“Quaranskin”: What Causes Skin Problems During Quarantine and How to Prevent Them?

Quarantine skin is indeed a thing. The pandemic and the ensuing lockdown have changed the way we work, changed our schedules, changed the way we entertain, basically changed our whole way of life. So it only makes sense that the health problems we face and the way we care for ourselves also need to change.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and any drastic changes in our lifestyle can impact our skin. Let’s look at “Quaranskin,” or rather how our skin has been impacted during the quarantine.

Why Is Our Skin Changing?

Think about your major life changes as a result of lockdown. You’re probably spending more time indoors, dealing with more stress, social distancing has put a damper on your social life, and your sleep cycles may have gone haywire. All of this impacts your health, your mood, and by extension, your skin too.

Stress

Research shows that adults in the United States have experienced soaring stress levels since the pandemic. According to experts, this is partly the consequence of collective trauma due to the economic struggles caused by the lockdowns and an underlying fear for the future. 

According to dermatologists, stress increases the production of a hormone called “cortisol,” which in turn leads to increased sebum/oil production on the skin, causing acne breakouts.

Stress affects us in several ways. It can significantly impact our diet and our sleep schedules. Not getting enough sleep or exercise can also increase cortisol levels in your body, leading to even more breakouts on the skin.

Increased Indoor Times

This is probably the most time you’ve ever spent your whole life indoors. But the air inside your house is not as humid as the air outside your house. Your skin, however, needs moisture from the air for the cells to regenerate. When it cannot get this, your skin starts to dry up and get patchy.

Changes in Diet

The enforced stay-at-home saw many of us turn to comfort foods. While studies have highlighted that stress does feed the need for comfort food, numerous studies also point to the effect of such food on the skin. Over a while, a diet rich in carbs, sugars, and refined flour can worsen the breakouts on your skin. With a well-balanced diet, you are 70% closer to achieving healthy skin.

Increased Exposure to Screens

Though considered a hoax for a while, the verdict is finally out. An increasing number of studies have shown that the blue light emitted by screens can damage skin cells, causing their shrinkage and death. This speeds up the aging process and makes your skin look duller and tired.

Missing the Sun

We all know the importance of getting our daily dose of sunshine, even if it’s during a brisk walk around the block. The sun is nature’s best and free source of vitamin D, also referred to as the sunshine vitamin.

The Quarantine has seen an increase in the number of vitamin D deficiency cases, with 41.6% of the US population being identified as Vitamin D deficient. You need Vitamin D for everything from cell development to reducing inflammation which in turn decreases the risk of cancer.

How to Prevent These Skin Disorders?

So, how can we mitigate the effects our lockdown lives have on our skin?

It is very important to prioritize self-care, including skincare, especially when you are stressed. A balanced diet, drinking lots of water, and some outdoor exercise alone can get you really far, but for smooth, flawless skin, you need to maintain a good skincare routine. This means never skipping showers, wearing sunscreen, and, most importantly, moisturizing regularly.

Hydration plays a crucial role in your skin’s health. Most people mistakenly think that moisturizing is not required when one is indoors, but this couldn’t be far from the truth.  When it comes to skincare, ensure that you invest in quality products and reputed brands like Kiehl’s ultra facial cream. Its formula is adjusted to deeply hydrate your skin and provide moisture balance in any environment.

Conclusion

“Quaranskin” is no myth! Take a closer look at yourself in the mirror and check your skin out. Is it as smooth, soft, and rich in tone as it could be? If your answer is no, it’s time to consider the lifestyle changes that you need to make to turn your skin around. You need to remember that your skin is your best accessory, so it requires taking care of.

xoxo D.