‘Too much screen time gives me puffy eyes': a busy illustrator gets a skincare-routine expert makeover

The Guardian

7 days ago

'I'm a children's illustrator working on books, including the lovely Welcome to Our … series, which looks at how children live around the world. I'm also a part-time graphic designer with Cambridge University Press. Mainly I work from home but I go into the office once a week. It's not far from where I live in Cambridge.
My day changes depending on the project. I start about 7:30am with my morning routine and skincare. Working from home gives me more flexibility but it can make me a bit lazy, skipping some steps. I don't do makeup because it's quite rare to have video calls. I have started to use retinols in the evening though so I need more sunscreen because of the extra sensitivity they cause.
On my office days, I put in more effort. I've got dry skin so when I wear makeup I try to make the base really hydrated, otherwise I get quite red later on. I'm Korean and there's the popular Korean beauty trend – the seven skin method – that involves applying a hydrating toner seven times so your skincare products are better absorbed. I don't have time to do seven layers so I do three!'
Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme
Dr Ejikeme says: 'Harriet's approach to layering hydration is thoughtful, but the persistent redness suggests her skin barrier is under some stress, likely from a combination of environmental changes and dry indoor conditions. A barrier-first strategy is key.
Start with Modern Chemistry by Boots Restore Essence Toner with niacinamide and ginseng, which gives the skin essential hydration and helps balance tone and texture. Follow this with Modern Chemistry by Boots Restore Hydrating Serum with niacinamide and ashwagandha.
This simple pairing mimics the benefits of the 'seven skin' method with fewer layers, helping Harriet maintain hydration without the time commitment or risk of product overload.'
'My home workspace is a desk in my bedroom. I have two monitors and lots of illustrations and pictures on the wall. It's a corner full of colourful artwork, which makes me happy. Most of my work is done digitally, so I spend a lot of time at this desk. I use the downstairs dining table when I need more space, especially during the initial sketch phase, because I still like to work with pen and paper for that part.
I start work around 9am, after dropping my son off at school. I'm not really a morning person – it takes me a long time to warm up, so I use that time for admin and image research. Then I'll do some light sketching to warm up my hands and get some layout ideas. By that time, the morning's normally gone. My husband, who's a software engineer, works from home as well, so we usually have lunch together and then take a short walk for a proper break.
Even though I try to remember to drink water during my working day, I'm really bad at doing it. I'm sitting down, so I don't feel like I need it. I have quite dry skin anyway, so it often feels tight and dehydrated.'
Dr Ejikeme says: 'Harriet's low water intake combined with indoor heating or cooling leads to transepidermal water loss [evaporation from the skin]. Harriet needs both hydration and barrier support. To achieve this, I'd recommend Modern Chemistry by Boots Restore Hydrating Serum with niacinamide and ashwagandha.'
'The afternoon is my focus time. I put on music or a podcast and then I just draw for three to four hours without stopping. It's hard to get into the flow, but once you're in it you don't want it to end. Some days I'll need to draw for 10 hours if I have a pressing deadline, but that's not often.
'I always double cleanse in the evening'
Because I sit for such long periods, I think my skin looks really tired, especially around the eyes, and I've noticed more dark circles and puffiness there in the morning. I'm not sure if it's my lifestyle or something else, but my hyperpigmentation is worse. I've heard it's because of the blue light from screens.'
Dr Ejikeme says: 'Harriet's long hours in front of multiple screens can contribute to tiredness around the eyes and worsening pigmentation.
This is common in people who spend extended periods in front of screens. For the eye area, Modern Chemistry by Boots Glow Brightening Eye Cream with vitamin C and caffeine is highly effective; it brightens, reduces puffiness and hydrates without feeling greasy. To address pigmentation, using a stable vitamin C serum such as Chemistry Glow 10% Vitamin C Serum With Ferulic Acid is a smart addition to Harriet's routine. This will help reduce the appearance of dark spots and brighten overall tone.'
'Creating these images brings me real joy'
'Around 4 or 5pm, I stop work to spend time with my son, make dinner and help with homework. Then after he's gone to bed, I might do some editing on a personal project – a picture book I'm writing. I'll also check Instagram to see what others are doing.
Before bed, I do some cardio exercises for 20 minutes and then shower. I always double cleanse in the evening, and I apply a hyaluronic acid essence twice, to try to hydrate my skin. Twice a week, I mix a 0.5% retinol with my moisturiser and if I've had a stressful day, I'll pop on a sheet mask for 15 minutes before bed.
I've been drawing ever since I was young, I always loved it. I think it's how I tackle the world around me and express my feelings. Creating these images brings me real joy. Most of my personal work starts with random ideas and then the characters start coming to life.
Someone once described my illustration style as 'friendly yet stylish' and I quite like that.
Working on the Welcome to Our … series was special because I got to draw children from many different cultures all around the world. It's incredibly meaningful to be able to share the message of diversity through my illustration. I feel so grateful that it could help make the world a little more welcoming and open.'
Dr Ejikeme's summary: 'Harriet's skin is responding to the demands of her environment, long hours in front of screens, low water intake and the drying effects of central heating. Though she's already applying hydration in layers, her persistent dryness and sensitivity suggest a compromised barrier.
A gentle yet effective routine that combines targeted hydration, antioxidant support, and consistent barrier repair will help rebalance her skin. With the right products, including lightweight hydrating essences and calming serums, her skin can remain resilient and radiant even through long creative sessions and screen time.'
AM routine
Modern Chemistry by Boots Glow Brightening Eye Cream
Cleanser: use a mild, non-stripping cleanser to protect the skin barrierEssence: apply Modern Chemistry by Boots Restore Essence Toner with niacinamide and ginseng to replenish hydration and prep the skinSerum: follow with Modern Chemistry by Boots Restore Hydrating Serum with niacinamide and ashwagandha to help reduce the appearance of redness and fortify the skinEye cream: use Modern Chemistry by Boots Glow Brightening Eye Cream with vitamin C and caffeine to help reduce the appearance of puffiness and brighten the under-eye areaMoisturiser: apply a lightweight moisturiser containing squalene and glycerin to lock in hydrationSPF: always use a broad-spectrum SPF 50 to protect the skin from UV
PM routine
Modern Chemistry by Boots Restore Hydrating Serum
Double cleanse: start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup/SPF, followed by a gentle water-based cleanserEssence: reapply Modern Chemistry by Boots Restore Essence Toner with niacinamide and ginseng for a hydration boost post-cleansingSerum: on non-retinol nights, use Modern Chemistry by Boots Restore Hydrating Serum with niacinamide and ashwagandha to soothe overnightEye cream: Apply Modern Chemistry by Boots Glow Brightening Eye Cream with vitamin C and caffeine to help reduce the appearance of puffiness Moisturiser: use a rich night cream with ceramides or oat extract to nourish and protect the skin overnightOptional (twice weekly): apply Modern Chemistry by Boots Glow Exfoliating AHA/BHA Toner on clean skin to gently refine texture and brighten dullness
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