Caring for Your Skin During Covid
Although many areas of the country and the world are loosening pandemic restrictions, the virus is still very much with us, so it’s best to continue sanitizing hands and wearing masks, especially in public. Many patients are coming to my office with skin issues caused by these precautions. Here’s my advice:
Washing hands frequently and using alcohol-based sanitizer often leads to chapped hands, cracked fingers, and itchy rashes. To protect your palms, keep a tube of hand cream (I’m currently using Eos Shea Better Hand Cream in Coconut) or a small jar of coconut oil next to your sink and in your bag, and rub it in after every wash. To help repair painful cracks and cuts, give yourself a spa treatment with an at-home paraffin dip machine to help repair cracks and cuts. I got mine from Conair (in the photo) online for around $25.
Many patients have asked me for help with mask acne (“maskne”). Stress hormones, along with friction from masks, can aggravate breakouts. I recommend looking for acne lotions and masks containing sulfur, a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient that also fights acne-causing bacteria but is less irritating than salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Azelaic acid is another less-irritating ingredient that also helps fade discolored blemishes.
Poor sleep and staying indoors with the A/C cranked up can lead to dull skin, which is a sign of dead skin cell buildup. If you have dry or sensitive skin, try a lactic acid exfoliator to slough off dead skin and reveal fresh glowing skin. If your skin is normal to oily, try a retinoid exfoliator to push new, plump cells to the surface faster.
Don’t forget sunscreen! The weather is starting to heat up, which means it’s more important than ever to wear sun protection on your walks, hikes, and bike rides. Look for SPF 30-50, and water-resistant formulas that won’t budge even if you sweat. For extra protection, find one that has a tint, so you can see exactly where you’ve applied it, plus the tint comes from minerals that provide additional protection. I use MD Solarsciences Mineral Tinted Crème on my face and neck when I go for walks and hikes.
Stay safe & healthy, everyone!