Lisa Snowdon’s Lockdown: Skincare Saviours and Re-Entry Tips

Did you know that one in five of us spend at least half our time on video calls staring at our own reflection? According to recent research commissioned by scientific skincare brand, StriVectin, the global pandemic has had a huge impact on our self-perception and beauty habits as a result of the Zoom boom. ‘Having the technology to be able to connect is fantastic,’ says Lisa Snowdon, who has teamed up with StriVectin on this project, ‘but the flip side is that we’re constantly bombarded with our own face.’ Obviously, there is nothing wrong with our face per se, but seeing it constantly has become a big distraction for many (50% say it’s the reason why they stop listening on video calls) and has become a cause of distress for others (88% worry they’ll be judged on their appearance on video calls).

‘As a brand with scientific research at the core of our beliefs, it was important for us to better understand shifting consumer perceptions and priorities,’ says Alison Yeh, Chief Marketing Officer at StriVectin, ‘the findings of this survey shed a light on the impact living virtually has had on the way we look at ourselves on many levels.’ Here to chat through the findings, Lisa Snowdon shares her personal experience of Lockdown, her go-to skincare saviours and how best to re-emerge back into the world.

On the importance of routine

‘Personally, I’ve found that having a sense of routine has been really important during Lockdown,’ says the presenter, ‘so making sure I get up, have a shower, get dressed and take good care of my skin.’ Lisa is not alone here, 59% of people have amped up their skincare routine since the beginning of lockdown 1.0 with big beauty retailers noticing the shift, too. ‘It’s been less about make-up and more about skin quality, firmness and having that lovely radiance,’ adds Lisa who notes this is a huge positive – the fact that we all want to take better care of ourselves.

On her changing beauty habits and everyday skincare routine

‘I definitely incorporate a lot more massage into my routine, take a lot more baths and light a lot more candles,’ says Lisa. When it comes to skincare, Lisa loves to layer both morning and night. ‘It’s not that I necessarily spend more time doing this, but I’ve just enjoyed lathering on more lotions and potions. What’s really nice is that you can see your skin responding to the products and then you just feel better in yourself and become more motivated to do your skincare routine every day, twice a day.’

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Like many of us, Lisa begins her routine with a cleanser. ‘I love the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm, £47, it’s great alongside facial massage,’ says Lisa. Next step? ‘I’ll spritz on the Plump & Glow hydrating mist, £42, from Emma Hardie before applying the StriVectin Intensive Eye Concentrate, £58.’ New in from StriVectin, the intensive eye concentrate came about due to the aforementioned research that found dark under eye circles rank top of the list of biggest beauty concerns. ‘It’s incredible,’ says Lisa, ‘I’ve been using it for two weeks and I’ve seen a big difference in terms of brightness and puffiness.’ After this, Lisa applies the Estee Lauder Advance Anti-Wrinkle Cream, £92, over her neck and face before the final and most important step – SPF.

‘Body-wise, I’ll use a mixture of The Organic Pharmacy Detox Oil, £36, or Legology’s Cellulite Oil, £62.50, and dry brush this in,’ she adds while assuring us it doesn’t take that long. ‘You can incorporate these steps into your morning routine, while walking around or making a cup of coffee. And when you’re next on a video call and your skin is glowing, you’ll feel good.’

On the impact of Lockdown on self-perception

Although many of us have stepped up our skincare game in recent months, according to StriVectin’s survey, 62% of respondents feel that the overall condition of their skin has deteriorated. And in the era of Zoom, not feeling your best due to appearance has resulted in 54% turning off their camera on a video call. Taking it one step further, 19% have actually cancelled a video call altogether due to concerns about their own appearance.

‘It’s been challenging, tiring and we’ve never had to live through this before,’ says Lisa, ‘There’s been a lot to contend with mentally and that has had a massive impact on how we feel about ourselves.’ On the subject of our ‘new normal’ ways, Lisa points out we’re working longer hours, taking less breaks, spend less time outdoors and there’s been a lack of contact with others. ‘I don’t think we’ve actually aged or that our skin has really deteriorated, but rather the perception of us ageing has been heightened because we’re seeing ourselves all the time – and obsessing a little bit more,’ says Lisa.

On ‘re-entering’ after Lockdown

‘We need to go slowly and re-emerge at our own pace after this pandemic,’ advises Lisa. ‘Continue to take care of yourself, use great products, incorporate some exercise into your routine, drink lots of water and eat really well.’ Going back to the importance of routine, Lisa recommends scheduling time in-between meetings, going for a walk every day and treading slowly when it comes to making plans. ‘I think the fear is that we’ll all jump straight back into the fast-pace we were enduring pre-pandemic and that’s dangerous – I don’t think we have the stamina or energy banked up in order to deal with that.’ Rather, Lisa emphasises taking it slowly, knowing your boundaries – ‘have limits on what you’re prepared to do, how many people you’re prepared to see and how many tube journeys you’re prepared to go on.’

While we’ll likely return to face-to-face meetings, Lisa believes the video call will be here to stay; ‘I think we’ve realised that it’s a good way to communicate all around the world.’ If, however, you’re having an off day or you haven’t slept as well and don’t feel your best, do not feel compelled to turn on your camera. But if you do have your camera on, follow Lisa’s advice; ‘have your camera set up in a flattering light and do not have the camera underneath as this is THE most unflattering angle.’ Noted!

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