Posted date on May 31, 2021
Common Skin and Hair Concerns Faced During the Lockdown
Having spent a majority of the last 2 years in lockdown, inside our homes, it’s no surprise that our daily routines have changed drastically. And the added stress due to the uncertainty caused by the Coronavirus has definitely taken a hit on our skin. I’ve seen a large number of concerns caused by the lockdown. Let us then address some of the most common concerns you may have regarding the pandemic and your skin.
Maskne
This is a term that’s become common lingo since the start of the pandemic. Prolonged mask wearing can lead to several skin eruptions, including maskne (acne mechanica), defined as pimples triggered by friction, or occlusion from mask use. Mask use increases skin temperature, sweating and oil production, and may cause fungus to grow, causing itching and irritation. Maskne can be avoided by regular cleansing. Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face after you take off your mask. It is also recommended to wash your masks after usage to avoid a buildup of bacteria on the inside of your masks. Change your masks frequently. Use a spring water or mist to refresh the skin.
Hairfall
Hairfall, and hair thinning have been common concerns since the beginning of the lockdown. I’ve had hundreds of patients reach out to me asking for solutions. Stress caused by the pandemic has been the main source of hair concerns. Stress, as you may know, can force more hair to enter the shedding phase. This phenomenon is also called Telogen Effluvium.
Although it is common, Hairfall becomes a concern when there is no new hair growth. Here are some tips from a trichologist to revitalize your deteriorating scalp health:
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Set a haircare routine
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Don’t skip conditioner
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Take scalp health seriously
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Include Omega 3 rich food in your diet
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Consult a trichologist for specific concerns
Dry Hands
I’m sure a lot you have noticed dry flakes of skin on your palms, and around your fingers. This may be because of repeated hand washing and sanitising. The alcohol in hand sanitizers may strip your hands of moisture. There have been some cases where the dryness has caused irritable rashes.
There is a simple solution to this problem. Moisturizer.
Use a nourishing moisturizer often to help keep your hands hydrated and healthy. You can also find hand creams in the market today that have been designed specifically to provide maximum moisturization for your hands. Consult a dermatologist to understand which product works best on your skin before using them.
Skin concerns due to Work From Home
Skin dryness is another common concern I’ve seen in the lockdown. I’ve noticed that a lot of people have had trouble keeping up with their skincare routines in the lockdown. This may be because of the added workload with ‘Work From Home’ which has caused some damage to their skin.
One more concern is that of the appearance of fine lines, a common manifestation of the added stress and a neglected skincare routine. With WFH taking over our lives, it can be a little difficult to keep track of your skincare routine. You can watch this video for a simple, dermatologist approved skincare routine you can follow
Working from home is also the cause of a myriad of skin concerns such as inflammation, hyperpigmentation, discoloration, etc. which is caused by the blue light from our phones and laptops. It is important to keep your screen time in check to avoid blue light damage.
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These are some of the most common skin and hair concerns that people are facing in the lockdown. While most of these can be dealt with easily, you may want to consult a dermatologist near you to find out whether these solutions are suited to your skin.
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