The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented lockdowns across the world. For almost a year, UK residents have been living under some form of lockdown, restricted mostly to their homes. Not only is this having a significant impact on our mental health, but it’s also contributing to a number of skin issues too.
Here, we’ll look at how lockdown could be stressing out our skin and more importantly, what you can do about it.
How is lockdown impacting the skin?
During lockdown, the two most common skin conditions being reported are dry skin and ‘Maskne’.
Occlusive masks have contributed to acneiform eruptions. The term ‘Maskne’ has been coined for this during the pandemic. It is an acne variant associated with an occlusive environment exacerbated by heat and moisture. As we have also been limited to spending a lot of our time indoors at home dry skin is also an issue.
The lockdown has caused many of us to relax our skin care routines. With nowhere to go, spending time cleansing and moisturising the skin can feel pointless. However, it is just as important to look after the skin now as it was before the lockdown.
Another reason many people may be experiencing issues with their skin is because of a lack of sleep. The stress caused by the lockdowns and pandemic has had a negative impact on many people’s sleep routine. When you don’t get enough sleep, it will really start to show on the skin.
These are some of the common reasons thought to be behind an increase in skin issues during lockdown. However, it isn’t all bad news.
The lockdown has also helped the skin in other ways. Air pollution has been significantly reduced due to fewer people travelling. Some people have also ironically spent more time outdoors than they usually do as outdoor exercise has become more popular with the closure of gyms.
How to improve your skin during lockdown
If you are experiencing skin related troubles during lockdown, there are some things you can try. Ensuring you get plenty of sleep, maintain a healthy diet and keep on top of your skincare routine, are some of the most effective tips you can follow.
Eating a healthy diet will provide the skin with the nutrients it needs to repair itself. Meanwhile, skin care products such as a gentle cleaner and a lightweight moisturiser can also help.
For those with oily or breakout-prone skin there are cleansing products available with extra calming properties. And if you are spending more time outside, remember to wear a sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
While lockdown has presented many challenges for the skin, the above are some of the best ways to keep it healthy. With a date for the end of lockdown announced, now is the time to start focusing on getting the skin back to its best.
To arrange an appointment with Dr Kara Heelan, at Chelsea Outpatient Centre or Sydney Street Outpatients & Diagnostic Centre call us on 020 3494 4024.
