Lockdown has taken its toll on our beauty routines. From ditching the makeup products to barely brushing our hair some days, a stripped-back approach has been embraced.
Our skin has taken a hit too. Dr Susan Mayou, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic, previously spoke to The Independent about why many people have seen an increase in dryness and spots.
“Stress is a recognised trigger for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne, so it’s unsurprising that more people are reporting breakouts at this uncertain and very stressful time,” she says, adding that mindfulness, meditation and exercise are all great ways to relax and refocus.
Pre lockdown, you might have booked in a facial, where an expert can personalise treatments for you and identify what your skin needs.
However as we slowly emerge from lockdown and hairdressers, pubs, restaurants, cinemas and art galleries reopen, beauty salons have only just been allowed to open too, from 13 July.
However, there are many restrictions in place still, with no treatments on the face allowed. This includes; face waxing, sugaring or threading services, facial treatments, advanced facial technicals (electrical or mechanical), eyelash treatments, make-up application, dermarolling, dermaplaning, microblading, electrolysis on the face and eyebrow treatments.
Oliver Dowden, secretary of state for culture, media and sport, explained that these measures in place are ‘reversible’ and are dependent on local spikes in coronavirus cases.
It’s a decision that has been described as sexist as while only treatments below the neck are permitted, beard trims are allowed. Especially as many beauty salons already practice hygiene, cleanliness, preparation and sterilisation.
