From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals relentlessly campaigned for good hygiene practices. Washing your hands frequently and correctly, for instance, as well as donning face masks, continue to be heavily touted as two of the most important methods of reducing virus contagion.
While these new practices are very important, they also bring along some changes in your typical skin. From all over the world, people are reporting of micro-tears, cracking, and extremely dry hands due to constant disinfecting.
Here’s everything you need to know about the repercussions of frequent washing and scrubbing, as well as what you can do to protect your skin, and ultimately, your health.
The main issue: Dealing with dry skin
According to Susan Massic, a dermatologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, frequent washing can cause sebum (natural oils) to break down on the skin. These natural oils serve as a barrier against foreign substances, so as the skin becomes drier, irritation and inflammation will start. Itching soon follows, which can then develop into painful nicks that bleed and open your skin. Eventually these can evolve into deeper fissures, leaving your skin vulnerable to germs.
Solution: Moisturize your hands as often as you can. For cracked and chapped hands, use nourishing moisturizes, such as Vaseline and Methylene Blue skincare products. Try out the newly formulated Bluelene Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer, which not only contains 70% alcohol, but is infused with vitamin C and Methylene Blue to boost up skin hydration and wound healing.
The main issue: Breakouts due to face masks
Officials continue to inform the public that N95 masks should be reserved for healthcare workers. For many of us, DIY masks will do. These face masks, regardless of their nature, are designed to protect other people around you from infection. Scarves and bandanas work, as long as they are washed immediately after exposure to the public.
Even with the use of gentle fabrics, such as cloth, your skin can get irritated due to trapped moisture. Firmly tied masks can also cause redness and sensitivity.
Solution: Give yourself a gentle face message at night before bed time. Massage will stimulate the blood circulation underneath your skin and help it rejuvenate and recover during sleep. Stay tuned for the Bluelene’s face yoga video! Opt to use Vitamin C serums and nourishing moisturizers, as these help to keep your skin healthy. Our newly launched Bluelene Night Plus+ is a perfect fit for this purpose.
Other ways to take good care of your skin
1 - Engage in movement and exercises
Exercise actually stimulates your body into releasing endorphins, the hormones responsible for elevating your mood. In a time of collective trauma, stress and anxiety are at an all-time high, which doesn’t help the largest organ of the body - your skin. To counter this, make sure you engage in exercise as often as possible. It helps burn cortisone, the biggest stress hormone, which then helps keep your skin clear.
2 - Get plenty of rest
The quarantine may have disrupted your routine, but it’s critical that you set a schedule to get the right amount of rest. Poor sleep can cause your body to produce more stress hormones (cortisol), which becomes apparent on your skin— acne and even psoriasis can occur.
3 - Eat better
Your diet is the number one friend of your skin. While there are no magic meals that could give you glowing skin, there are foods that you should be consuming more, as well as those you should avoid. Food with a high glycemic index, for instance, can cause skin problems. For good skin and overall health support, stick to those that are rich in antioxidants like berries and avocados.
The Takeaway
Reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection is crucial now, but it doesn’t mean that you should ignore other aspects of your life. As you continue to observe proper hygiene, remember to take good care of your skin as well. It serves as your number one protection, after all.
If you’re looking for the right companions to help your skin through this pandemic, methylene blue skincare products are the best. We take pride in our innovative line of products in the US. Browse through our collection today!
