Is increased screen time playing havoc with your skin?

When the world locked down, there was a small slice of the population who was happy to stay at home and not travel daily to work. They assumed this move would improve their skin’s health since as soon as one steps out of the house, there’s UV radiation, free radicals, irritants, bio-hazards and several other factors to contend with. And they were right.  

However, what they didn’t anticipate was the longer onscreen time we would be subjected to due to the blurring of lines between office and home hours. Some of the other things that we did wrong by our skin in this changed scenario include – 

1. Spending less time on skincare– At home, many paid less attention to skincare. Since they thought no one would detect a hurried cleansing or moisturising routine, or if they skipped exfoliating altogether, they did just that. But the skin noticed, and paid for it.

2. Eliminating sunscreen from routine– For most, working at home meant not being affected by the sun’s radiation—that’s a wrong notion. Most people have stopped applying sunscreen, and that shouldn’t be the case.  

3. Having an unhealthy diet– Working from home meant some of us had healthier, planned meals; there were also those who had earlier relied on canteens for a well-cooked meal. With that option gone, they resorted to fast food options. This demographic is registering adverse effects of these actions by way of their skin and health now.

4. Forgetting to hydrate– Drinking the mandatory 8 glasses of water was a set part of the office routine for most. At home, it’s also that easy to forget. 

Since the arrival of Omicron, we have realised that this working scenario and, hence, longer screen times, may be here to stay a while longer. So, we’ve to learn how to incorporate steps to care for the skin without devoting lots of time. 

Some easy-to-follow skincare tips are as follows— 

1. Focus on eating healthy– Dedicate time over the weekend to create a meal plan for the week ahead, and make preparations such as marinate proteins, prepare curry pastes in advance, etc. This will prep your mind to cook at home and eat healthier meals. 

2. Keep a water bottle handy at your workstation– Remember the water bottle at your office desk that reminded you to drink water? Replicate the step at your home desk and you’ll definitely consume the required amount. 

In order to hydrate your skin from the inside as well, you can opt for Profhilo, a breakthrough skin treatment that has Hyaluronic Acid that helps to moisturise your skin from the deeper levels, thereby reducing fine lines and dryness. 

1. Don’t ignore your skincare routine– As tempting as it’s don’t cut back on your skincare. Follow a simple regime that works for your skin type and check in regularly to see if it needs anything extra. 

2. Adjust the regime when necessary– Longer screen time means blue light and radiation exposure causing tired eyes and stressed skin. Your eyes may need some rosewater-infused eye pads applied regularly and light under-eye skin, even if you never needed either before. As for the skin, give yourself facial massages every other day with plant-based oils such as Argan or Hemp, and you’ll soon notice the added glow.

3. Resume exercising– Regular exercise gives us a natural high and acts as a stress buster, other than working wonders for the skin. So stop with the excuses and get your yoga mat out. 

4. Keep up with the appointments– While several procedures such as facials and chemical peel treatments won’t be possible during the pandemic, stay abreast with the dermatology appointments. It’s the least you can do for your skin. 

5. Maintain a balance– Work hard, rest hard—as they say. Difficult as it may be, try to maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

6. Don’t skimp on sleep– Sleep well, for your health, sanity and skin. No two ways about it.

The pandemic may have turned our worlds upside down but the well-being of our health and healthy skin is our sole responsibility. All that’s needed is a bit of regular tender loving care.

The writer is Director, Monisha Kapoor Aesthetic.