While 2020 may have felt like the longest year, unfortunately, there is one aspect of the pandemic that may have been accelerated aging skin.

According to board-certified dermatologist Rajani Katta, MD, FAAD, clinical assistant professor at the Baylor College of Medicine, a combination of factors brought on by the pandemic are contributing to growing complaints of accelerated skin aging.

Some of this has to do with perception and what I call Zoom face. Between the poor lighting, harsh shadows and strange angles in which were seeing ourselves on camera, its the equivalent of looking at our face for hours in an unflattering mirror, said Dr. Katta. In addition to more video calls, the pandemic has ushered in many sleepless nights and increased stress levels, which we know can contribute to premature skin aging.

Dr. Katta is also seeing more patients who are experimenting with at-home treatments like peels and masks that can cause redness, irritation and flaking skin, which can make your skin appear older. Some patients who are experiencing skin irritation from wearing a face mask have had to stop using effective anti-aging products altogether during the pandemic. Finally, lifestyle changes that include less exercise and more unhealthy eating have contributed to accelerated skin aging.

Dr. Katta is available to discuss additional insights on how the pandemic is impacting peoples skin and offers these tips to her patients.

Five tips for combating aging skin during the pandemic:

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Board-Certified Dermatologist and Baylor Professor: Has the Pandemic Accelerated Aging Skin? - Newswise