.
ISO SKIN TIP #1
If you’re using a protective face mask, you may have noticed congestion and breakouts around the nose and chin. Terri says this is because wearing a face mask significantly reduces the skin’s natural processes, such as absorption of water and beneficial skin ingredients, and removal of excess oil and skin toxins.
‘Face mask material can include additives such as bleaching agents, perfumes or other questionable materials added during the manufacturing process,’ she says. ‘Some people may be sensitive or even allergic to these additives and notice irritation, flaking or redness.’
Terri says the best defence is to thoroughly clean your face morning and night to remove the excess oil and debris built up on the skin’s surface. Add in a gentle facial scrub on the congested areas once or twice a week to remove surface blackheads.
Next, apply a serum to balance and strengthen your skin. ‘Your most important serum to use is Vitamin B (niacinamide) in order to strengthen the skin, prevent dryness and control excess sebum. This multitasking serum will also boost the immunity of the skin,’ says Terri.
If you’re experiencing dry, red or sensitive skin opt for Synergie Skin’s DermaCalm moisturiser in the morning and De-Stress oil in the evening to reduce irritation. ‘All other skin types should opt for ÜberZinc, as its high levels of zinc oxide are a wonderful anti-inflammatory ingredient,’ says Terri.
Products to use:
- Synergie Skin UltraCleanse, $72
- Synergie Skin MediScrub, $79
- Synergie Skin Vitamin B, $115
- Synergie Skin DermaCalm, $138
- Synergie Skin De-Stress, $110
- Synergie Skin ÜberZinc, $115
ISO SKIN TIP #2
When outside the home, sanitise your hands with Synergie Skin’s low-irritant hospital-grade Sanitiser Spray (currently available in Australia only) after touching surfaces such as doorknobs, fuel pumps, escalators, shopping trolleys, cash and ATM machines.
Once you are back at home, there is less of a need to sanitise hands. Instead, simply wash your hands once and then you are safe to go about your normal activity. Washing for one minute with soap is recommended to help combat the virus.
With all that extra hand-washing, your hands are no doubt in need of some extra loving care. Terri recommends applying a generous amount of nourishing hand cream under a pair of cotton gloves right before bedtime. A skincare balm also doubles up as an effective cuticle treatment.
Products to use:
ISO SKIN TIP #3
Treat your skin to an indulgent nutrient-rich nighttime mask once a week. Apply a thin layer and leave on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing. For baby-soft skin, leave overnight. Smooth any remaining product onto the backs of your hands to soothe and repair dry skin after all that washing and sanitising.
Product to use:
- Synergie Skin MasquErase, $108
ISO SKIN TIP #4
Soak up some sunshine! ‘Twenty minutes of early morning sun without protection will provide vital vitamin D (and lift your spirits), but do remember to use your physical sunscreen if you are in the sun for longer periods,’ says Terri.
