Caring for Your Skin During COVID-19
The current restrictions because of COVID-19, although very necessary, is proving to be very difficult for most of us and the impact on our health is showing up in a number of ways, both mentally and physically.
Turns out, being inside all the time as well as all the additional stress we've been experiencing, can also wreak havoc on the skin!
Keep reading to see how we're tackling a few of the skin issues you can expect to face during this time.
Acne Breakouts
Acne and stress go hand-in-hand! An increase in stress means an increase in cortisol, the stress hormone, which can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress that shows up on the skin as breakouts. The increase in cortisol will also cause our skin to produce more sebum, which may lead to clogged pores and, yes...more breakouts!
And of course there is maskne! Masks are officially in. But while they’re a public health precaution, a safety measure, and sometimes even a fashion statement, they’re not always skin-friendly, with many regular wearers reporting skin issues such an increase in breakouts and acne.
The solution
If you're experiencing more breakouts during this time, the first step to clearing things up and getting your skin back to healthy, is to start with a gentle cleanser that will deliver deep purification, soothe inflammation and remove the excess oils without stripping your skin of its natural oils, which is beneficial.
In addition, since your eating habits may have changed and you may not be moving as much, the sudden lifestyle change is more likely to contribute to an unbalanced skin. You'll want to keep an eye on your diet by limiting sugary foods, processed carbs and dairy which for some can exacerbate acne.
Dull Skin
If you're staying in all the time, you can expect to experience some dullness to your skin or an overall lack of glow. Lack of sleep, stress and poor diet can all lead to dehydrated skin where the skin tries to compensate by slowing skin cell turnover. This leads to the outer dead skin layer being thicker and making the skin look dull and flaky.
The solution
To get your skin looking bright or radiant again, consider gentle exfoliation with a nourishing essence, that can be used daily. This will naturally brighten and refresh the skin by removing impurities and increase cell turnover for smoother skin and a healthy glow.
Drinking lots of water and water-rich foods is another crucial step to take here!
Dry Skin
Another common complaint for quarantine-skin is excessive dryness. Hormone changes from stress can cause your skin to lose elasticity and moisture. This will lead to flaky skin, itchiness and other symptoms often associated with dry skin.
The solution
Replenishing moisture and then protecting your hydrolipidic layer to prevent further moisture loss is important. A rich moisturizer with super-hydrating and protective ingredients will quench thirsty skin and help you regain the brilliance.
Also, be sure to hydrate from the inside-out! There's no excuse not to be drinking water all day long now! Change it up by adding a slice of lemon, fruits, mint, cucumber, whatever you'd like. Water is very important for your skin’s health as it helps to flush away toxins in your body and keeps you hydrated. Neglecting your diet and water intake sets up an environment for unhealthy skin.
It's very important to keep your skincare routine as simple and consistent as possible to avoid skipping. Being at home with (or without) kids means it can be hard to fit taking care of your skin into the mix but skipping on your routine can prove disastrous for your skin.
Find a skincare ritual that's enjoyable and uplifting as well!
