Effective tips to take care of your skin after a brush with Covid-19

Post-COVID skincare can be categorised into two scenarios, (1) you have normal skin with no pre-existing concerns and (2) you have pre-existing concerns like atopic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis etc.

There isn’t much for you to worry about if you have normal skin with no pre-existing concerns. Your skin may become dry or dull and you might also observe uneven skin tone but again, nothing much to worry about.

In this scenario, focusing on your holistic wellness will help your skin to recover faster. It includes eating the right food, taking necessary supplements, sleeping well, exercising at regular intervals, and using the right skincare products. All of this together will help provide the right kind of nutrients that your body needs, flush out toxins, and build immunity which directly affects the quality of your skin.

If you’ve recovered from Covid recently, avoid intense or invasive procedures and new skincare products immediately post-recovery. Also, stay away from active ingredients at least for a couple of weeks to avoid sensitivity issues.

Coming to scenario (2), if you have pre-existing skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema etc. there could be an exacerbation of lesions due to the release of stress hormones and inflammatory cells in the body during Covid. Again, what is of paramount importance here is your holistic well-being as mentioned above.

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If the exacerbation is not very severe we would tend to put you off intense treatments until your health is completely regained and immunity is stronger.

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Important supplements that you must include in your intake are Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin B12, Omega-3 fatty acids and Magnesium. Please consult your physician for details on the dosage and duration of the supplements and do not self medicate.

Also Read: We asked 6 women about their post-Covid symptoms. What they shared was shocking

Food makes a difference

Your food makes a lot of difference in your overall health and your skin’s road to recovery too. Hence, eating well is the only option you should have. I suggest a balanced antioxidant rich diet. Include a lot of green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, turmeric and black pepper in your diet to boost your immunity. Stay away from highly processed food, aerated drinks, deep-fried items and also avoid excess sugar consumption. 

In the process, do not forget to drink sufficient water and keep yourself well hydrated. Drinking a glass of coconut water daily ensures good hydration for the body if you don’t have any dietary restrictions. Exercising is a great way to speed up the recovery and get back your original skin faster. You may slowly and steadily get back to your workout routines as per your trainer’s recommendation.

If you do not have a trainer, it’s important that you listen to your body and start with what you can without exerting yourself. Indulge in simple home workouts, even a simple but regular brisk walk could help boost your immunity and flush out the toxins. 

Thinking about what products to use?

People with no present skin concerns who experience dry and dull skin post-Covid should use a gentle cleanser that will not rip off their skin barrier. A good moisturiser does the trick and also helps in nourishing your skin. You can indulge in chemical exfoliation at home or in-clinic procedures once the health of your skin is regained, without any sensitivity issues popping up. A good vitamin C serum chemical exfoliation using AHA or a BHA serum, retinol-based night cream and sunscreen will do the trick. 

People with pre-existing skin conditions must consult their dermatologist to know what’s the right time to resume the treatments.

A home remedy that might prove to be extremely beneficial

A freshly squeezed aloe vera gel helps calm and soothe your skin.

1. Take a little bit of freshly squeezed aloe vera gel and apply it evenly to the face.
2. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it with cold water.
3. Gently dab your skin with a clean towel and apply a good moisturiser.

If you have pus-filled acne, add turmeric to the mask and apply daily.

It’s a tough time for all of us and hence very normal for our skin to take a toll, especially if one has been affected. Therefore, take it slow and keep your focus, at all times, on your holistic well-being.