Top tips to look after skin and hair during these challenging times

People around the world. are experiencing problems with their skin and hair since the emergence of COVID-19. Wearing facemasks and PPE on a daily basis for hours has been causing some increased acne and dry skin.

While washing hair daily with heavy detergents has been leading to hair loss and other hair problems.

Some have been reporting the following problems with their skin and hair,

  • Acne
  • Breakouts
  • Inflammation
  • Skin breakdown
  • Hair loss
  • Hair breakage
  • Dry hair

These are some of the effects some are experiencing from PPE. At the beginning of the year, we never imagined we’d have to get so resourceful with PPE.

Nearly all PPE is designed for single use. Use it once and throw it away. PPE wasn’t intended to be worn for hours, or reused.

 

1. Skin Care Tips

Protecting Skin

What can we do to protect their skin during this time?

Ladies must be mindful of the cleansers they use. Over-washing the skin with soap and detergent-filled cleansers can strip away the skin’s critical fat molecules and good bacteria leading to contact dermatitis (red and irritated skin). Strengthening the skin barrier is essential to healthy skin.

Being continuously exposed to environmental aggressors damage the extracellular matrix, causing premature skin aging and other skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. You need to use cleansers that:

  1. Are hydrating
  2. Are gentle
  3. Stabilize the skin microbiome

 

Preventing Breakouts

What can we do to prevent breakouts?

First and foremost, it’s essential to know that breakouts are our body’s way of informing us that something is going on internally.

For example, in holistic medicine, we learn that breakouts above the nose area due to stress and breakouts below the nose area due to hormonal issues.

Unhealthy eating from a hectic schedule can cause glycation (sugars in the bloodstream that form collagen, elastin, and other structural proteins in the skin) that damage the skin cells and cause breakouts. To prevent breakouts, it’s vital to know what triggers your breakouts. Are they triggered internally or by contact with things such as:

  • Pollution buildup
  • Daily environmental aggressors
  • Unhealthy eating
  • Over-washing the skin
  • Prolonged wear of PPE

If the cause of your breakout is stress, engage in stress-relieving exercises such as mindfulness, spiritual prayer, or exercising to regulate cortisol hormones and Seborrheic dermatitis (dry skin) that promote acne and skin disorders.

I also recommend taking the time to take 15-minute naps between lunch schedules to recharge energy and rejuvenate skin cells. A dermatologist should always address hormonal acne or symptoms found on the skin.

Be sure to cleanse hands before applying PPE and after removing PPE to eliminate germs and bacteria from transmitting to your skin. I recommend using:

  1. A nourishing skin care cleansing product 
  2. A detoxifying face mask 
  3. A recovery face mask 
  4. A de-stressing face mask for stressed and fatigued skin. 

Finally, drinking lots of water daily is essential for purifying the skin and keeping it hydrated and healthy.

2. Haircare Tips

While some hair salons have slowly reopened, many women, are finding difficulty caring for their hair. Here are a few tips to protect your hair.

Hair washing

It’s common (and recommended) to skip shampooing hair on a daily basis. Healthy air should maintain some of the natural oils and over-shampooing can dry out the hair.

But, during these times, you might just feel better overall if you shampoo after your shift. In which case  it is recommended to use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo. If you need to wash daily, choose a shampoo that contains mild detergent and a pH that doesn’t exceed 5.5. Over-shampooing could cause:

  • Dry, brittle hair
  • Dry, flaky scalp
  • Overproduction of unhealthy bacteria that trigger folliculitis

Over-shampooing can also cause hair breakage, thinning, and shedding. The average person should wash their two or three times per week. People with thick, coarse, or curly hair should limit shampooing to once per week.

Many stylists are encouraging their clients to take this time to let their hair and scalp breathe. Skip the extensions and harsh chemicals. Use this time to put your hair through a detox.

Hairstyling products

If your hair is oily, avoid the use of hair oils and gels. These products can attract dust and compromise the protection of your head cap or covering. And, if you’re not able to wash your hair, you can always opt for a dry shampoo.

If you have curly hair, type 3b to 4c, it’s important to keep it moisturized.

Hair need water, just like a plant. Natural hair that ranges between 3d and 4c can use a little water every day. Use a mixture of jojoba oil and aloe in a mist to give hair some moisture.

3. Protective Hairstyles To Wear To Work

These three hairstylists provided their recommendations for styles that are both trendy and protective,

French Braids, Fishtail Braids, Cornrows (all hair types)

Braids are a fantastic option for all hair types due to the convenience of not having to do a daily hairstyle

A bonus is that braids can be low-maintenance and the hairstyle will last.

For people with straight, wavy, or curly hair (type 1a to 3a) braids can last up to a week as long as the hair is wrapped up and doesn’t get wet. For people with curly and kinky hair (type 3a to 4c) braids can last for months and can get wet.

Braids will also hold up well underneath a head covering.

If going multiple days or weeks without washing/shampooing your hair sounds uncomfortable, Smith recommends, “using a good astringent such as witch hazel or dry shampoo.

Top Knots, Ponytails & Pineapples (all hair types)

Tired of your same old boring ponytail or bun? Well, here are three trendy, quick, and convenient hairstyles that are great for all hair types that are medium to long in length. Recommend top knots and ponytails because they are easy and will also protect your hair while at work.

The pineapple hairstyle is great for people with naturally curly/kinky hair who want to maintain their curl pattern and reduce frizz while at work. Side note, a silk or satin scarf under your head cap will do wonders for your curls.

Twist outs, Braid outs, Flat outs, Locs (black hair)

These protective hairstyles keep you from manipulating your hair, retain moisture, and are easy to maintain. They are great for curly/kinky type 3b-4c hair.

Styles such as,

  • Twist outs
  • Braid outs
  • Flat outs are great styles for beginners.

Try these tips to women who prefer to wear their natural hair:

  1. Tea tree oil to moisturize as well as an antibacterial
  2. Cover your hair
  3. Wash your coverings daily
  4. Remember your hair needs fresh air and sunshine too

4. Short Hair Styles

it helps the professional to make contact with clients or simply do their job with ease without worrying about their hair.

A short cut requires less maintenance than longer hair. It is also easy to style if the individual has the right cut that frames the facial structure.

5. Hair Caps & Covers

Hair caps are also a trendy option for nurses with all hair types to cover and protect their hair quickly.

While we miss our trips to the salon or spa, protecting ourselves and the public is the most important, right now. Try some of these tips to protect your hair and skin and let us know how they worked.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. Healthy Supplies Shop is  not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of healthy supplies shop  and we do not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.