In the interest of self-preservation, by now, most consumers have washed, sanitized and stripped their skin to squeaky clean to ensure they are protected against COVID-19. These, of course, are crucial life-saving moves but they carry with them longer-term implications for skin once the immediate threat is removed.

In a recent interview, renowned dermatologist Howard Maibach (HM), M.D., considered the cumulative irritation this can cause and a means to restore the skin’s integrity in what will, no doubt, shape a future market trend. Following is an adapted excerpt.

C&T: What are the implications of repeated and continuous cleansing and sanitizing skin?

HM: The COVID-19 organism has a fatty outside layer and a lipid layer, and soaps and detergents work against it. How well they work specifically for skin remains to be determined but it makes sense, in the meanwhile and until more data is available, to continue washing.

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Published via Cosmetics & Toiletries, June 1st 2020