Page 79 - Retail Pharmacy Assistants - October 2020

M any people have updated their skin care routine through the Covid-19 pandemic as isolation and restrictions have opened up a lot of spare time. While it’s great that shoppers are doing their research and putting time into buying personalised products for their face, an important question arises. For those still under tight Covid-19 restrictions, is staying inside the home damaging the skin? We all know that too much sun exposure is dangerous and that precautions need to be taken. However, what about the other side of this concern? If we don’t get any sun exposure, what is that doing to our skin and how can we fix it during such a tough time? Retail Pharmacy Assistants magazine spoke with Dermatologist Dr Li-Chuen Wong, co-founder of Sydney Skin, about the possible dangers to the skin while isolating at home. “Staying indoors for extended periods can have a negative impact on our skin,” Dr Wong said. “This is because we’re exercising less, eating less healthily and are more stressed. All these factors will compromise our skin appearance, with more acne outbreaks seen, as well as drier, duller and more irritated skin developing.” Fresh is best For those living in Victoria (and perhaps a possible future for the rest of the nation), outside time is now limited. While too much vitamin D may be dangerous, in times like these it’s important to remember that a sound mind and body is a necessity. Dr Wong advised: “Vitamin D is essential for a healthy immune system, and it’s important in preventing certain conditions, such as dementia and heart disease. It also reduces inflammation within the body. “Skin exposure to the sun is essential for the formation of vitamin D.” Michael F Holick, author of the e-book, Sunlight, Vitamin D and Skin Cancer, writes in the chapter addressing ‘How much sunlight do we need?’ that “vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin for good reason”. Aligning with Dr Wong’s recommendations, the chapter says that during exposure to sunlight, the “ultraviolet B photons enter the skin and photolyse 7-dehydrocholesterol to a pre-vitamin, which in turn is isomerised by the body’s temperature to vitamin D3”.1 This explains the importance of skin needing exposure to sunlight. Dr Wong says, however, that for the sun to work its magic, a long time spent exposed is unnecessary. “Only five to 10 minutes of sun exposure, two to three times a week, is necessary to achieve beneficial levels of vitamin D,” she said. Touching on the topic of fresh air and being outside, Dr Wong said: “\\\[It\\\] allows skin pores to open, therefore reducing the number of acne outbreaks. It also enhances skin circulation and decreases skin puffiness.” A skin care routine fit for inside Dr Wong says it’s essential to maintain the regular skin care routine “of cleansing and moisturising your face twice a day”. “Also, it’s crucial to continue to remove make-up regularly,” she added. “However, if you need to stay inside for long periods, your skin may be drier and more sensitive. Therefore, it’s best to avoid the use of harsh face masks or chemical peels that might be too irritating.” SKIN FIX 77 As a pharmacy assistant, you may be aware of the rise in popularity of face mask treatments and do-it-yourself skin creams. If a customer presents drier, more sensitive skin, this could prompt the questions ‘are you staying inside?’ and ‘are you using face masks or chemical peels?’ You should ensure that hydrating, sensitive-skin- friendly products are offered. Dr Wong’s top tips for maintaining healthy skin, even in lockdown: • Choose a soap-free, scent- free body and hand wash, and moisturiser. • Steer away from harsh face masks and treatments that might irritate already sensitive skin. • Try to exercise daily at home for 45 minutes to one hour, to increase blood circulation. • Eat healthily and consume alcohol in moderation. • Get enough sleep. Reference: 1. Holick MF. (2008) ‘Sunlight, UV-Radiation, Vitamin D and Skin Cancer: How Much Sunlight Do We Need? Sunlight, Vitamin D and Skin Cancer. Accessed 7/9/20. doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-77574-6_1 “Skin exposure to the sun is essential for the formation of vitamin D.” RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • OCT 2020