The New CB: Constant Breakouts and How to Eliminate Them

Despite Circuit Breaker (CB) being long over, there’s another CB looming over all of us – Constant Breakouts. With everything happening now in the world, the last thing we need would be to experience unexpected breakouts without full comprehension of why they occur. But that’s why Porcelain Skin are here, to guide you through these unprecedented times to clearer, radiant skin! 

Why Am I Breaking Out While I’m Home? 

You would think that staying home would mean fewer breakouts, right?  

Typically, you would be right! Staying home means that your skin is exposed to fewer environmental aggressors. Plus, it also meant minimal make up would be worn. This meant that skin would be less clogged and irritated. 

However, staying home meant a change in the environment your skin is typically exposed to – disrupting its bacterial environment and pH balance. Along with sleep schedule and dietary changes (more fried, sugary and indulgent foods), these factors combine to create disruptions to your skin’s health and thus, increase the breakouts you experience. 

Why Am I Breaking Out While Wearing A Mask? 

Wearing a mask has now become the new normal, albeit a necessary but uncomfortable one. While it is paramount to the safety of yourself and those around you, wearing a mask does come with a downside – Maskne.  

An abbreviation of mask acne, Maskne is acne caused by the heat, humidity and bacteria encapsulated within the mask. Heat causes water loss in the skin, resulting in dehydration. Additionally, heat triggers the skin to produce more oil and sweat, which leads to more clogged pores, greater breakouts and sensitivity.

All these factors cause disruptions to your skin’s pH balance (which ultimately determines the strength of your skin’s natural barrier against bacterial infections and other aggressors).  

A weaker skin barrier then facilitates: 

• An imbalance in the bacterial environment of your skin, allowing the trapped bacteria in the mask to increase inflammation, sensitivity and breakouts 
• Greater ease of triggering rosacea, eczema & psoriasis 
• Chapped lips or cracked corners of the mouth 

Furthermore, the friction between the mask and your skin also contributes to breakouts. Friction leads to damage to the outer protective layer of the skin, making it more sensitive and prone to infections and breakouts. 

What Can I Do to Ride Through This New CB? 

While constant breakouts are irritating and demoralising, they are not a permanent fixture on your facial landscape if the right steps are taken. Let’s cut to the chase – here are the paramount steps to help manage your skin through this new CB: 

1. Free Your Skin of Nasties 

As we mentioned earlier, your mask is a trap for humidity, heat & bacteria. In order to free your skin of the nasties that bog it down daily, incorporate double cleansing in your nightly routine. The first cleanse (typically done with an Oil or Make Up Cleanser) helps to clear the skin’s surface of impurities & dirt. The second cleanse (done with a deep pore cleanser) focuses on clearing the pores of bacteria & oils. The act of double cleansing every night helps to restore your skin’s pH and rebalance its bacterial environment, minimising the possibility of breakouts due to oils & bacteria. With so many facial treatment in Singapore, it’s not difficult to find a professional services around. 

2. Incorporate Skincare with Anti-Bacterial & Anti-Inflammatory Benefits 

Cleansing may be the first step to controlling the presence of bad bacteria, but it should not be the last. Search for Toners, Essences and Mositurisers that are rich in ingredients that inhibit the proliferation of bad bacteria and can soothe your skin after a long day of irritation. Here are some common skincare ingredients that are perfect for the job: 

• Witch Hazel – contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, promotes healing of skin by tightening up the skin proteins & thus, creating a protective layer 
• Tea Tree Leaf Oil – in small doses, it has great anti-bacterial & antiseptic properties 
• Cucumber Extract – widely loved for its reparative & anti-inflammatory properties 

3. Rehydrate & Strengthen Your Skin’s Barrier 

One of the main factors that contribute to a weaker skin barrier is the dehydration of your skin. While the simplest way to combat this would be to increase your daily water intake, it is insufficient. Treat your skin to water-based moisturisers to ensure maximum hydration. Products that are rich in Sodium Hyaluronate (to hydrate your skin from deep within) and Ceramides (to strengthen your skin’s natural barrier) also help in the fight against constant breakouts. 

4. Protect Your Skin Against Bacteria Build-Up  

While all the above-mentioned steps are effective in managing your skin through the worst that constant breakouts have to offer, they do not actively protect, treat or soothe the skin throughout the day. This inability inspired us to craft a solution that combines our skincare expertise with high performing medical grade ingredients to keep viral, bacteria and breakouts threats at bay. 

A plant-based, alcohol-free sanitizer, the Skin Protecting Sanitizer formulated with a combination of natural and medical grade ingredients like Eucalyptus Oil, Tea Tree Oil and 200 ppm Hypochlorous Acid Water (HOCL). Designed to combat threats without stripping the skin of its natural moisture, the Skin Protecting Sanitizer is suitable for children, sensitive skin. Its compact form made it an easy-to-use everyday essential. 

We hope these little tips help you to manage your constant breakouts better and emerge with clearer skin!