This is what happens to your skin and hair when you stay indoors for too long

Staying indoors is one of best precautions against coronavirus. But, it impacts our skin in several ways. A dermatologist reveals the effects of staying indoors for too long.
staying indoors for too long
Staying indoors could be the culprit behind your skin troubles. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Grace Bains Published: 29 Sep 2020, 11:15 am IST
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Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and also a window to your health. There’s no denying that we all want glowing skin that is free from breakouts, acne scars, or pigmentation. Clear skin is also an indicator of good health!

If your health requires attention, the first signs will be visible on your skin. It will look dull, in case of a nutritional deficiency, and acne could point to hormonal imbalance in your body. Hence, it is important to observe your skin to know what’s going on internally!

In such a scenario, what is the impact on the skin when you stay indoors? Most of us have been confined to our homes, ever since the pandemic hit us. Although it has proved to be one of the most effective ways to stay safe from coronavirus, it could have a different impact on your skin. 

We talked to Dr. Swati Mohan, senior consultant, Dermatology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad to understand how staying indoors for a prolonged time can affect our skin and our overall health. 

She says: “To stay protected in this pandemic, we need to observe all precautions and stay indoors, as much as possible. However, the most common effect of doing so for a long period of time will be a low level of vitamin D. This has multiple effects on one’s health, ranging from immunity troubles to dermatological issues.”

Here’s how your skin is impacted when you stay indoors for too long: 

1. Dullness
Vitamin D, often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’ is unique, because your body is able to produce it, when exposed to sunlight. It plays a key role in the repair and regrowth of cells by enhancing your skin’s immune system that helps in fighting free radicals. However, we haven’t been able to stay out to get enough sunshine and it might be showing on your skin now.

staying indoors for too long
To replenish your skin, vitamin D shall be there for your rescue! Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

Dr. Swati mentions, “Not being able to step out has meant that our vitamin D levels are quite low. Lack of vitamin D can cause the skin to look dull, and deprive it of a natural, healthy glow.”

2. Acne
If you’ve been experiencing more breakouts since the pandemic began, you’re not alone. There are two reasons contributing to it: lack of vitamin D and stress.

Stress is known to cause skin conditions that are triggered by inflammation. According to a study conducted by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, if you’re already prone to acne, then stress can prove to be a huge trigger for breakouts. No one can deny that this pandemic has been extremely stressful and turns out, it affects our skin too.

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staying indoors for too long
Staying indoors can give you acne too! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

What’s more, a study published in PubMed Central established that vitamin D deficiency is more common amongst acne patients.

3. Hair loss
Dr Swati reveals that several of her patients have been complaining of hair loss, since the beginning of the pandemic. Once again, the stress caused by coronavirus combined with a lack of vitamin D could be the reason behind your hair fall. In fact, research published in the International Journal of Trichology observed that low vitamin D levels could cause diffuse hair fall, a condition that is marked by thinning of hair and can even affect your scalp.

staying indoors for too long
Hair loss is the biggest concern of them all. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

So, what can we do about it?
Dr Swati says, “One of the best precautions one can take to stay protected from coronavirus is to stay indoors. In such a situation, I recommend you open the windows or stand in your balcony every day for 10 to 20 minutes to get some sun. You can also eat foods such as eggs, mushrooms and fish to ensure you maintain healthy levels of vitamin D in your body. Another thing to keep in mind is to continue following your skincare and haircare routine, even if you’re not going out.”

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About the Author

Grace is someone who likes writing enough to make a living out of it. When she isn’t writing, you will find her having chai and reading a book. ...Read More

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