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The world is settling at home (or ought to be) to aid in slowing the spread of COVID-19—and our preferred dermatologists are no exception. While some are striving diligently to adhere to their normal regimens as closely as feasible, others are utilizing this found time to implement new stress-alleviation and skincare techniques.
Although our residences, our family circumstances, and the manners in which we care for ourselves and our loved ones vary significantly, one thing is definite: as our self-quarantines persist, our mental stability can start to decline. “Home isolation is enjoyable for approximately one day, then it becomes more exhausting than it should,” states board-certified New York City dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur.
We reached out to a number of dermatologists from across the nation to discover how they are practicing social distancing and self-care during this unparalleled time.
On maintaining a routine
“I am endeavoring to continue doing as much as I can to keep everything ‘normal’ and incorporate a few new practices to reduce stress,” remarks Dr. Nancy Samolitis, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles.
One of the most effective methods to retain a sense of normality or at least create a temporary new normal, as per this specific group of dermatologists, is to adhere to a certain routine. In reality, every expert we conversed with mentioned this common advice: maintain a routine. Why is adhering to a schedule, even if it's modified from the standard, so crucial?
“When routines are disrupted, people become disoriented—and it makes challenges much more difficult to endure,” explains Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “It's essential to adhere to your normal routines as closely as possible, such as the time you wake up and prepare for the day [and] the times of your meals as well as your regular downtime.”
Having a routine makes us feel more in control personally, even when everything around us in the world is chaotic.
“To create distance and provide the kids with more space,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner left New York City, before the lockdown, with his wife and two young children—and promptly witnessed the drawback of not following a daily routine. “After the initial few days, we realized that we were sitting in front of the TV and snacking throughout the day, which is not beneficial for your mind or your body,” Dr. Zeichner states. Now “we have established a schedule for the kids and for us—we attempt to create a normal day, which encompasses scheduled meals, exercise, work time, and play.”
Dr. Holly Hanson, a board-certified dermatologist in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, shares a comparable sentiment regarding her days spent at home with her family. “We are practicing self-care by striving to maintain a new normal routine,” she says. “We are allocating time to exercise, obtain fresh air, take long baths, and enjoy time together as a family.”
On practicing self-care
When it comes to self-care, undoubtedly one of its numerous significant aspects is sleep—and now seems to be an ideal occasion to accumulate some additional sleep. “We are obtaining more sleep than usual,” states Dr. Patricia Wexler, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “We slept eight hours last night, which is completely uncommon for us.”
Other forms of self-care that socially-distanced doctors are implementing include the common ones. “We are using this time to truly catch up on relaxation and meditation as well as any reading we have been desiring to undertake,” says Dr. Harold Lancer, a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills. “Mindset is highly important during times like this, [so] I practice deep breathing to calm my mind.”
Exercise was also at the top of the list for all seven dermatologists we spoke to. “I ensure that I continue my exercise routine as much as I can,” Dr. Frank says. While he is a devoted Peloton user, “if you don't have access to equipment, stretching, dancing, [or performing] any kind of movement is beneficial,” he notes. A few derms are using apps or YouTube to stream online workout classes from the comfort of their own living rooms.
“As all gyms are closed, we are taking this time to exercise at home and walk around our block while practicing social distancing,” Dr. Lancer says. “It's important to be conscious of the environment and not come into unnecessary contact with people.”
Some derms are cultivating new hobbies or enhancing old ones. “I reckon I'm going to go to YouTube and learn how to cook,” Dr. Wexler says. “Cooking is an extremely good way to relax, because you don't have the time to think about anything else when you're measuring, timing, and tasting things.”
If it suits you, “this is also a time of creativity,” Dr. Frank says. “Journaling can be an excellent stress reliever and can lead to new ideas.”
Some days, of course, self-care achievements may feel smaller—but realize that they are still achievements nonetheless. “Honestly, I took the time to floss more effectively today,” Dr. Marmur says, emphasizing that even minor self-care improvements matter at present.
Overall though, “well-being during isolation assumes many forms,” Dr. Marmur adds. Utilize this time to determine what works for you—which may very well not be what works for the influencers on your social media feeds who seemingly are using this quarantine time to reorganize their entire homes, learn new instruments, and write the next great American novel.
On skincare…
“It's challenging to consider skincare when there are thousands of ill people, but it's acceptable to take care of yourself, even in times like these,” Dr. Zeichner says. While Drs. Zeichner, Samolitis, and Wexler are maintaining their usual skincare routines, Dr. Lancer says that “having additional time is enabling [him] to incorporate supplementary products, such as masks, peels, and various treatments.”
Pull out the jade roller that has been lying, unused, in your nightstand for a long time and gradually relieve the tension from your jaw. Unbox the facial-toning device you received for Christmas and discover what it offers. Apply an extra mask or try the overnight peel you've been intending to explore. But follow product instructions carefully—and please don't go overboard: “During a time like this, when certain resources are restricted, I wouldn't recommend trying numerous new products, as it can cause potential irritation or reaction,” Dr. Wexler says. Chances are, your dermatologist has temporarily closed their practice by now and is available only for genuine skin emergencies.
On staying connected
“Although it is a frightening time in the world, it's a wonderful time to reconnect with family and friends over the phone or [through] FaceTime,” Dr. Hanson says.
“Pick up the phone!” Dr. Frank urges. “We've become so accustomed to distancing ourselves via electronics—now is the time to genuinely connect with people by actually speaking to them.”
The bottom line, from socially-distancing dermatologists
“This is going to be a lengthy process, and we need to adopt a marathon mindset,” Dr. Marmur advises. “Take one firm step at a time and stay healthy.”
Though no one can predict the future course of this coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Lancer reminds us that this too will pass—and when it does, “you'll desire to look and feel as good as you can,” he says. “It'll be a fresh, new beginning—and you'll want your body to feel the same way.”
