After months of lockdowns and Covid-related restrictions, many of us are experiencing ongoing skin problems as a result of stress and changes to our lifestyle. We’ve put together some tips for how to be kinder to your skin after lockdown stress and advice on tackling breakouts and skin problems.
How has lockdown impacted your skin?
The Covid pandemic and lockdowns have caused an abrupt change to our routines and day-to-day lives. For many people this has had an impact on work, finances and relationships – the uncertainty of the ongoing situation is causing a lot of stress. Stress can cause breakouts and also prevent us from getting a good night’s sleep, which only makes skin problems worse.
On top of that, with many offices still closed and most of us working from home, it’s easy to slip into bad habits when it comes to eating and exercising. Without the daily commute or a lunchtime walk, or even just moving about the office, there’s a noticeable drop in your physical activity. And especially during winter, when it’s harder to get outside to exercise, and takeaways and comfort food are all too tempting, it can all add up to cause further stress for your skin.
Regularly wearing a face mask can also exacerbate skin problems. Breathing inside your mask creates a build-up of bacteria, oil and sweat. And while you’re wearing it, the mask rubs against your skin, causing small tears. This can then make your pores more prone to clogging up with dirt, causing spots.
How to be kinder to your skin during Covid
Tackle acne
You need to treat any spots and acne so that they don’t get worse, especially if you’re regularly wearing a mask and irritating your skin. Begin by avoiding thick, heavy creams and choose oil-free products for your face as much as possible. Don’t stop moisturising though, as your skin will overcompensate and produce more oil if it’s too dry, you just need to choose a moisturiser that’s suitable for acne-prone skin. And try not to pick at spots, as this will always make them worse.
Look for skin-clearing products that contain some key ingredients such as salicylic acid, which unclogs pores and helps to reduce inflammation, and benzoyl peroxide that reduces the bacteria on your skin.
If you find that over-the-counter products aren’t working, then it might be worth looking into prescription treatments such as Duac. This contains benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin, both of which prevent bacteria and help unblock pores.
But the question on everyone’s lips is: how long does Duac take to work? Unfortunately, it’s not going to be an overnight cure. It can take 2-4 weeks before you start to see any results, but if it doesn’t work effectively then there are lots of other prescription acne treatments you can try.
Look after yourself
If you are experiencing problems with your skin, then it’s probably a sign that you need to look after yourself a bit better.
Take a look at your eating habits – try to cut down on sugary treats and other unhealthy snacks, and if you do get hungry between meals then stock up on fruit and healthier treats.
Resist the temptation to order in and instead plan out your meals each week and make sure you’re eating a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, protein, and foods that provide the vitamins and minerals your body needs. You also need to make sure you’re drinking plenty of water each day, especially during the winter when your skin needs more care anyway as it can become dry from the cold air outside and the heating indoors.
Getting enough exercise will also help your skin, so try to get out for a run or a walk, or just do a home workout video – you should be doing something active a few times a week.
Relax and rest
Eating well and exercising should help you to sleep better, which can also improve your skin. But if you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep then try a meditation app like Headspace to help you relax.
If you’re not sure how meditation works, it can give you a better understanding of your thoughts and helps you gain perspective to relieve stress and improve your focus. An app provides guidance and support to ensure that you’re able to get the most out of meditating and should help your general wellbeing including your skin and your mental health.
Wear a clean mask
It’s important to wear a clean mask every time you have to put one on – putting a used one back on is just going to spread bacteria on to your face. Choose cotton, reusable masks instead of disposable synthetic ones, and make sure to wash them after every time you use them.
If you’re suffering from breakouts, dry skin, or other skin issues due to lockdown stress then it’s important to focus on taking care of yourself, try to relax, and ensure you’re tackling the causes.
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