Weight Gain & Skin Problems: The Unwanted Side Effects Of A Pandemic
Skin problems and excess weight may not be the worst thing to come out of the last year, but they can still make you feel self-conscious and unhappy. Acne, flaking skin, worry lines, wrinkles and excess belly fat are common side effects of stress, loss of routine and lockdown.
As the UK starts to enter the phased return to ‘normal’ life, it’s the perfect time to start planning how to get back in shape and come out of lockdown looking and feeling great about your body.
Here at Elite Aesthetics, we’re busy getting ready to welcome you back to the clinic in April, as set out in the UK’s roadmap out of lockdown.
Since the latest announcement, we’ve received lots of questions about the most common lockdown side effects – skin problems and weight gain. So we thought we’d write a blog post to help you understand why these problems occur – and offer you some solutions!
Lockdown lbs
Between the lack of commute and the proximity of the kitchen, 48% of people asked gained weight over lockdown, according to a survey carried out by King’s College and Ipos MORI.
You may hate rush hour, but even the dash from home to the train or bus stop adds steps to your pedometer each day. With commutes shortened to just a stumble from your bedroom to your desk, you’re losing an average of 50,000 steps a day. If you factor in an increase in snacking and convenience food consumption, it’s no surprise that you may find your pre-lockdown clothes a bit snug.
Building in an exercise regime and ditching the Pringles is certainly the right way to go – but if you have some stubborn areas where the lbs just won’t shift then, don’t worry. There’s a simple, painless solution.
The Solution – 3D Lipo
3D Lipo is a revolutionary treatment that uses five different methods to totally eliminate fat cells. By incorporating Cryolipolysis (also called fat freezing), Ultrasound Cavitation and Radiofrequency, 3D lipo takes a complete and targeted approach to fat reduction. You can read all about the multi-faceted fat removal treatment in this blog post here.
Mask Face & Maskne
With everything that coronavirus brought with it, the effects on our skin health wasn’t an anticipated one. And it’s not just the actual virus that’s wreaking havoc – the PPE we’ve all had to wear is too.
Although face masks have been an essential weapon in the fight against spreading infection, wearing one for a prolonged time can really aggravate your skin, causing a range of skin problems including…
Acne
Adult acne is one of the most common skin problems we see, and mask-wearing has exacerbated the issue.
Why does it happen? Well, as you expel your breath you create a moist and humid environment – ideal for breeding the bacteria that causes spots. Add the fact that a mask traps sebum (natural oils), dead skin and dirt and you have the perfect recipe for acne breakouts – or maskne as some are calling it.
These breakouts tend to affect the area covered by your mask – your chin, jawline, mouth and nose.
Dry Skin
Wearing a mask for a long time can cause skin dryness too – your expelled breath can upset your skin’s PH balance, making the covered area sensitive, dry and flaky.
The Solution – The HydraFacial
If maskne or dry, dull skin is getting you down, then a good skin detox can help to combat spots and manage blocked pores – and the most effective way to do that is with a facial. But not just any facial…
The HydraFacial is a firm favourite with celebrities like Beyonce and Kate Winslet and is one of our most popular skin treatments because it not only leaves you with radiant, glowing skin, it also cleans deep into the pores, so your overall skin health is improved.
The HydraFacial starts with a deep cleanse to remove dead skin cells, dirt and oil from the skin. Next, a solution is applied to the skin to break down any remaining oil that’s clogging your pores. Then, deep impurities are extracted using a HydroPeel Tip (there are different tips used to treat different skin problems) and lastly, a range of serums are applied.
The HydraFacial is a relaxing treatment that significantly improves your skin’s condition and health. To find out more about it click here…
Zoom Gloom
Have you ever sat in the hairdresser’s chair as you got styled and spotted the odd grey hair or new wrinkle? You tend to notice these things more as you’re sat for a long time with nothing but yourself to look at.
Pre-Covid, you could leave the salon with a fresh do and forget all about that wayward wrinkle if you wanted to. Nowadays, however, the need for frequent Zoom or online meetings will bring you face to face with yourself daily.
The trouble with seeing yourself so much is that you can start to feel self-conscious. There are measures you can take to give yourself a more flattering online appearance, such as raising your laptop level with your face so you’re not looking downwards into the camera or investing in a good ring light to help with poor lighting.
But if you want to make a long-term change to your skin problems, then we have treatment options that can help combat the signs of ageing and give you more radiant, youthful skin without the need for surgery.
The Solutions – Dermal Fillers
As you age, the structure that supports your skin begins to degrade, leaving you with skin problems such as lines and wrinkles. Dermal fillers quite literally, fill the void left by this process and encourage collagen regeneration, giving you plump, smooth skin.
Dermal fillers are a quick and easy way to transform your face. There’s very little recovery time and the results are instant. To find out more about dermal fillers click here…
Thread Lift
A PDO thread lift is one of the latest developments in cosmetic treatments. This technique has received rave reviews thanks to the incredible results. Think of it like a non-surgical facelift…
The thread lift works in two ways; the first is the lift that comes from the medical-grade sutures. These sutures are ‘threaded’ in the subdermal layers of your skin and positioned to provide support. Skin immediately looks more youthful, with fewer visible lines and wrinkles.
The second stage comes as the sutures dissolve. This process stimulates the production of collagen in the area, so your body naturally creates firmer skin. If you would like to learn more about the PDO thread lift, read our blog post here…
We’re Here To Help You…
So, if you’ve found that lockdown has caused skin problems or added unwanted weight, we’d love to help.
Our beautiful cosmetic clinic is situated in Greenhithe, Kent and we’re easily accessible from Dartford and Gravesend stations (both just 10 minutes away), Maidstone (just 15 minutes) and London (20 minutes).
Please get in touch to arrange a consultation with our professional, discreet clinicians.
