You might think that going makeup-free during quarantine or circuit breaker, as we call it here, would help elevate your skin condition. 

It’s totally normal if you think that’s true. We tend to believe that not applying any product would help our skin detox, leaving it with a fresh and natural complexion. 

Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. For some, the reality is having more acne breakouts, dehydration and dryness. 

You might then ask: why is this so? 

There are many factors that contribute to this problem. Although we all know that no two skins are alike, there are three major factors that could be making our circuit breaker skin bumpier or patchier than expected. 

LACK OF MR GOLDEN SUN!

Although there are some benefits of staying indoors, such as avoiding pollutants and UV exposure that can cause skin damage, our skin can begin to look dull due to the lack of Vitamin D. 

Try to head outdoors whenever you can, be it exercising, taking a stroll in the park, buying groceries or just to get some fresh air. Of course, all of these while social distancing! 

Also, if you are wondering whether you should apply SPF even when you’re stuck at home, the answer is yes. 

According to an article by Keck Medicine of USC, while glass effectively blocks most ultraviolet (UV) rays, it does not block all of them in equal measure. To have a better understanding of this, it’s important to know the difference between two types or rays: UVA and UVB. 

While the glass typically used in car, office and home windows is designed to block most UVB rays, it doesn’t offer full protection from all UVA rays, thus, risking of exposure to skin damage. 

My current go-to sunscreen or sunblock is Dermapeutics Non-Tinted Sunblock as it does not only offer full-spectrum protection throughout the whole UVA and UVB range, but it also boasts a non-oily formula that does not leave the skin feeling sticky (Even hours after application!)

After I’ve learnt the importance of a simple product such as a sunscreen, I’ll never take it for granted again.

It’s all about finding the balance. 

STRESS 

We can all agree that the global pandemic has affected us in one way or another because it has changed the way we live in a blink of an eye. 

The sudden change is something that we are still trying to adapt, and therefore the increased levels of cortisol, or our body’s main stress hormone tends to produce more oil which will then lead to our pores becoming more swollen, thus creating more acne. 

There are many ways to reduce our stress level. For some, it could be yoga or meditation and for others, it could simply be listening to their favourite music. 

Personally, when I find my stress level increasing, I would take a break, which could just be standing up from my seat, stretch to ease the tight muscles and just take a few steps to the kitchen to make myself a hot cup of honey lemon tea. 

So, find your coping mechanism to ease your stress level before you let your emotions get the best of you. 

SNACKING ALL DAY EVERY DAY

Do you find yourself reaching for junk foods more, now that you are cooped up at home? Once upon a time, I know I have. 

And trust me when I say it is normal and you are not alone. But don’t make that as an excuse to not take better care of your health! 

Diet is another contributor to the way our skin looks and feels. Right now, it is easy to give in to temptation and eat whatever that we see on our shelves. 

My suggestion: replace the junk foods with healthy snacks! 

That way, even when you feel like munching on something, it will be a healthier option. Of course, it is also important to eat moderately. 

But what if you’re craving for something… sweet? 

It is unrealistic to completely cut sugar out of your diet. When I find myself craving for a bar of chocolate, I would choose a healthier option and that is dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is a chocolate that contains more than 70% cocoa. It also contains healthy plant compounds known as polyphenols. It is still so yummy and tasty, and not to mention, healthy!

Bottom line is, you shouldn’t feel guilty if you occasionally indulge but you also shouldn’t give in to the temptation of overconsuming sweet treats. 

I stand by this: You are what you eat ❤️