Want to hear something surprising? Well, here goes.
The COVID-19 pandemic is not just a threat to public health, but it’s also wreaking havoc on people’s skin, causing a host of skin problems. Confused? Let me explain.
With personal hygiene being high on the priority list right now, the norm is that we should habitually wash our hands. After all, thoroughly washing our skin is always good, right? Not exactly.
With excessive scrubbing, disinfecting, and sanitizing, the skin is stripped of its natural oils and wax that are important in balancing the skin’s natural moisture. This then causes dry, cracked, sore, and itchy skin or even breakouts, ultimately leading to skin irritation especially on sensitive skin types.
Adding more salt to the wound, we now spend most of our time indoors, where the air quality can actually be just as bad as (or worse than) outdoor air quality. Not to mention, it isn't worth visiting a dermatologist just for this kind of a situation.
So, whether you like it or not, COVID-19 is indirectly leaving negative impacts on your skin, whether you have makeup on or not. In fact, you may not even be aware of what your skin is going through!
What is the COVID-19 pandemic doing to your skin?
Interestingly, a new term has emerged from this pandemic: maskne. This refers to acne that arises from wearing surgical and cloth masks, thus combining the words ‘mask’ and ‘acne’.
Ever since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have noted a universal increase in acne-flareups.
Whenever wearing a mask, you may have felt that facial oils and sweat now get trapped on your face and seeps into the surgical masks due to our humid and sticky environment. Not surprisingly, this eventually causes breakouts, especially on the nose, cheeks, and chin. (Source)
Another ugly side effect from the pandemic is dry irritated hands, caused by aggressive or excessive hand washing. Whether you’re using hand sanitizers or hand wash to kill bacteria, doing both often can cause eczema or hand dermatitis.
Especially for alcohol-based hand sanitizers, they interfere with the skin’s natural pH, making the skin more vulnerable to allergens that’ll enter the skin’s surface, which will trigger an autoimmune reaction. It is precisely this reaction that causes the swelling, reddening, itching, and peeling that are so common in dry irritated hands. (Source)
Also, due to constantly being indoors, it leaves us with irregular exposure to outdoor air, which triggers imbalance to the facial skin. Shockingly, indoor air pollution is usually 2 to 5 times (in some cases a whopping 100 times) higher than outdoor air pollution levels.
There is a crystalline correlation between poor air quality and heightened skin problems such as eczema, hives, and acne. Thus, while indoor air pollution causes problems on a cosmetic level, this is still a detriment to skin health over the long-term. (Sources 1 & 2)
So, how can you avoid all of these skin problems?
Granted, excessive washing and sanitizing is bad for your skin, but it’s almost a ‘compulsory’ action for now, at least until the COVID-19 virus finally decides to call it a day.
But what if you could rid your skin of bacteria and yet, at the same time, be kind to your skin? At least picture this: after a long day, your hands are overwhelmed from being sanitized all the time. Your face also feels greasy from the build-up of facial oils throughout the day...
Not forgetting; now that we are dining at home more often, washing dishes also dries and tires your hands excessively too.
Wouldn’t it be nice to hop into a relaxing shower, and soothingly cleanse your stressed-out hands, face and sticky skin?
As a long-term eczema sufferer myself, one of my pet peeves during the pandemic is being forced to apply hand sanitizer whenever entering a premise, only for my skin to develop painful blisters and bleeding after that.
It is for such an annoying fact that it became the underlying motivation for Cetaphil’s “How’s Your Skin” campaign which aims to tackle common acne, sensitive or dry skin problems especially fuelled by the pandemic. With that, Cetaphil recommends their dermatologist-recommended bestseller - Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.
The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is designed with a protective formula that gently cleanses and moisturizes without stripping the skin of its natural oils and wax, hence the name ‘gentle’. In addition to just cleaning your face, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is ideal to be used on the hands and body as well.
Especially for those who suffer from very dry and itchy skin, using Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser is extremely beneficial to soothe your hands from being too dry, itchy, and irritated after a day’s worth of washing.
Cetaphil’s skin cleanser also does not discriminate gender and age. It is suitable for all skin types, be it oily skin, dry skin, normal skin, or any combination skin.
In fact, those who have sensitive skin will appreciate that it’s soap-free as well as fragrance-free. Since fragrances can be highly toxic, a fragrance-free cleanser will prevent irritation and breakouts by being extra gentle with your skin.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is for EVERYONE to use!
You may think that the cleanser isn’t for you because you’re not a skincare-lover. Well, it’s time to change your perception.
The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is highly beneficial for everyone in your family. As it is free of soap and fragrance, the cleanser does not dry out the skin like other soap cleansers, making it perfect for gentle-mild cleansing daily.
It’s no wonder that the cleanser is recommended by dermatologists if you wish to achieve healthy skin that’s also beautiful.
Use the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser without water too!
Unlike many cleansers or soaps, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser can be used with or without water, just like a regular hand sanitizer. All you have to do is apply a reasonable amount of cleanser to your skin and rub gently, removing the excess with a soft cloth. Then leave a thin layer of film on your skin for optimum benefits.
Best way to use Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser?
Any beauty guru will tell you that you have to develop a consistent habit in order to cultivate healthy skin. Consistency is key (just look at the S.Koreans!) but there’s no need for a vigorous routine. Instead, just follow these 3 simple steps:
- As a prerequisite, ensure that your skin is thoroughly cleaned using the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser to remove any unnecessary oils, grease, and foreign particles from your skin.
- Next, moisturize your skin, such as with the Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, to give it a boost in hydration.
- Finally, shield your skin against harmful UV radiation and sunlight by applying sunscreen, such as the Cetaphil UVA/UVAB Defense SPF+50.
Why not just use the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser alone?
Well, you can. If possible, for optimum results (and reviving your dull-looking skin), you should moisturise after, followed by sun care.
Many folks don’t moisturise after cleansing their skin, which isn’t a healthy habit + it causes premature ageing. For optimal results, it is vital that you apply at least a little moisturiser on your face to keep the skin healthy and hydrated in order to prevent skin sensitivities like dryness, itch and fine lines. This way, your hand stays smooth and healthy too.
By following up Cetaphil's own Gentle Skin Cleanser with Cetaphil's Moisturizing Cream, you don't only lock in moisture but also fortify the skin naturally.
Apart from that, over-exposure to sunlight can potentially cause skin burns, pigmentation and other skin problems. Therefore, it’s super important to apply sunscreen whenever going outdoors, even if it’s just for a while.
Thankfully, Cetaphil's UVA/UVB Sunscreen offers an SPF50 rating and ensures sufficient sun protection for even users with the most sensitive skin.
What’s the bottom line?
With our health and wellbeing at risk because of COVID-19, let’s not forget that our skin’s health is equally at risk. Frequent hand-sanitizing and disinfecting is now a daily routine and no one’s sure for how long.
Cetaphil’s dermatologist-trusted formulations have never been more relevant in achieving healthy skin today. Therefore, why not get accustomed to a routine that’s beneficial for your skin while getting accustomed to the new norm? Your skin will thank you even when the pandemic is long over.
After all, change doesn’t have to be rough on your skin. Keep it gentle with Cetaphil!
This article is sponsored by Cetaphil Malaysia.