Special Considerations for Our Skincare Routine During and After COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t just change the way we live—it changed the way we care for our skin. From frequent hand washing to constant mask-wearing, our skin faced new challenges. And for many of us, those effects are still lingering.

Here’s how the pandemic has transformed skincare—and what we can do now to promote healing, balance, and resilience.

The Hidden Cost of Hand Hygiene

One of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of viruses is also one of the harshest on our skin: frequent hand washing and disinfection. While necessary, this constant exposure to soaps, alcohol-based solutions, and hand sanitizers has a downside.

It strips away the skin’s natural lipid layer —its protective barrier—and leaves it vulnerable to:

• Dryness

• Irritation

• Cracks and micro-tears

• Bacterial colonization, particularly by Staphylococcus aureus

This is particularly problematic for people with hand eczema, whose skin barrier is already compromised.

Tip: Apply a rich, barrier-repairing cream immediately after washing. For intense overnight repair, apply a thick layer of cream and wear cotton gloves to lock in moisture.

Moisturizers that support the skin's microbiome can help reduce harmful bacteria while promoting healing—which is essential for people prone to eczema or irritation.

Skin Under Pressure: Mask-Wearing and the Microbiome

While wearing face masks is crucial for preventing infection, it also presents its own set of skin challenges. Under the mask, the skin is exposed to a warm, moist microclimate, leading to:

• Occlusion and swelling

• Disruption of the skin barrier

• Overgrowth of harmful bacteria

• An increase in cases of perioral dermatitis and breakouts

Tip: Choose lightweight, microbiome-friendly skincare products to wear under your mask, and avoid heavy, occlusive products. Gentle rinsing and changing your mask frequently are key.

Natural remedies can also provide relief:
Black tea compresses have soothing and antimicrobial effects. Simply boil black tea, let it steep for 20 minutes, let it cool, and apply cotton pads soaked in the tea to the irritated areas.

Tip: Cotton masks are gentler on the skin than synthetic ones — and easier to wash thoroughly.

Skin Health and Immune Support

At the height of the pandemic, questions arose about immunosuppressive treatments (often used for eczema or psoriasis) and whether they could increase the risk of COVID-19. While individual risk should always be discussed with a doctor, one thing is clear: people with chronic skin conditions need extra care and protection—both physically and emotionally.

COVID-19 has also been shown to cause skin symptoms in some cases, ranging from blisters to vascular reactions. These should always be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Supporting Your Skin — Post-Pandemic and Beyond

Even as life slowly returns to normal, many of us are still dealing with skin that feels sensitive, dry, or out of balance. Now is the time to focus on strengthening the skin barrier, hydration, and microbiome care —the foundation of resilient, healthy skin.

And most importantly? Be kind to yourself and your skin. It's been through a lot—and so have you.