It’s month 753 of lockdown. Zoom calls, Facetimes, and in-depth whatsapp messages is still a thing. The main topic of conversation, skin. Particularly the state of the skin on our face. Why is it that with all of the extra time to pamper ourselves, has it got worse? Turns out, there is a real reason.
From my research, and by “research” I mean various group chats, this is a problem that seems to be affecting people of all skin types. All of our previously purchased products seem to be null and void, transporting us back to our 14-year-old selves frantically scrambling to find out what will magically get rid of our teenage acne. I’ll get to “maskne” later.
So, the science. Turns out that our new skin type is due to a number of different factors. Let’s have a look in more detail.
Being indoors
You don’t have to be Sherlock to realise the biggest difference in our lives now, is the amount of time we’re spending indoors. But how does that have such a big effect on our skin? There are two main reasons.
The first is that by not going outside as much, we’re getting less Vitamin D. Whilst Vitamin D is most known for helping strengthen our bones, it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which helps reduce the symptoms of acne and premature aging.
The second is actually our homes. Well, the air in our homes to be precise, which is often drier than the air outside due to the fact that we have central heating. Dry air equals dry skin.
Solution: Take Vitamin D supplements and try to get outside at least once a day.
Antibac
Another infamous skin dryer is our new BFF antibac. Take a moment and think about the number of times you put hand sanitiser on a day, and then try and calculate how many times you touch your face every day. I’ll save you some trouble, it’s a lot, and that is a lot of antibac on your face.
Solution: Wash your hands once you’re home to limit the amount of antibac on your skin, and cleanse your face thoroughly at night.
Stress
No one can deny, the Pandemic is stressful. With thousands of people falling dangerously ill, some losing loved ones, not being able to spend quality lockdown time with family and friends, job losses, uncertainty around when it will end, there’s no surprise that over two-thirds of UK adults reported having higher anxiety due to the COVID-19 situation.
When we are stressed, our body releases more of the hormone cortisol which fuels our fight or flight response. Whilst in small doses this is a positive thing for our body, it also amps up its production of sebum aka your natural oils. This then clogs your pores, resulting in acne.
Solution: It is easier said than done, but try to reduce your stress. There are many ways in which you can do this for example meditation. Find something that suits you. Also, use a good skin cleanser every morning and night to wash away that excess sebum.
Face masks
I’m not talking about the ones we have to wear on public transport, although maskne really is a thing. I’m speaking about skin care.
Pre-pandemic, I probably indulged in a face mask about once a month, hoping to rid myself of the pollution I most definitely picked up on my commutes. Now with practically zero commute pollution embedded into my skin, but all of the time in the world, I have upped my self-care mask schedule to once or sometimes even twice a week. After the first few go’s, I was shocked as to why my skin wasn’t thanking me by being the most hydrated goddess since Amphitrite. Turns out, too much of a good thing can actually be bad for you.
Solution: The onslaught of new products and masks is actually overpowering for your skin. The change of routine coupled with cleansing washes actually dries out your skin further. Try phasing new products in, and don’t overdo it all at once. We’ll just have to think of another way to get rid of that stress sebum.
Maskne
What on Earth? Let me explain. Maskne or mask acne is the portmanteau given to explain the acne you get after wearing a face covering. Unfortunately it’s not as fun as “brunch”.
Wearing masks for long periods of time blocks your pores, and this is made worse by wearing heavy makeup. The steam from your breath opens your pores, your makeup seeps in, your skin gets clogged up, et voila! Maskne.
Solution: There’s not really a way to avoid this, however experts suggest changing your mask at least twice a day, and to use oil-free cleansing wash or glycolic acid wipes in between wears.
Finally, junk food
I, like many people, have been surviving lockdown by ordering regular takeaways, working my way through Netflix and my local Co-op’s snack selection. You’re welcome economy.
During stressful times like a national lockdown, we should be kind to ourselves and do things that make us happy. Unfortunately for me, that is eating a full tub of pringles and half a packet of sweet and salty popcorn. We all know bad food leads to bad skin, but why?
Simple carbs and foods that are high in sugar, such as crisps, sweets, biscuits and white bread, spike your blood sugar. Your body then responds to this by releasing more insulin which increases the production of your natural oils, clogging up your pores.
Solution: See my list of 7 Everyday Foods For Good Skin.
So, what can we do about our lockdown skin?
There are some changes you can make to help your skin survive lockdown, such as taking Vitamin D supplements, reducing your stress by meditating, eating better, and not overdoing it with the skin care regime.
However, the best thing you can do in lockdown is be kind to yourself. Your body will thank you for it.
One Response
I was getting really dry skin patches on my face around my eyes and on my cheeks. I thought with my not wearing makeup as often my skin would get better not worse. After reading this article, I made sure I went out for a walk every day, started taking vitamin d supplements and moisturised more often and it’s made such a difference! Keep up the good work!