Has your skin changed drastically during isolation? This might be why

Staying indoors is non-negotiable – but what does that mean for our skin?

Isolating can impact our bodies in any number of ways but one of the most obvious might be changes to our complexion. If your face has been breaking out or feeling extra thirsty of late, you’re not alone. Aesthetician Dr Barbara Sturm many people are seeing differences right now.

“My patients, customers and I are all experiencing the same thing during quarantine – dry, inflamed skin,” she told Glamour Magazine. “There are a variety of factors contributing to this, but an overlooked one is the high energy visible light rays emitted by our computers, mobile phones and flat screen TVs. “They penetrate our skin as deeply as UVA and UVB rays, and cause similar damage. As internet usage has spiked, so has the damage.”

Sturm, who counts Hailey Bieber as one of her high-profile clients, recommends her Anti Pollution Drops to help combat this High Energy Visible (HEV) light damage. You can pick the product up on Cult Beauty for £110. If this is outside your price range ('cos it's definitely outside ours) look for skincare high in anti-oxidants like the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Defense Radiant Tint Protective Moisturizer (€39.90). As well as addressing your skincare, enable night mode on your phone, tablet or laptop to reduce light damage. You can also buy a blue light shield for your screen if your device doesn’t have this built in. Lastly, make sure you’re eating a variety of veggies and drinking plenty of water and, if you can, limiting your screen time.