Acne, also called maskne, is one of the problems men and women face at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Face masks are always required wherever you go as a form of protection, but why did we have acne breakouts all of a sudden? Wearing face masks inflicts heat and friction to our skin. With added moisture from your natural oils, breathing, sweating, and simply talking, acne’s most refined recipe is in the works.
Keep in mind that this breakout is not limited to the explanation above. It can also be because of the materials used in your face mask and other skin conditions. Nonetheless, it gets annoying over time because it is not limited to small, subtle zits, as these breakouts can range from not-so-serious to severe cases. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and reduce your chances of getting acne during this difficult time.
If you already have your skincare regimen, you may be familiar with Korean skin care. It is one of the most hyped skincare trends that blew the internet world off of its feet. It may be famous for its 10 to 12 steps, but that is not what we are here for today. You will see a list of tips with Korean products you can use to combat maskne effectively as early as possible.
1. Good Hygiene Always Comes First.
It is not true that dirt causes pimples, but it can make your skin look dull and older. Cleansing effectively can help remove excess sebum and dead skin that are clogging your pores, which can prevent acne development. Using a gentle cleanser every day like COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser is vital to keep your skin’s moisture and oil balance healthy. Especially for acne-prone skin, the gentler cleanser is always better.
2. Wash your masks. (if applicable)
If you use a cloth mask, wash it after every use as dead skins, sweat, and oil stick to your masks. Avoid using used cloth masks even if they look or smell clean. Dirty masks can be an excellent breeding ground for bacteria that can develop and worsen your acne. If your skin gets irritated with a specific type of mask, consider changing it.
When you already have pimples around the chin and mouth area, consider using effective pimple patches like COSRX’s Acne Pimple Master Patch. It can protect your spots from worsening and encourage rapid healing.
3. Daily Moisturizing Can Significantly Improve Your Skin.
Yes, moisturizing is essential but do not use just any moisturizer you can find in your house. Various moisturizers can clog your pores, and it is the last thing we need in preventing acne breakouts. Every skin reacts to skin care products differently, so always be wary of what you put in your face.
COSRX’s Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream is an excellent moisturizer you can start with if you are looking for a soothing moisturizer that can strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier. It comes in a hypoallergenic formula that prevents unwanted reactions to the skin. It gets better as it is a certified cruelty-free product.
4. Avoid Heavy Makeup.
Wearing heavy makeup under the mask is somehow pointless since no one can see your face behind the mask. Removing your face mask in public is very unlikely as it will make you vulnerable to the virus, so avoid full face makeup for now. Instead, you may focus on your eye makeup as it is the only visible part when your mask is on.
5. Refrain from Using Harsh Products.
Your skin will be more irritated and sensitive if you use masks daily. Steer away from other harsh skincare products that can add to this irritation. It would be best to avoid exfoliating at this time because your skin becomes even more sensitive after exfoliation. However, if you badly need to exfoliate, use a gentle exfoliant like BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. With this, you can reduce skin irritation.
Final Thoughts
Handling acne can be challenging if you do not have the right products to use. Especially to people with acne-prone skin, the pandemic made everything worse for them. Follow these simple tips and let us know if they helped you! If you do not notice any changes, it would be best to seek professional help from a dermatologist.