UNAIR NEWS – During the Covid-19 pandemic, skin problems such as dull and acneic skin often appear. Staying at home should not stop us from taking care of our skin.
As conveyed by dr. Medhi Denisa Alinda, Sp.KK, Dermatologist and Venereologist of Universitas Airlangga Hospital (RSUA), it is important to maintain healthy skin at home because staying at home does not make a person free from skin problems.
“Taking care for our skin during the pandemic is very important to do. In fact, many people have skin problems even though they rarely leave the house,” she said.
dr. Medhi Denisa Alinda, Sp.KK, Lecturer of Dermatology and Venereology of Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga (FK UNAIR). (Photo: By courtesy.)
Recognizing our skin type
Dr. Medhi said that recognizing skin type is something that should be done before buying skincare. There are five types of skin: normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. By looking at the product’s composition, consumers can find out whether the product is suitable for their skin type.
“It’s better to be examined by a dermatologist so you know which skincare products are suitable for your skin type,” said dr. Medhi, also a lecturer of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga (FK UNAIR).
Using safe skincare
According to dr. Medhi, whether the product is safe to use can be identified from the BPOM number on the packaging label. To avoid counterfeiting BPOM numbers, you can look at the official BPOM website to make sure the product has been registered in BPOM. Furthermore, dr. Medhi recommended avoiding products that offer instant results because good skincare takes a long time to beautify the skin naturally.
“The most appropriate thing is to go to a dermatologist for the proper treatment. Also, do not choose skincare that is not legit or fake,” she said.
Changing our masks periodically
To avoid skin breakouts due to use of masks, make sure not to use the same mask repeatedly, but change the mask when it feels damp. Dr. Medhi also advised us to always clean our face with facial soap after wearing a mask all day outside the house.
“When doing activities outside the house, provide three additional masks for backup. If you have cloth masks, don’t forget to always wash them,” she said.
Using sunscreen
The suggestion of sunbathing in the pandemic is not new to the public. A good time for sunbathing is 9-10 am because UV rays have not spread optimally. Then, continued dr. Medhi, areas exposed to the sunlight should be only the body, hands, and feet. On the face, sunscreen should be applied to avoid sunburn.
“Sunbathing is very good for increasing body resistance because it can produce vitamin D, but the face is a sensitive area, so you must get protection by using sunscreen,” advised the doctor from Surabaya.
Healthy lifestyles
At the end, dr. Medhi recommended eating healthy and nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables so that the skin looks healthier and younger. In addition, she also recommended getting enough sleep for eight hours per day because lack of sleep can result in duller skin and eye bags.
“Healthy lifestyles such as eating nutritious food and getting enough rest are also good for skin health, so don’t just use creams,” she concluded.
Author: Adelya Salsabila Putri
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia (YA/AP)
