COVID-19 and lockdown, terms that have haunted us for a while now. But did you know that it is also affecting your skin? With us being trapped at home, lockdown skin has become real...
With less exposure to pollution, the sun and wearing less makeup one would assume our skin would benefit for these factors. But due to personal and professional stress, changes to our daily routine, environmental and lifestyle changes, and the regaler use of masks, our skins health is being impacted.
The brain skin connection
Psychological stress, in varying degrees, has become part of our ‘new normal’. As a result, people dealing with chronic skin conditions, such as eczema or rosacea, general skin redness may experience flareups. Indeed, emotions are an important factor in many skin challenges. The answer lies in how the skin and brain communicate.
Our skin is a complex organ that plays a crucial role in barrier and immune functions. Psychological stress is perceived by the brain which activates a stress response in the systems of the body. Through a sequence of events, your body releases cortisol known as the primary stress hormone. Stress also induces the release of catecholamines, such as adrenaline, which is a crucial part of the ‘fight or flight’ response.
The skin is an unexpected, yet an important target for these stress responses and the result is inflammation. In turn, inflammation impacts the skin’s immune system functioning and blood flow. Adding to the issue, the skin itself produces the same mediators that further drive immune and inflammation responses. A wide range of skin conditions, including psoriasis, atopic eczema, acne, contact eczema, and itching, can be triggered, or worsened, by these stress responses.
Stress has also been shown to affect the barrier properties of the skin, which normally prevents loss of water from the skin cell layers. This disruption of skin barrier function can lead to flaky, dry, and irritated skin.
“ Stress has also been shown to affect the barrier properties of the skin, which normally prevents loss of water from the skin cell layers. This disruption of skin barrier function can lead to flaky, dry, and irritated skin ”
Solutions & products for skin irritation, compromised barrier
Reduce stress, take some time out for yourself to clear your mind. Use products that contain anti-inflammation and barrier repairing ingredients, such s Growth factors, Vitamin B, and replenishing lipids. Moisturise with a barrier protection cream and most of all be kind to yourself.
Recommended products from the Douglas Pereira Skin Health collections
Wearing face masks
The latest health advice urges us to wear masks in public. Masks can reduce the spread of droplets; however, prolonged wearing of masks may come with a host of unwelcome problems for our skin.
Masks can cause skin irritation from pressure and rubbing. The pressure on oil ducts as well as the build-up of sweat and make-up allows for acne breakouts. The term ‘maskne’ has been recently coined for the redness and pimples that people are experiencing due to the use of masks.
Talking and breathing creates a trap under the mask for humidity which may potentially cause bacterial overgrowth. This can result in infections such as folliculitis, a skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed.
Solutions and products for Maskne
Face masks are a daily, and vital, part of our wardrobe for the foreseeable future. So, here is some advice for now:
If you are experiencing redness or irritation, try to avoid harsh cleansers or irritating ingredients in your skincare.
Avoid synthetic materials in masks. Rather, opt for natural fibres, such as cotton, and remember to wash your mask with every use.
Get into the habit of cleaning your face both before and after you remove your mask. Micellar water or a gentle cleanser would be a good option here.
Be sure to choose non-comedogenic make-up, which will not block pores and promote acne. Go lighter on your make-up, or better yet, make-up free under your mask.
For acne breakouts, use products that contain Mandelic, Pyruvic and Salicylic acids which help kills acne-inducing bacteria and helps with inflammation. Using a cleanser that contains enzymes and Salicylic acids can effectively reduce excess oil and dead skin cells that build up and block pores.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) in the form of a moisturizer or serum can be beneficial for acne and redness. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and it enhances the skin barrier function.
Recommended products from the Douglas Pereira Skin Health collections
Tips to combat lockdown skin
- Stick to your regular skincare regime. Just because you are at home don’t become lax with your morning and evening skin regime.
- Use the right vitamin in your skincare to help combat the changes in environment and lifestyle. If you don’t already use active vitamin-based homecare now is the time to start. Vitamin A helps support healthy strong skin cells and fights the signs of ageing. Vitamin C and antioxidants help combat environmental changes and fight free radical damage.
- Find some good at-home beauty tools. Since salons and clinics are closed at the moment, at-home beauty tools can help replace your regular monthly in-clinic treatment. When selecting at-home beauty tools think about the outcome you want to achieve. Exfoliation and purification? Product infusion? Reduction in inflammation?Three four-step home treatment using at-home devices
1. Double cleanse your face.
2. Use an ultra-sonic home tool to remove dead skin cells and deep impurities.
3. Led light therapy mask to reduce inflammation.
4. Apply your regular home care serums and finishing moisturiser.
Recommended products from the Douglas Pereira Skin Health collections
