A skincare expert has revealed how the coronavirus pandemic can have a detrimental effect on our skin.
Dr Tiina Meder, who is a dermatologist and cardiologist, based in London, explained to FEMAIL how factors of isolation such as spending more time indoors and doing less exercise can lead to dryness and breakouts.
However there are fortunately steps that can be taken to improve skin, even in these difficult circumstances.
Dr Meder, founder of Meder Beauty Science, shares her advice…
A skincare expert has revealed how the coronavirus pandemic can have a detrimental effect on our skin. Stock image
Causes of ‘isolation skin’
The dermatologist, who has been practising since 1995, explained how ‘our skin craves stability and predictability’ which is impacted by the unpredictability of Covid-19 and the effect on jobs, income and health.
Dr Meder said: ‘When left unchecked, increased cortisol and adrenaline exposure can suppress the skin’s immune function and even slow collagen production.
‘Disrupted sleep, increased alcohol consumption and exercise reduction further compromise the skin’s microbiome and stress response.
Dr Tiina Meder, who is a dermatologist and cardiologist, based in London, urged people still to wear SPF while indoors
‘Clinical observations link psychological stress to the onset or aggravation of multiple skin conditions including acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea and pruritus (chronic itchy skin).’
Dr Meder added: ‘If you’re not wearing make-up at home, you may find yourself subconsciously touching your face more than you would normally (although the experts clearly tell us not to).
‘By doing so, we could be transferring bad bacteria from our hands to our faces. This can make us more susceptible to infection which could in turn lead to breakouts.’
How to tackle the problems
Reduce heat and wear SPF
Dr Meder added how skin can also start to dry out if heating is on for prolonged periods of time and recommended people to humidify the most-used areas of the home to replenish the moisture lost by indoor heat.
Most importantly, Dr Meder advised people to still use an SPF when working from home next to a window, open or closed, especially on a bright, sunny day.
Stay active
In line with the government’s advice permitting exercise once a day, Dr Meder explained how daily movement is vital to help skin ‘glow’ and can even slow the ageing process.
She said: ‘There are many reasons why staying indoors for a long period of time is bad for your skin. Firstly, our physical activity is limited and it can affect the whole body function. We need to move in order for our skin to glow.
‘Aerobic activity helps to protect skin from free radicals, synthesise hyaluronic acid and can even slow down the ageing process. Oxygen intake is key for this to happen so move and work out daily, even if it’s just a little.’
Missing your regular facial? How to tighten skin, reduce pores and soothe acne with EGG WHITES
A leading eye surgeon has revealed how egg white can be used to tighten and lift hooded eyelid skin with visible results in as little as 15 minutes.
Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai, an ophthalmic plastic reconstructive surgeon from London, explained how the protein in egg whites hydrates the skin and provides a ‘temporary tightening effect’.
She told FEMAIL: ‘The proteins in the egg white improves hydration and helps to plump up the skin.
‘It immediately tightens the skin and you feel it like a mask. It works best on very thin skin because you can see a more visible result which you won’t see in younger, thicker skin.’
BEFORE: Dr Shah-Desai’s client Deanna Jenkins, from London, shared her eyelid before egg white (left). AFTER: The egg white has visibly lifted the inner corner of the eye (right)
The video shows Dr Shah-Desai using pre-bought egg white which she recommends using straight from the fridge.
She said: ‘You can use a cotton bud but I like using lash glue brushes and you will also need a mirror.
‘Let the brush soak completely in the egg white and take off any excess. Then look down and apply the egg white just above the skin crease and let it dry.
Speaking to camera, Dr Shah-Desai added: ‘Now, what I want to do as it dries, you can see I have applied a couple of coats, I just want to take the skin back and let it dry in this position for around 30 seconds.’
‘You can see the egg white residue it has tightened my hood and I am going to leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash it off.’
However Dr Shah-Desai urged people to wash their hands ‘stringently’ before applying the egg solution and said to make sure it has not been used for cooking.
Dr Shah-Desai revealed: ‘You can also use it all over your face as long as you don’t lick it because of the risk of salmonella. It is also very good for acne and large pores.’
‘Then you just wash it off and apply your normal moisturiser on top.’
She added how the DIY trick can be used every two days to hydrate the skin temporarily while in lockdown and said results last up to 48 hours.
Six steps to firmer eyelids using egg white
1. Wash hands thoroughly before applying
2. With a cotton bud or lash glue brush, soak the tip throughly in the egg white
3. Apply two coats of the egg white just above the skin crease
4. Lift the skin while applying with the brush and hold for 30 seconds until it dries
5. Leave the egg white on the eyelids for 15 to 20 minutes
6. Wash the egg white off and repeat every two days
Keep rooms light and airy
Dr Meder said dust can also affect the skin and said it is advisable to aerate all rooms twice a day and to limit the use of candles.
‘Finally, we need natural day light to produce endorphins and synchronise the rhythms of cells in our bodies,’ she said.
‘A lack of natural light stimulation can lead to de-synchronisation of the body’s chronologic rhythms and cause sleep disruption. Try to take a walk once a day and sit next to a big window if you can, especially in the morning.’
Take vitamins
The dermatologist explained how vitamins C, D, and E are vital to promoting healthy skin function especially now people may be lacking sunlight from staying indoors more.
‘Vitamin C contributes to collagen formation which supports skin strength, whilst Vitamin D helps create healthy skin cells, playing an important role in skin tone, she said.
‘Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress which can help protect against premature ageing and wrinkles, as well as improve the appearance of scars and imperfections.’
However, Dr Meder revealed how people can strip back our skincare to include fewer ‘protective layers’ because working from home means the skin isn’t exposed to as many dioxins and micro-particles.
Buff away dead skin cells
Dr Meder said those suffering from dryness should look for hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol and glycerin.
For those prone to redness or rosacea, she recommended using products that contain niacinamide (also known as Vitamin B3) to help reduce inflammation.