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As most of us peer at our computer screens through unkempt hair, while trying not to look at the remains of a months-old manicure, and problematic skin, calls to resume beauty and skincare services have been on the rise.

Unfortunately, the close contact between technicians and their clients makes it difficult to justify an easing of restrictions at this stage.

For many, this means taking their skincare and beauty regimes into their own hands.

While I don’t recommend following a YouTube tutorial on how to cut your bangs or bleach your hair (watch this home haircut fails compilation for an incentive to put down the scissors), your skin doesn’t have to suffer during the lockdown.

South Africans are wise to this, and Skin Renewal reports an increase in online sales of more than 800% since the restrictions on e-commerce was eased under alert level 4, allowing them to deliver.

While this trend is countrywide, the largest increase came from the Western Cape, a district that formerly comprised a smaller percentage of sales.

These figures are expected to stabilise, but it shows that the pandemic may have shifted consumer behaviour in areas that used to be less prone to ordering online.

Another way to look at it is that, much like work, skin treatments are happening remotely, with moisturisers and specialty products taking the lead.

While Skin Renewal is currently not able to open for treatments, Dr. Maureen Allem, the founder and Medical Director of the Renewal Institute, does have some product recommendations for those looking to keep their skin healthy and happy while physically distancing.

MASKS

For Red, Inflamed Skin: SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque 

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque contains botanical extracts with high concentration levels.  It also contains a calming Dipeptide and Hyaluronic Acid to intensively soothe and replenish temporary skin reactivity.

This intensive calming facial mask cools on contact, comforts skin sensitivity, and restores natural radiance and smoothness.

For Acne: SkinCeuticals Clarifying Masque 

High-quality earth clays, Kaolin, and Bentonite, gently clarify your skin while absorbing excess oil to reduce unwanted shine.

Furthermore, a combination of fruit acids will exfoliate your skin and clean out impurities resulting in decongested pores, leaving your skin smooth and clear.

For Dry Skin: Lamelle Lipid Recovery Mask 

This rich moisturising mask consists of the Lipid Recovery Complex to provide essential support to any dry skin treatment program. Furthermore, by using it two to three times per week, it will provide even greater moisturisation when skin is drier than usual, making it great for the winter months.

AT HOME PEEL SYSTEMS

NeoStrata Smooth Surface Daily Peel With AHA & Aminofil 

NeoStrata Smooth Surface Daily Peel With AHA & Aminofil contains Glycolic Acid to exfoliate the surface layers of your skin. This will remove any dead or dull skin cells which will leave your skin looking healthy and radiant.

Furthermore, it contains Aminofil® to specifically target fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen and elastin production.

Endocare Tensage With Growth Factors

Endocare Tensage Concentrate is an intensive anti-ageing treatment that helps restore skin volume and firmness. It also reduces fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin tone and elasticity.

With the above treatments in your beauty tool kit, you’ll be set to face the winter months with smooth, beautiful skin to tide you over until your next treatment.

You can shop for these products and more via Skin Renewal’s online store.