How to keep the skin Clean & Clear during Coronavirus?

This year has not been easy for anyone. There were a lot of problems on all levels due to the coronavirus pandemic. We all have been doing and following a lot of safety measures in order to protect ourselves and reduce the spread of the much-dreaded virus. These safety measures, although safe for our health, have not been working for our skin.

Amidst these significant habits that we are adopting to stay protected and safe, our skin has tended to become damaged and irritated. Sensitive skin can even get inflamed due to these practices. However, this does not imply that one stops following all these safety measures.

Don’t worry, we have got you covered. Clear and clean skin is possible while combating COVID-19 as well. Take a look at the following habits that one must adopt to keep your skin healthy and clean.

Facial Care

Offices and other public spaces have started to re-open and function; normally, this is a good indication as the world has started to adapt to the new norms and new way of life. This also means that you will be wearing your mask most of the time. As protective as it is, it also indicates chafed skin near your chin, nose, behind the ears, and cheeks. The constant dampness and sweati-ness lead to rashes, itchiness, and even acne breakouts. Therefore, the skincare regime becomes all the more important and necessary during coronavirus.

• Cleanse your skin regularly to protect your skin from acne breakouts. Include more water-based moisturizers to keep the skin light and hydrated. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in your acne treatment products.
• Another thing that is important to note is to not touch or squeeze the zits, pimples, and blisters on your face. It will only increase the infection. Keep the area clean and, if possible, apply a bandage or an antibiotic cream over it. It would be best if you go for paraben free acne treatment.
• The significance of a skincare routine has never been more relevant than in this day and age. It is important to clean and moisturize your skin before and after using a mask.
• Skincare products must be carefully picked. Avoid heavy moisturizers and ointments that have petrolatum in them. Instead, include water based acne treatment in your regime. Noncomedogenic products should be used as they won’t clog your skin pores.

Hand Care

The key to clean and clear skin begins with clean hands. Although it is suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to not touch your skin often, it is impossible to keep them away from our face all the time. One of the most important safety practices that are recommended for protection against COVID-19 is to wash hands with soap and water frequently and also sanitize them regularly.

This practice keeps the body free from germs but strips away the natural oils from the skin. The alcohol-based hand sanitizer kills the germs but also leads to cracked, dry skin. Therefore, it is important to be gentle on your hands.

• Always use cool water to clean your hands. Hot water would only make the matter worse and dehydrate your skin.
• Make sure to wear gloves while cleaning the surfaces with disinfectants.
• Always moisturize your skin after washing your hands. This would also protect your skin from getting damaged and irritated.

The above skincare practices must be followed along with the safety practices. By no means should you give up on wearing masks and washing your hands with soap and water as they are the only ways and means to protect yourself from coronavirus. Use effective, water-based, paraben-free skin care products that are light on your skin and shields your skin from damaging.