How to look after your skin in Quarantine
This year has seen us adjusting to a lot of changes—not least of which being the changes our skin might be going through while we’re in lockdown! There are a plethora of skin concerns that may be exacerbated at the moment, or that you may have never had an issue with Pre-COVID. That’s totally normal! In this article, we’ll explain the changes you might notice in your skin while in lockdown, why they occur, and what you can do to treat them!
THE PROBLEM: DRYNESS
The cause: There are a couple of potential reasons for this. The air inside your house tends to be significantly drier than the air outside, so more time indoors = drier skin, especially if you have a heater or air conditioning system running all day. Vitamin D also hydrates the skin, so less time in the sun can cause your skin to dry out.
The solution: Invest in a humidifier. It can help add moisture to the indoor air and they come in all different shapes and sizes. Use hydrating products and emollients such as hyaluronic acid, argan oil or jojoba oil to restore hydration and lock in moisture to your skin.
THE PROBLEM: ACNE
The cause: Wearing a mask is something your skin probably isn’t used to, so the material your mask is made out of is most likely irritating your skin. Other causes may be changes in diet, an irregular sleep schedule, or heightened stress levels. A lot of us are finding we’re eating more junk food or processed food now that we’re in lockdown, or we’re not getting enough (or maybe too much) sleep. All of these things are common causes of acne.
The solution: Invest in a reusable mask that’s made from a material that doesn’t irritate your skin, such as silk. Make sure you’re washing your mask regularly in hot water (a wash after each use is ideal) and when you’re not using it, keep it somewhere clean and out of the way. It’s a little difficult at the moment to keep to your regular routine, but try to stick to it as closely as you can! Try to get around eight hours of sleep at night and remember to fuel your body with fruits, veggies, and lots of fibre-rich foods.
THE PROBLEM: INFLAMMATION
The cause: It could be a number of different things! Poor diet, stress, less exposure to Vitamin D, or possibly experimenting with new products. Having a lot more downtime during quarantine than usual has led a lot of us down a skincare rabbit hole! Using new products that your skin isn’t familiar with—especially if you’re using a lot of them, and frequently—can cause your skin to become inflamed or slightly irritated.
The solution: Be sure to introduce products into your routine slowly and carefully. We recommend always patch testing new products or ingredients on your hand before applying them to your face. The skin on your face is very delicate and sensitive, especially around your eyes, so it’s extremely important to treat it with the utmost care.
Want to find out more about taking care of your skin at home? Check out this article on perfecting your home skincare routine!