Is your skin dry from being indoors? Here is how to fix it

Dry skin from sitting inside? What you can do about it today.

Due to the coronavirus, we are stuck indoors more than usual and that has big consequences for our skin. Maybe you have a gray, dull appearance due to a lack of sunlight, you have more pimples and inflammation than normal, or you have more problems with your acne, eczema, psoriasis, or other skin issues. Why is that and what can you do about it?

There are countless reasons for an increase in skin problems in these crazy times. Hourly hand-washing dryness - HELLO! Stress, a lack of vitamin D, and the many online meetings (yes, really!) can all lead to skin flares. Let's take a closer look at a few and see what you can do about them!

Dry Skin because of Stress

Stress and anxiety are huge triggers for eczema, psoriasis, and acne. And it is not surprising if you have experienced a bit more stress in recent months. Teaching the children at home, working from home, and keeping the household running. Did you try running away yet?

Even the most relaxed people now have that lingering concern about the well-being of the family, friends, and loved ones. Toss in the uncertainty about the future as the cherry on top. In addition, your daily routine has been shaken up, which has more impact on body and mind than we often think.

What can you do?

• First of all, remember: it’s normal for you to experience stress and your body to respond to it. Don't blame yourself or your skin if you now experience more flare-ups than usual. This only gives you more stress and anxiety, which deprives your body of the opportunity to recover.
• It can be a great help to listen to quiet music. On YouTube, you will find numerous soundtracks with titles such as 'healing', 'self-love', or 'serenity'. The frequencies of this music create peace of mind and body.
• Why not make friends with meditation? The fact that your daily routine has changed does not mean that meditation moves out. Haven’t tried meditating yet? Then this is your chance to integrate it into your new routine. Whoa, whoa, whoa, there’s no rule stating meditation is supposed to be boring. Search YouTube for 'guided metta meditation' or 'guided meditation for healing'. You will notice: meditation can be more than just sitting still and watching your breathing (though that is also advisable). Wanna start slow? Sit for 5 deep breaths for 5 days in a row. That counts!

Dry Skin because of Lack of Vitamin D

If you don't go outside much, you can easily become vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is required for many physical functions and a deficiency can lead to dull dry skin. Vitamin D plays an important role in the protective aspect of your skin, plus it boosts the production and repair of skin cells. A deficiency can therefore lead to a worsening of skin irritation.

What can you do?

• Even though it's a good idea to stay home as much as possible, you can still go outside. Try to get sunlight daily: walk around the park, eat your lunch outside, and find a workplace by the window (nice nap spot too!). If you look for nature, she’ll greet you with open arms. And your stress level will drop.
• You can also opt for a vitamin D3 or D2 (the vegan variant) supplement. Such a supplement can quickly boost your vitamin D levels, so your skin has the necessary ammunition again to stay healthy. Always consult with your doctor or skin specialist first to ensure that a vitamin D supplement is suitable for you.

The air in the house can also cause dry skin

The quality of the air in your home can have a major impact on the health of your skin. For example, dry air can contribute to dry skin. An unfunny coincidence that makes eczema worse. Also, your skin may react to dust mites and your fur babies since they are trapped at home too.

What can you do?

• Drink plenty of water (at least 1.5 liters per day) and use a humidifier at home. There are many luxury humidifiers on the internet, but start with a pot or kettle on the stove if possible. By maintaining the moisture content in the air, the skin loses less moisture to the air and can absorb moisture from the air. This way your skin remains supple and healthy.
• Lastly, don’t forget to use a good moisturizer and day cream that are suitable for your skin. Exfoliate your face regularly too. This gentle scrub prevents old, dry skin cells from blocking moisture that your skin naturally absorbs through the air.

Your facial care routine

If you don't wear makeup during the day - because, well nothing is open - it's tempting to skip your facial care routine altogether. Nevertheless, it is important to keep your face clean, because your skin secretly removes waste products through the pores all day and night. EEK! Especially if you use a night cream, it is vital to clean your face in the morning, because night creams can make your skin more sensitive to UV radiation.

Steps you can take

• Keep your face clean the way you normally would. For example, you can opt for a cleanser in the morning that balances the pH value of your skin. Then in the evening use a cleanser that cleans your skin more thoroughly. Don't forget to use your favorite toner, moisturizer, and/or day cream.
• Choose a day cream with SPF, a factor that we mainly know from sunscreen. We may sit inside all day, but the UV light from the sun still comes in through the windows. With SPF you can be sure that your skin is protected against unwanted UV radiation.

Blue light from your laptop, smartphone, and TV

Screens emit a blue light, also called HEV light. This light can affect the quality of your sleep, which in turn affects your immune system and thus can cause things like dry skin. But the blue light also has a direct effect on your skin:

• It attacks the elastin and collagen in your skin.
• Weakens the immune system.
• Accelerates the aging process of the skin.

Because of lockdowns, you’re likely using screens much more. There are meetings via Zoom or Skype, plus checking the news on your phone to stay up to date about the virus.

What can you do?

• Self-control, silly! Set a time after which you no longer watch your phone/tablet and switch off the TV and laptop. Many phones have a built-in 'screentime' function and there are also apps that help you with this, such as Freedom, Moment, and Zenscreen.
• In addition, a cream with SPF can help protect your skin from the effects of blue light.

Blue light from your laptop, smartphone, and TV

In short: take good care of your skin. If you suffer from skin problems, you know better than anyone what is best for your skin. So keep listening to your skin. Our world may have changed the needs of your skin, but you have the power to adapt now.