The realities of this prolonged pandemic is hitting all of us, hard.
Coming back to school and going to public events again means one of our realities is wearing a mask for a few hours. This isn’t anything too hard for most of us and something we don’t mind, if it means getting our “normal” back. But after a few weeks of this mask wearing everyday, a major problem I am running into is maintaining healthy skin and fighting off mascne.
I want of offer some advice on how I have learned to keep my acne under control and introduce some college-friendly products that are going to be easy to integrate into your skin routine!
- First things first, acne is normal + nothing to be ashamed of!
Healthy skin also looks like acne scars, breakouts, and dark spots. Just because you may have some of these things doesn’t mean you don’t take care of yourself or care about your skin! These products are here to help stop further breakouts and free your skin of bacteria and pollution. Normalize normal skin!
2. Masnce is NOT normal acne.
Over the summer I visited an esthetician and he informed me of the difference in acne he is seeing with his clients since the pandemic has started. It is deep, cystic acne that is often painful and under the skin. They usually come in groups around the chin and mouth and is a direct result from having sebum build-up that is trapped under the mask and skin. This information was so important to my fight against mascne because that means I need different products for the different acne I am experiencing. I had to completely change the way I looked at my products.
3. Must – Have Cleansers
I switched to a more “dramatic” cleanser, and by that I mean I usually didn’t need salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for my usual acne. These products saved my skin.
- CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser – 0.5% salicylic acid, Ceramides, and Niacinamide.
- La Roche – Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash
- Trader Joes Microdermabrasion Scrub Exfoliating Cream
4. Must – Have Toners/Serum
Toners are gonna be your best-friend. Tighten pores and minimize the impurities! Caring a toner around in my tote or backpack allows me to tone my face in the middle of the day and help me feel like Im keeping my face clean. Serums has become the new star of the show in my face routine. It makes my skin feel renewed after all that cleaning and gives my skin that drink of water it NEEDS.
- Cactus Water Cleansing Lactic Acid Toner by Freck Beauty – This was recommended by a co worker! Said it was her “go-to product” for fighting off breakouts.
- Paula’s Choice – Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Toner/Exfoliant
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + zinc %1
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum
Disclaimer: Research your serums. Some are only AM/PM and some do not mix well together. Be conscious of what your putting on your skin!
5. Must – Have Face Masks
Every once in awhile, treat yourself a 5-minute self care treatment with a face mask. This doesn’t need to happen daily however, once or twice a week give your skin some soothing moments of hydration and peace.
- For my drier skin friends and because its getting into the colder months….. Glossier Hydrating Face Mask: Moon Mask – Hyaluronic acid + aloe.
- For my oily skin friends …… La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Clay Face Mask – Removes all that oil but still has hydrating ingredients like Glycerin.
Aside from products, all of these things won’t be able to work their magic without some basic rules…
- Wash your masks! Every day you should be wearing a clean/fresh mask. Invest in one for every day of the weak
- If you go to the gym, try use disposable mask for a “one and done” type experience. Eco-friendly friends will suggest having designated gym masks that are cleaned daily.
- Don’t pick at these breakouts! These are deep and under the skin so, picking at them will only inflame and allow more space for bacteria. Nothing satisfying will “pop out”, I promise.
- Stay consistent, care for yourself, and make your skin a priority even if its hidden under a mask!