How to Do Skincare During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Washing hands and wearing face masks are key steps to preventing COVID-19. But they can dry out your skin and cause acne. Here’s how to help your skincare in Covid-19.
Masking, social distancing and hand washing remain important routines that prevent COVID-19 infection even if you’ve been vaccinated. But they can take a toll on your skin.
Most people are washing their hands or using hand sanitizer more frequently these days. Many are also wearing face masks when in public or during work shifts, often for hours at a time.
These measures are key to reducing the spread of the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). But they can irritate and damage your skin. Making a few skincare changes in Covid-19 for your hands and face can help counteract these effects.
Hand skincare in Covid-19
One of the most important things you can do to protect against COVID-19 is to keep your hands clean and free from germs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
But lots of hand washing can strip your hands of their natural oils. To prevent dry, cracked skin:
- Be gentle on your hands. Use cool or lukewarm water with soap to wash your hands. Hot water isn’t any more helpful against germs that can make you sick. And hot water can increase skin damage. Avoid antibacterial cleansers. They aren’t that useful for preventing infectious disease. And they contain chemicals such as fragrance that can irritate skin.
- Wear gloves when cleaning to protect your skin. Disinfectants for cleaning surfaces are effective against germs, but some of the ingredients can be harsh on your hands.
- Moisturize, moisturize. After washing your hands, gently rinse and pat them dry. Right after, apply plenty of moisturizer. If your hands still feel dry after a minute or so, apply more. Use a moisturizer that’s hypoallergenic and free of fragrances and dyes that can irritate your skin. Keep the moisturizer handy — next to bathroom and kitchen sinks, in your car or at your workspace. Make it easy to repeat this critical step.
- Don’t ignore early skin protection. Even if your hands don’t feel dry or chapped, be sure to moisturize them regularly. Preventing skin irritation from developing in the first place is more effective than trying to catch up later when skin is already broken and cracked.
Facial skincare in Covid-19
Many workers in places such as salons, restaurants, retail stores and in health care wear masks throughout their shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC recommends wearing cloth masks in public to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus by people who have COVID-19 but don’t realize it.
But as helpful as it is, mask use can lead to chafing of the skin on the bridge of your nose, chin, cheeks and even behind the ears. Some people develop itchiness or a rash. Sweaty or damp conditions under the mask can lead to acne breakouts. To ease these complications of mask wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Adopt a regular skincare routine. Cleanse and moisturize your face before and after using a mask. Don’t use products with petrolatum, though. Petrolatum is a common ingredient in “heavy-duty” creams and ointments, such as petroleum jelly. It can get in the way of the mask’s function, especially N95 masks used by some health care workers. If your skin tends to be on the oily side, go for a water-soluble moisturizer.
- Use a barrier ointment or bandage. To prevent or relieve skin injuries caused by pressure or friction from masks, a thick layer of zinc oxide can soothe and protect skin. Zinc oxide is a skin protectant often used for diaper rash or severely chapped skin. Use it on the bridge of your nose or behind your ears. You can also try placing a bandage between the skin pressure points and the mask. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about bandages or dressings that provide cooling relief and conform to the skin while still allowing for appropriate mask use.
- Ease blisters. If a blister forms, keep it clean and apply antibiotic ointment. Use a bandage to create a protective barrier between the blister and the mask.
- Treat acne. If you develop acne, cleanse your skin regularly. Use a water-soluble moisturizer. Look for acne treatment products that contain retinoids, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Also, avoid popping or squeezing pimples, which can contribute to inflammation and infection of the area.
Professional care
Don’t give up on washing hands and wearing masks, as these are critical prevention measures against COVID-19. In the meantime, taking the steps described above can help protect your skin.
If you develop cracked skin that starts to bleed, blisters turn into ulcers or become infected, or if you have a serious skin reaction, talk to your doctor promptly. Damaged skin can increase your risk of infection and may need more than home care. Treatment may include prescription medicines and skin therapies.
3 Steps to Personalise Your Skincare Routine to Get the Best Skincare Results for Your Skincare in COVID-19
STEP 1: Take the snowperk iD Quiz™
Our proprietary skin iD test determines which of these barriers to skin health are present and assigns a snowperk iDTM Skin type for you from 48 unique skin iDs.
STEP 2: Uncover your True Skin Type
Based on your unique snowperk iDTM, you will get your personalised skincare prescription
– 1 moisturiser and 2 boosters
STEP 3: Build Your Personalised Skincare Routine
Your Skin’s Future is Up to You
If you are struggling to develop an effective skincare routine and want advice on which products and techniques to use for your skin type, we are always here to help. You can sign up for our newsletter for weekly skincare advice – customized for your distinct skin type.
Snowperk iD™ will also provide you with personalized recommendations to optimize your morning and evening skincare routines. After you take our free assessment, we will share helpful content to give you more insight into how your skin works and how to properly care for it. With dedication, the proper diet, and high-quality products, you can help your skin look and feel its best.
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