With lockdown meaning we’re spending more time inside our homes, what effect is this having on our skin? DEBORAH MITCHELL, Founder of Heaven, discusses the good and the bad.

I’ve never spent so much time in my home as I have done over the last few months. Usually one for rushing from meeting to meeting and client to client, sharing my time between London and my salon in Shifnal, it’s strange that my days consisted of Zoom meetings from the comfort of my kitchen, cooking for the family, tidying up after everyone and generally being indoors far more than usual.

The good news is that when I go out for my daily 30 minute walk the air seems much fresher and cleaner. The lack of pollution, without so many cars on the road, is much better for my skin and I find that when I clean my face at the end of the day there is less grime blocking my pores. Add to this the fact that I’m wearing little or no makeup most days and I have noticed my complexion is looking healthier than it has done for a while.

It’s vital though that you still stick to your regular skincare routine – just because there may be less dirt when you cleanse doesn’t mean it’s not there. Keeping up with your three-step cleanse, tone and moisturise regime morning and night will ensure your reaping the benefits. You can use my super fresh Cleanse & Tone cleanser which contains vitamin C rich mandarin oil to promote the growth of new cells and increase the production of collagen for tighter, more radiant skin. Team with my best-selling Divine Cream which is particularly good for mature, sun-damaged skin and can be used daily, morning and evening.

Serums are your skin’s best friend at the moment and my advice is to opt for one that targets your main concern – whether that’s ageing, dryness, broken capillaries or sensitivity. Due to their high concentration, you only need a small amount and you’ll find a few drops go a long way so they’re ideal if you’re watching the purse strings. Try my Clarifying Oil Serum to kill bacteria and condition skin to bring it back to equilibrium.

The bad news is that if like me your screen-time usage has rocketed, you need to be aware of the damage blue light emitted from our phones, tablets and computers can do to your complexion. It can contribute to the formation of free radicals in our skin which leads to the breakdown of collagen and elastin as well as hyper-pigmentation.

To combat this, I reformulated my renowned Age Defiance Cream with my Prism Light Defiance Technology^TM to boost your natural defence system and provide full anti-oxidant benefits. Offering a 14-day skin repair, it helps reduce scarring and plumps out fine lines and wrinkles. Overnight Success has also been boosted with PRISM, and works while you sleep to release oxygen into the skin. 

Without regular trips to your favourite hairdresser spilt ends may be more noticeable and the stress and worry over lockdown can lead to an itchy, irritated scalp. Start your rescue routine with my Hair Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner to help repair damage and provide protection from any future harm. The powerful duo work in tandem to moisturise the scalp and hair follicles – the shampoo is packed full of healing vitamins and tea tree oil to improve quality while the conditioner can be left on damaged and split ends longer to repair.

And finally, if you’ve been over-doing the G&Ts and cheeky glasses of wine (don’t worry, you’re not alone) use my Total Detox Body Wash – with added anti-viral sandalwood – to help with fluid retention. The combination of patchouli, juniper and cypress oils help detox from the inside out, leaving you feeling refreshed and restored. 

For more lockdown beauty tips, check out our blog on Saving Stressed-Out Skin.