How to deal with quarantine skin

Let's talk about quarantine skin. I've basically ditched makeup altogether and pulled up my self-care routine to include a bounty of face masks - yet my face is more spotty and dry than normal. I feel a little comforted knowing that I am not alone. According to an informal poll of my friend group, many of us experience a lot of skin distress in quarantine. You'd think that staying home would help you with skin detox, but even though most of us don't wear makeup, we're experiencing crazy breakouts, flare-ups of atopic dermatitis, dull skin, and/or dry skin. So, what gives?

According to MarnieNussbaum, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, well, there's a lot. Apparently, there are a lot of quarantine factors at work, and quarantine can cause a lot of skin stressors (pollution! Sun damage! Makeup! ) have been eliminated, there are still new reasons that can cause skin spots and bumps. But we're not just here to bemoan our skin complaints. We consulted with Dr. Nussbaum to decipher all the reasons why your skin might be going crazy (and how to deal with them).

1. Low exposure to vitamin D

Problem : When it comes to skin care, the sun wraps badly, so we all slather on layers of SPF to protect ourselves from the harmful rays. While this is absolutely a habit you should follow, we need to give sunlight a little credit. Our skin needs us a daily dose of vitamin D (which the sun so generously provides) to repair and rebuild our skin. Since all of us are inside more than normal, our skin is sacrificing.

Solution n: Try to get fresh air outside whenever possible (while practicing social distance). This can mean taking a walk outside, gardening, or standing out on the balcony for a few minutes. Eating right also helps, Dr. Nussbaum adds. As long as you eat a variety of fruits and vegetables and maintain a well-balanced diet, your vitamin D levels should stay within normal limits. If you suspect that you have a vitamin D deficiency, be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any supplementation.

2. Dry indoor air

Problem : There are many reasons why your skin is dry now. One is that you are probably washing your hands and face more frequently. This can suck out moisture and destroy the skin barrier. The air in your home is much drier than the humid climate outdoors, especially if you have the air conditioner blasting away. Queue a lot of dry skin.

Solution : For starters, invest in a good humidifier to raise the moisture level in your home. Just as your skin is changing, your skin care regimen should also change to target new skin concerns, adds Dr. Nussbaum. Regardless of your skin type (even if it's oily), good skincare is key. The key is to move to thicker serums and moisturizers that contain antioxidants and anti-oxidants. Hyaluronic acid .

3. Lack of and/or inconsistent sleep schedule

Problem: They call it beauty sleep for a reason. Sleep is when the skin produces the majority of its collagen and produces replacements for dead skin cells. This causes the skin to glow more youthfully in the morning. As you get more sleep, Dr. Nussbaum notes, your levels of the stress hormone cortisol also decrease. Without a consistent and proper sleep schedule, the skin's regeneration cycle may be lost, skin pH levels may be disrupted, breakouts may occur, and natural radiance may be lost.

Solution : Just because your daily schedule has changed, it doesn't mean you can't order a new one. Try implementing a new normal that mimics your usual routine, such as waking up at a set time and getting ready for the day without having to go anywhere. This will make it easier for you to go to bed when you need to. Remember. Seven to nine hours of sleep. That's your goal!

4. Poor eating habits

Question : Have you been eating more junk food since the quarantine started? Yes, the same. At the moment, it's really easy to submit to the temptation of processed foods out of boredom and devour the hordes. Unfortunately, some foods can cause acne. Because of the mind-gut-skin connection, Dr. Nussbaum says that a poor diet (such as too much sugar and refined foods) can cause gut toxemia ("leaky gut syndrome"), which can lead to inflammatory skin flare reactions.

You may be drinking more than usual right now (noon is the new happy hour, am I right?). ). Unfortunately, increased alcohol intake can increase dehydration and cause inflammation, swelling, and redness due to dilated blood vessels.

Solution : Inexpensive processed foods are readily available, but they are usually packed with unhealthy ingredients that can be hard on the skin, such as hardened fats, artificial colors, preservatives, and added sugars. It is best to limit your consumption of alcohol (no more than two glasses) and unhealthy junk food as much as possible. If you have a problem cooking every night, try a healthy meal subscription service such as Blue Apron. This service includes the pre-packaged healthy ingredients you need for each meal. You can also trade in your happy hour for a delicious mocktail recipe every hour.

5. High stress

Problem : It's no surprise that stress levels spike during a global pandemic. The elevated levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, are mainly due to your rampant breakouts. Not only does it stimulate the sebaceous glands to overproduce more oil (causing acne), but it also triggers an inflammatory cascade in the body that can cause excessive inflammation in many skin types, especially those prone to eczema and seborrheic dermatitis, says Dr. Nussbaum. Your body will also experience a decrease in the rate of skin cell turnover, leading to a buildup of dead skin that results in dull skin.

Solution : I know - reducing stress is not as easy as it sounds. Try meditation apps or yoga. Listen to music to calm your mind. To treat stress acne, Dr. Nussbaum recommends using a gel-based cleanser containing salicylic acid or fruit enzymes (a mild exfoliant) twice a day to remove excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells.

Retinoids can also help. SkinBetter Science has AlphaRet Overnight Cream, which is a great multi-tasker," says Dr. Nussbaum. "It contains encapsulated retinol (less irritating than traditional retinol), alpha hydroxy acids for gentle exfoliation, niacinamide to reduce redness, and ceramides and hyaluronic acid for hydration."