During lockdown, our daily routines have drastically changed - it’s no surprise our skin is feeling it too!
There are 4 main causes of skin flare-ups and breakouts during quarantine:
1. Stress.
Thoughts impact our skin. Our thoughts carry this energy which has an impact on our body. Skin conditions that are exacerbated by stress include upper eyelid irritation, rashes and acne.Setting up a better structure at home can help deal with the stress caused by the lockdown. Examples include taking walks, blocking working hours, meditating, writing a gratitude list, and picking up an old hobby. These are strategies to help calm and re-focus the mind.
2. Diet
Diet is a big one, with the fridge just an arm’s length away. Indulgence in comfort foods high in sugar, dairy, preservatives and/or vegetable oils is a common practice. With comfort eating come consequences to our blood sugar, hormonal health and gut health. That is because sugar spikes our insulin, which impacts our hormones; preservatives are estrogen-mimicking, which is another assault on our hormones and can exacerbate premenstrual breakouts; fried foods and dairy are mucus-forming in our gut. Our food choices reflect in our skin with more congestion, breakouts and flare-ups.
Start to include more wholegrain carbohydrates such as quinoa, sweet potatoes and lentils that provide a slow release of energy. Add oily fish, hemp seeds as omega oils, and good fats such as avocado and olives to the diet regularly. For some nourishing, winter foods check out our slow cooked beef cheeks, immune and gut boosting soup, and hormone balancing porridge.
3. Lack of Vitamin D
Sunshine, light, and Vitamin D are vital to all aspects of our being and are essential for our skin function, from aiding cell development to reducing inflammation. Make time to sit out in the light, even if the sun is hidden away behind the clouds. Just 20 minutes a day can make a profound difference to our mood and skin over time.
4. Masks
With masks now mandatory, it is a breeding ground for condensation, sweat and bacteria. Mix that up with make-up then we have a formula for rashes and clogged pores.By regularly cleansing, we can keep our skin blemish-free. Also, using a moisturiser rich in ceramides and phosphatidylcholine can help to maintain and repair our skin barrier.
This article was written by ourSkin Specialist and NaturopathEmily Segalwho specialises in treating a variety of skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, and pigmentation.During lockdown, Emily remains available for video or telephone consults to help manage your skin and overall wellbeing. Contact us or head to the booking page to make an appointment with Emily.