We are nearing the two-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic and while safety precautions for our health are being implemented like the use of face masks and face shields, these measures are however exposing our skin to breakouts and allergies (mask-ne, anyone?). A visit to the dermatologist would have been easy (and cheaper) pre-pandemic but nowadays, risking going out and spending more is enough to put skincare at the back burner.
Since our skin also needs our attention, check out some of these general skincare tips which everyone can easily follow while staying safe at home to keep your skin looking youthful.
First and a major skincare tip, is to keep our hands clean and sanitized. We touch our face probably a hundred times a day (consciously and unconsciously). All the germs and bacteria accumulated from touching dirty surfaces, harsh chemicals, etc. can trigger pimples or acne.
Skincare tip number two. The use of gentle face wash to clean our face is indeed a safety practice as a defense against bacteria build-up on skin. You should wash your face twice a day, once in the morning before you put on makeup, and once at night before you go to bed.
Skincare tip number three. If you need to go outside (errands or for other essential stuff), skip the makeup. The air is trapped inside your masks which causes humidity due to your breathing and sweating. This opens up the pores and may increase the risk of pimples or acne.
Fourth, wear sunscreen. Did you know that we are exposed to the harsh UV rays of the sun even while indoors? Yes! So, make it a habit to wear sunscreen daily. Not wearing sunscreen can trigger melasma or those pesky brown patches on the forehead, chin, and cheeks.
Melasma is prevalent to as much as 40% of women and 10% of men. This is prominent to Asians and Latinos as we are situated in countries with high UV exposure. Since melasma is a skin condition from within, it is best to treat it from within. This final skin care tip is super important. Use a super drug that combines Procyanidin as antioxidant coupled with Vitamins A, C and E. Procyanidin has studies all over the world for its efficacy in protection of skin from the damaging free radicals from the sun and other harmful chemicals. This controls the overproduction of melanin to normal level in skin cells, resulting in lightening of melasma in just 8 weeks.
Always remember to check with your physician first before trying out any medication, products, or procedures. A teleconsultation during the pandemic is an available option so you can get yourself checked in the safety of your own home.