Special Demands on Our Skin Care During and After COVID-19

Beatrix Förster
2020-10-06T18:38:25+02:00

From over-washed hands to skin stressed under masks, COVID-19 reshaped the way we care for our skin. Here’s how to rebuild balance and support healing — with barrier-friendly, microbiome-supportive skincare.

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The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t just change how we live — it changed how 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 reshaped skin care — and what we can do now to support healing, balance, and resilience.

The Hidden Cost of Hand Hygiene

One of the most effective ways to reduce viral transmission is also one of the most aggressive to our skin: frequent hand washing and disinfection. While necessary, this constant exposure to soaps, alcohol-based solutions, and 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, especially by Staphylococcus aureus

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

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

Moisturizers that support the skin microbiome can help reduce harmful bacteria while promoting healing — essential for those prone to eczema or irritation.

Skin Under Pressure: Mask-Wearing and the Microbiome

Wearing face masks, while crucial for infection prevention, came with 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 non-beneficial bacteria

Increased cases of perioral dermatitis and breakouts

Tip: Choose lightweight, microbiome-friendly skincare under your mask, and avoid heavy occlusive products. Gentle rinsing and frequent mask changes are key.

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

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

Skin Health and Immune Support

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

COVID-19 has also been shown to cause skin symptoms in some cases, 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 reactive, dry, or off-balance. Now is the time to focus on barrier support, hydration, and microbiome care — the foundation of resilient, healthy skin.

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