Self-Care & Skincare While Sheltering at Home

Questions? Please text me at 973-716-9000 or email me at info@plushmd.com.

In just the past few weeks our lives have been turned upside down. Most of us are staying home, whether working or not. Our routines are gone, but some things should not change.

Instead of dressing for a day in the office, I am now usually dressed in work-out wear and sneakers, often with my hair pulled back into a ponytail and virtually no makeup, except a lick of black mascara and a bit of eyebrow color so I don’t look asleep!

Instead of going to the gym early in the morning, I go for a long solitary walk in my quiet neighborhood. My goal is 10,000 steps a day.

But, as I said, some things don’t change. I still weigh myself every morning and eat the same healthy-ish breakfast. Most importantly, for me, is that my skin care routine remains the same.

I tell all my patients that how you take care of your skin at home between in-office treatments can make a big difference. Now, without in-office treatments available, how you treat your skin at home makes an enormous difference.

Let me share my daily skin care routine with you. In the morning, I wash my face with warm water (not too hot) using a clean washcloth and a bit of Plush Daily Cleanse. Please do not use a scrub. There are two problems with this. First, you can strip your skin of oils, resulting in your skin pumping out more oil! Second, scrubs can cause irritation, which will require very gentle care to recover from.

I then apply an eye product, Plush Retinol Eye Defense or Neocutis MicroEyes Rejuvenating Cream, which I use under my eyes, as well as a bit on the upper lid to reduce the appearance of fine lines. I also use some above my upper lip for a temporary improvement of the fine lines in this area.

Next, I apply a small amount of Plush Power C all over my face and neck. This potent anti-oxidant protects your skin from environmental damage.

For me this is usually enough moisture, but for many people a small amount of Plush Hydrate, Plush Hydrate Plus or silky smooth Plush Quench Hyaluronic Acid Serum will add the moisture they need.

Next, a bit of Plush InstaPlump plumps, protects (with SPF) and hydrates my lips.

Lastly, the most important layer is SUNSCREEN. I cannot emphasize enough how important this is. You need to wear a dedicated layer of sunscreen containing a high percentage of zinc oxide every day, rain or shine. Not moisturizer or makeup containing a tiny amount of sunscreen. This is the least expensive and most important thing that you can do for your skin! I don’t mean just when you go to the beach, but every day even if you are staying indoors or just getting into your car. Damaging UV rays cross through glass and penetrate clouds on nasty days. My favorite is Elta UV Elements, which is tinted and feels great. All the sunscreens from Elta give excellent protection.

During the day, that is it! No concealers, foundations, or other cosmetics, but I know that my skin is nourished and protected.

My routine at night is a bit more elaborate. I tell everyone that your skincare routine needs to protect your skin during the day and repair it at night. I will go over my evening skincare routine in another blog. (text or email me if interested – see above).

Yes, my bangs are too long, my roots are beginning to show, and my nails really need some attention, but my skin remains in great condition. I am doing my best to stay positive and healthy and hope that you are as well. Stay safe at home and take some time for self/skin care!