What does your skin look like after a year of Covid? All of us acquired a new appendage overnight and didn’t quite know what to do with it. The mask went from a surgical necessity to an everyday accessory for the world.

What did that do to your skin?

So many of you developed mask acne. The moisture from your breath behind the mask created a breathing ground for bacteria. If you wore glasses they fogged up. Some of you couldn’t breathe when wearing them.

For some of you, Your skin has probably been through hell in a gasoline jacket. For others of you, you’ve probably seen some of the best skin since you were a child.

Why so?

Depending on the fabric your mask were made of, you became challenged with breakouts. These were allergic reactions to the fibers, whether it was paper or fabric. With fabric there were also the irritations from the detergent you washed your mask with.

How do I know? I experienced a little bit of everything, from breakouts, to increased facial hair growth. The hair growth had a lot to do with hormonal changes, but they seemed to replicate themselves on a daily basis.

How Did You Care For Your Skin During Covid?

With salons being closed, I had to go back to basics and wax my own chin. That became funny. However, my skin care regimen became one of focused attention. Yes, I practice what I preach. I cleansed, toned and moisturized daily.

Yet I felt as if my skin needed more. Those mask made me feel as if I were walking with a bacteria catcher every time I put one on. I changed mask every time I left my house. That was basically to food shop.

Every time I entered the grocery store, it never felt clean. They were always washing down the floors, wiping handles, sterilizing carts and passing out free mask if you happened to jump out of your car without one.

Still, there was something about the air. Did you experience this?

Many of you have shared that your regimen changed as well. I know from your orders. You did more exfoliation treatments. You also nurtured and nourished your skin with serums. You were very attentive to cleansing your skin morning and night.

It has worked well for your skin and its appearance.

What Else Changed During Covid to Make Your Skin Look Better?

While some of you picked up Covid weight, many of you decided to get very serious about what you ate. This had a tremendous affect on your skin. You also drank more water.

Just as important, you began to let go of things that no longer served you or meant you well. This meant getting rid of humans as well as things you’d accumulated and never used.

When you hold on to toxic people they create a tremendous amount of stress in your life. When you realize you can live, very well, without them, you begin to feel lighter and less stressed.

It might be easier to let go of things, than a family member or friend. However, once you let go, you realize that you’re carrying less anxiety around and less responsibilities.

Whether you realize it or not, you skin is carrying the stress. Oftentimes, the dull, gray ashy skin is the result of your internal self reacting to outward stress. Your skin is the first to alert you that something is wrong.

What Have You Learned About Yourself and Your Skin This Past Year?

No matter what we all went through, we’re survivors. What ever the reflection in the mirror is, accept it as a new beginning. Don’t like what you see, you can do something about it. In love with what you see, keep doing what you’re doing.

I’d love to hear from you. Share your experiences of the past year we’ll all benefit.

That’s it for this week. As always …

Dedicated to Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel
Esthetician/Author/Publisher

Nyraju Skin Care