Your dating life may not be the only thing drying up as we all stay inside to #flattenthecurve. Cue a whole lotta dry skin. In an unofficial poll of my group of galpals, I found a little bit of solace knowing that excessively dry — and sometimes flaky(!) — skin is something a lot are experiencing in quarantine (in addition to perhaps one too many Zoom happy hours).
“Skin is getting dry for a few reasons. When you are inside all day without fresh air and minimal humidity, it all translates into less moisturiser for your skin,” says Dr Nava Greenfield, a New York dermatologist and advisor for Belli Skincare.
Dr Greenfield explains that, usually, going outside and experiencing a change in climate typically helps with stimulating oil glands to produce more moisture, but that’s not something many of us can do at the moment. Pair that with an influx of showering and constant hand-washing, and we’re now stripping away the skin’s natural oils as well as any moisturiser that was applied earlier on in the day.
So, what’s a lady under quarantine to do? For your body, Dr Greenfield suggests creams or oil-based formulas with hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, ceramides, cocoa butter, and avocado. “This is usually something you’d have to scoop for a jar or squeeze from a tube, as opposed to lotion which you typically pump.”
For your face, seek out products that are not as heavy, with ingredients including glycerin, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C and E. “Aim to use these products two to three times more per day than what you would typically do,” she suggests. “Adding in the afternoon and late-morning moisturising in addition to morning and night might be all you need.”
The good news? There is a light at the end of this Netflix-and-WFH tunnel: Clear skin awaits. “I have seen many of my patients break out while in quarantine, but I would not be surprised if faces clear up once the stress is lifted and we are able to go outside again,” says Dr Greenfield.
Ready to make dry skin a thing of the past? Look no further than these solutions for your precious skin (and yes, they’re on the ‘essentials’ list so you can buy them now).
1/ Simply Bee Night Cream
Packed full of nature’s best butters (shea, cocoa and of course beeswax) this rich emollient cream has been designed specifically to boost thirsty skin.
Simply Bee Night Cream
2/ Skin Creamery Wildflower Water-Cream
With the age-defying, collagen-boosting powers of spilanthes acmella, aloe barbadensis and chlorophyll, this hydrating elixir smooths skin-tone and enhances elasticity.
Skin Creamery Wildflower Water-Cream
3/ Lulu & Marula Balancing Cleansing Balm
This solid balm melts onto your skin and contains natural ingredients that form a protective barrier to keep your skin’s moisture locked in.
Lulu & Marula Balancing Cleansing Balm
4/ Naturals Beauty Rooibos Vanilla Facial Crème
Naturals Beauty Rooibos Vanilla Facial Crème has been infused with sesame & vitamin E oil to nourish and protect the skin.
Naturals Beauty Rooibos Vanilla Facial Crème
5/ Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream
This ruich rose day cream blend has been made with precious rose oil; fragrant rose flower water and protective carnauba wax to keep your skin super hydrated.
Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream
This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com
