With the enforcement of national lockdown, the wearing of masks and social distancing, Covid-19 has permeated every facet of our society. Everyone knows at least one person who has been affected by this virus and worldwide Covid-19-related deaths have soared to unimaginable rates. Understandably, many have been questioning their mortality and considering ways to boost their immunity and resilience to the pandemic. As medical doctors we have a variety of non-surgical procedures (anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, chemical peels, thread lifts, etc.) in our armamentarium to combat skin ageing. However, here are some pointers regarding things you can do to get you looking the way you still feel: healthy, vibrant and filled with vitality.
• Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen; enough cannot be said about it. We are all well aware that excess sun exposure is one of the leading causes of skin cancer; however, the sun is also one of the main culprits in causing premature ageing resulting in wrinkles, loss of elasticity, laxity and pigmentation dysregulation. In practice, applying your sunscreen at the start of the day only provides a fairly limited duration of protection (even with a high SPF rating), so reapplying it throughout the day while avoiding direct sunlight exposure remains one of the most effective anti-ageing strategies.
• Get enough sleep. Chronic, poor-quality sleep has been associated with worsening fine lines, uneven pigmentation, hanging eyelids and darker under-eye circles. Furthermore, good sleepers also tend to heal faster from disruptions to the skin barrier. This really brings home the term “beauty sleep”! So even though Covid-19 might be keeping you up at night, be sure to get enough shut-eye.
• Use good-quality home care. A host of home care products is available on the market (including cleansers, toners, day creams, serums, night creams, etc.), but not all products are suitable for all skin types. Be sure to consult your aesthetic medical doctor to prescribe the most appropriate home care regimen for your specific skin type and degree of skin ageing. As always, prevention is better than cure, but you’re never too old to start becoming younger!
