W L AESTHETICS
LOCKDOWN HAS CERTAINLY TAKEN ITS TOLL ON THE NATION
DR SALLY ANN JONES - SDS REJUVENATE
Lockdown has certainly taken its toll on the nation ’ s looks ( and waistline ). Botulinum toxin wore off , grey roots came through and smooth skin and manicured nails went right out of the window .
Many people also spent weeks of quarantine wearing comfortable clothing and emotionally eating junk food . With the additional stresses brought on by the pandemic such as financial insecurity , health anxiety and home schooling coupled with the lack of access to beauty and fitness services people have spent months feeling more dishevelled than ever .
Increased screen time , bad diet , stress and lack of fresh air together with the wearing of masks are all taking a toll on the nation ’ s skin . Lockdown has taught us that there is no less flattering angle to view yourself from than on a webcam or phone camera during an online video call . Many people are faced seeing themselves on a daily basis on Zoom or Skype and have become more aware of their wrinkles , double chins and “ turkey neck ”
According to research commissioned by the cosmetic treatment specialist Uvence 16 % of us – almost four million British women feel that the stress and anxiety brought about by the pandemic has caused them to age by at least four years .
Covid Face is a term being banded around and is said to be the result of grief , stress , housework , home schooling , lamentable eating habits , upped sugar and alcohol intake and increased sun damage . Other terms include , “ lockdown looks ”, “ Pandemic grimace ”, “ Zoom face ” - none of which are pretty !
It ’ s a fact that a lot of people have gained weight during lockdown . Whether this has been boredom , stress eating , inactivity or a combination , half the nation is said to have expanded its waistline in the past few months . A survey by Slimfast showed that a third of people have gained half a stone or more in the weeks since quarantine began . For those aged over 40 weight changes can really impact facial appearance ; weight gain can cause the cheeks to sag which contributes to jowls and down turned mouth corners , creating a “ sad mouth ”
So , what can we do about it ? Well , here is the good news … We really can address all the above problems here at SDS Rejuvenate .
During lockdown we have seen an incredible increase in the demand for a good effective skin care regime and orders online and through clinic for our own SDS range have not just doubled but trebled at least . There has also been an increase in patients wanting to address specific concerns such as pigmentation and acne and for this we have been recommending the OBAGI range , a well renowned and highly recommended cosmeceutical brand . Once clinics are fully open we will be able to offer our full range of facials , LED light treatments and our most popular laser 4D facelift , which not only lifts and tightens but addresses those fine lines and wrinkles and skin textural issues . I would suggest booking a consultation together with a skin analysis and then we can decide what is the best way forward to address your “ Covid concerns ”.
To counteract the “ sagging ”, the “ sad face ” and the “ exhaustion ” we use dermal fillers to lift and replenish the lost volume . Whilst we are still urged to wear masks , we are using our eyes more and more to express ourselves and hollow eyes make us look tired and angry . Tear trough fillers and toxin injections have long been popular but may now take precedence over the lips .
Fillers in the mid face also serve to lift and as a result the jowls become less evident and the nasolabial folds ( the line from the nose to the mouth ) less marked . Just small volumes of fillers can make a real difference and certainly lift not only the face but also your mood and spirits !
Our weight loss clinic has certainly proved popular with our patients and results are spectacular as people are shedding the pounds and losing inches . It involves a self-administered injection daily which suppresses one ’ s appetite and delays gastric emptying which results in one eating smaller portions and stops the snacking and craving . It is not to be taken lightly as it is a prescribed treatment and requires a consultation with a doctor to assess suitability .
In summary , Covid has certainly had a negative effect on many peoples ’ confidence and self-esteem but a word of warning , or should I say a little tip , don ’ t forget that although you think you look tired , sad , angry etc . as you stare into the computer screen for hours on end , this hopefully is a temporary phenomenon . Soon we will be back having face to face meetings , we won ’ t be constantly looking at ourselves as well as the person on Zoom or Teams and we will not have the time to spend criticising ourselves and knocking our own confidence !
I hope these terms – Covid Face , Zoom Face , Maskne are all put to the back of our minds very quickly as we return to a more normal way of life . However , if you feel at this present time you need some advice on any of the treatments mentioned above do not hesitate to contact the clinics . We are all ready and excited to help any of your concerns .
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