While the idea of makeup-free days spent hidden from the sun elude to a skincare campaign worthy complexion, the unfortunate news is that the measures to self-isolate and stay home due to the coronavirus pandemic may not be the best thing for your skin. 

While there are a host of other worries to consider when thinking about the coronavirus, you may be wondering why you’re breaking out, or experiencing a dull, dry complexion.

Here’s why you might be experiencing skin problems during this global pandemic

Anxiety

According to dermatologists, when you’re stressed or anxious, your body reacts with a surge of hormones and physical responses, including inflammatory skin conditions. According to Psychology Today “When we no longer feel safe or in control, the skin can respond”, this is why sufferers of eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and acne will experience flare ups during uncertain times. 

Treats 

We’ve definitely seen the slew of coronavirus memes that have flooded social media about boredom eating and day drinking. Being at home means that there is a lot of extra time to cook, bake, and to think about what we want to eat next, and we often end up splurging a lot more than we would in our normal routine. Those extra sweet treats or drinks at home could very well be contributing to skin flare ups and concerns (problems).

Fresh Air

While staying indoors can be helpful in avoiding sun exposure, and harmful pollutants, what about the lack of essential vitamins, like vitamin D? Vitamin D is important to overall skin health because it helps with skin and cell repair, growth and rejuvenation. This may be why you’re finding your skin looking dull and lifeless.

In addition to lack of exposure to the outside world, a buildup of dust and air particles from central air/heating inside your home can also be contributing to a lacklustre complexion, clogged pores, and breakouts.

Screen Time

Time spent on mobile devices, laptops, and tablets has increased during coronavirus quarantine, due to the need for human connection, checking news updates and working remotely. Prolonged blue light exposure from phone and computer screens can be harmful to the skin. The Independent notes that “prolonged exposure to blue light exposure can lead to elastin and collagen damage, pigment changes and ultimately photo-ageing”. 

Here’s how you can overcome these coronavirus related skincare concerns

Reducing stress

While there is no doubt that these are stressful and uncertain times, now it is even more important than ever for self care. Work to keep your stress levels down as much as possible by engaging in healthy stress-reducing activities like yoga and daily exercise. Your skin will thank you for it.  

Hydrate & eat healthy 

Try your best to remain on a healthy eating schedule and don’t overindulge in sweet treats or alcohol. Drink plenty of water to flush the body of any toxins that may be contributing to breakouts or skin inflammation. 

Exfoliate 

Since you have plenty of time, take this opportunity to properly exfoliate your skin - both on your face and body. Get into the habit of exfoliating once a week with natural gentle products that will liven up your skin because asit helps with healthy cell turnover. Exfoliating also removes a build up in the pores of dry skin, sweat, sebum and dirt or dust from the air.

For body exfoliation, we recommend using In a Nutshell BodyScrub. With it’s all-natural, 100%-organic ingredients, it is gentle enough to use on all skin types to slough away dry, dead skin, leaving behind only soft, supple skin that is glowing and youthful.

Protect your skin 

In addition to trying to minimize screen time as much as possible, using an antioxidant booster in your night time skincare regimen will strengthen and protect your skin against harmful environmental factors like toxins, pollution, and blue light damage. Our Beauty Nut Precious Oils are packed with essential fatty-acids, linoleic acid, vitamin E, and vital antioxidants. Argan oil is nature’s super food for skin that improves the look and health of skin, while protecting it from damaging environmental stressors.  

Develop a self care routine

Whether you’re still incorporating makeup in your daily routine or not during the coronavirus quarantine, there is still cause for washing your face twice a day. New York City Dermatologist, Sejal Shah stated for Allure Magazine

“Even if you don't wear makeup, the skin on your face comes into contact with residue from other skin-care products like moisturizer and sunscreen, as well as pollutants, microbes, dirt, and other debris, not to mention oils, sweat, and dead skin cells." 

Keeping up with a regular self care routine means washing your face, moisturizing and even doing at-home facials. Using the extra time at home to give yourself some extra TLC with a 5 minute nightly facial with your favourite oil will have your skin quenched, and glowing even if you’re stuck inside. 100% NUTS Pure Argan Beauty Nut Oil penetrates skin to deliver intense hydration and essential nutrients that soften, and nourish the skin, while providing vital nutrients that reduce the look of wrinkles and fine lines, help to illuminate the skin, and treat skin conditions like acne, psoriasis and eczema.