As many of us have taken skincare and beauty into our own hands during the pandemic, here's tips and advice for navigating skin problems around the house (hopefully)... From moles and face masks to SPF and stress, we're covering some of the biggest concerns here of patients currently seen in the “virtual” clinic.
Don't postpone mole checks
Anyone who notices changes in their moles should have them checked immediately. Appointments can be made with your GP, who can refer you if you wish. This is a health check that should not be delayed until after lockdown; a thin melanoma less than 0.75 mm picked up early has a 95% cure rate, but this cure rate decreases as the melanoma is thicker – time is of the essence.
Strip DIY beauty back
Lockdown has provided ample time for extensive research and many people have developed a renewed interest in skin care. After a long renunciation of facials, peels and aesthetic skin treatments, people are taking beauty matters into their own hands. We caution against using too many different products with active ingredients that can inadvertently cause damage to the skin barrier in DIY treatments. Make sure any skincare advice you get comes from a qualified professional, rather than an influencer who lacks the evidence-based knowledge.
Look for multifunctional products that fulfill more than one role rather than overloading the skin with multiple products. Using a single product rather than multiple products to achieve the same end point reduces waste and also reduces the risk of irritation and skin sensitivity.
Manage stress levels Mental health is at an all-time low for many people and stress exacerbates inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. Many patients are hesitant to see a doctor during this time, but doctors still see patients and many offer phone or video consultations. It is important not only to stick to the treatment regimen, but also to make an appointment with your doctor if you are concerned about your skin.
The implications of stress can also be seen in other conditions, such as hair loss. Hair loss or hair loss can be caused by stress and hormone changes, as well as iron deficiency, as eating patterns change during the various lockdowns (comfortable eating and increased alcohol consumption can be held responsible in many cases!). The effects of iron deficiency due to people embracing a plant-based diet can also be seen, which can be especially problematic in women and aggravate skin conditions.
Maintain mask hygiene to help manage maskne More and more patients who have maskne are advised to wash them in the washing machine after each use of disposable, paper or reusable masks. Thoroughly cleanse the skin morning and night and choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to prevent pore clogging. If the spots persist, a topical treatment prescribed by a dermatologist or general practitioner may be required.
Use daily SPF Even though time outside is limited, keep putting on sunscreen, especially on sunny, but cold, winter days. UVA rays are responsible for premature skin aging, including the formation of wrinkles. They are present all year round and can even penetrate glass. Applying SPF daily is scientifically the cheapest and most effective proven anti-aging product.
Check the dates of makeup and skin care
Most of us have worn less or no longer makeup in the past 10 months. It's a good idea to check makeup expiration dates to make sure the products haven't expired by the time we resume normal makeup routine. It's also a good time to throw out old mascaras and clean or replace makeup brushes, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
In addition: If you've taken a break from using skin care products, your skin may have lost its tolerance and be more sensitive when you start over. If you do have a reaction when you start using anti-aging products again, you should stop using the product, let your skin settle and gradually reintroduce it to build tolerance and until then also use hypoallergenic makeup. It is also advisable to check the best before date of any skin care products to ensure they have not expired during this time.
Add moisture to keep skin nourished Skin tends to be drier in winter and because everyone spends most of their time indoors with the central heating on, our skin is drier than ever before. People who have never had dry skin before suddenly experience it. Use a moisturizing shower product, followed by a hydrating body lotion to nourish the skin.
Don't stay in a sweaty outfit From working out at home to working from home, many of us skip the shower and go straight to the desk, saving time and the laundry pile. But fitness enthusiasts shouldn't skip the shower, as sweaty, warm skin creates an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive, increasing the risk of clogged pores and skin infections like body acne and folliculitis.
