Kerry Hanaphy on the products you need to combat ‘isolation skin’

Lack of sunlight and increased stress levels have impacted our skin during isolation, says aesthetics expert Kerry Hanaphy. Follow her tips for a glowing at-home facial in time for when restrictions are lifted, or for those Zoom calls.

The lockdown has wreaked havoc with our entire lives: from work, to socialising, child-minding and even how we shop for groceries.

But the stress of our new normal is also having a major impact on our skin.

Kerry Hanaphy, owner of the Dublin aesthetic clinic of the same name, has noticed the side effects lockdown is having on our skincare routines.

“Covid-19 has completely changed the rules and brought a whole new set of problems that can wreak havoc on your skin,” she says.

“The sudden changes in our normal routines have left our skin health totally confused. Apart from the obvious physical changes in our lifestyles, such as diet and exercise, emotional triggers being isolated away from loved ones and increased stress levels, not to mention increased screen time, has handed us a whole host of new skin issues to tackle.”

Kerry says those who wouldn’t normally suffer from acne are experiencing breakouts for the first time.

“Those who manage redness or rosacea are experiencing massive flare-ups. But the most common condition I’ve seen is dry skin,” says Kerry.

“There are many different factors that are leading to isolation dryness: increased alcohol consumption, stuffy rooms, changes in sleep.

“A quick tip to determine if your skin is excessively dry is to tune into your hydration levels. If you’re waking up with chapped or dry lips, you’re likely not drinking enough water and your skin is dehydrated. Pairing a good skincare routine with a healthy diet and active lifestyle will help you achieve the best results.”

Whether you’re experiencing new skin issues or existing skin issues that are being exacerbated by isolation, Kerry recommends the following products.

To combat dry skin

Dry Skin Pack, €80

“We prescribe a trio of products from Mesoestetic. A facial gel cleanser which leaves skin soft and matte, a moisturising cream that ensures protection of the skin against external aggressions and a renewing and lightening gel that reactivates cell renewal and increases skin hydration,” says Kerry.

To combat oily skin

Oily Skin Pack, €80

“This combination pack is perfect for both combination and oily skin,” says Kerry. “It includes both the gel cleanser and moisturising cream from Mesoestetic and also includes a rejuvenating peel. It eliminates impurities and dead cells, normalising excess sebum.”

To combat redness or rosacea

Skin Redness Pack, €80

“This unique blend of products helps to diffuse redness. The couperend maintenance cream from Mesoestetic has soothing and decongestant ingredients that minimise skin irritation, while the collagen 360 serum improves the quality and resistance of skin tissue. The final product in this trio is a peel booster that unifies the texture of the skin and reduces the size of the pores,” says Kerry.

Follow these expert steps and your skin will be glowing just in time for socialising when lockdown is lifted!

To purchase the above products and find out more about the Kerry Hanaphy clinic, see here.