Now that masks are a part of our everyday necessities whenever we have to step out of the house, we must accept that pimples on the cheeks or "maskne" are a part of our new normal, too. The good news is that you can prevent it from ruining your complexion. Below, all the tips and tricks you can try to get rid of cheek breakouts for good:
GOODBYE, MASKNE:
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These Gentle Products Can Treat And Prevent 'Maskne'
What causes acne on the cheeks?
Breakouts on the cheeks can be caused by a lot of things: Your genetics, eating habits, lifestyle, or hormonal imbalance. Since we are required to wear masks whenever we step out of the house, its material and the humidity inside can also be a culprit in pimples showing up in that certain area.
What are the types of acne that can be seen on the cheeks?
The types of acne that can be seen on the cheeks include whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, and pustules. However, do remember that they may look alike, so the only way to truly verify it is to have it checked by a board-certified dermatologist.
READ: The Different Types Of Acne, Plus Everything You Can Do To Treat Them
What are the things we can do to treat acne on the cheeks?
Breakouts on the cheeks are one of the most annoying kinds of acne as they are just so *visible*. Here are the easiest ways to get rid of them:
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Introduce a chemical exfoliant in your routine.
Physical exfoliants like scrubs and silicone brushes for the face are so 2019—we're all about chemical formulas now! They are less harsh and more effective at sloughing off the dead skin cells to show off a clearer and smoother complexion sans the irritation.
If it's your first time using a chemical exfoliant, make sure to pick one that has a lower concentration to prevent irritation. Once you're sure your skin can handle it, you can increase the percentage and frequency of use.
Pixi Glow Tonic, P1,950, Watsons
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Calm down inflammation with ice cubes.
If your pimples are red and hurt to touch, gently rub an ice-filled clean handkerchief all over the affected areas to reduce the inflammation. If you decide to keep this in your routine, make sure to use a clean cloth every time to prevent bacteria from spreading and causing more breakouts.
CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓watch now -
Stick a pimple patch on the affected areas.
Resist the urge to pop your cheek zits by covering the inflamed areas with pimple patches. Not only will they "hide" the redness, but they will also act as a magnet to suck out the pus and grime and reduce the size of the bump. You'll be amazed at how flat they become the next day!
COSRx Acne Pimple Master Patch (24 patches), P200, BeautyMNL
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Put a spot treatment every night.
To assist your skin in its recovery, apply a spot treatment on your ~active~ pimples every night to speed up the healing process.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Belo AcnePro Pimple Gel, P192, Watsons
Acne on the cheeks: Important reminders
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Change your pillowcase regularly.
As the day goes by, your skin collects sweat, dirt, and sebum. When you don't wash your face before going to bed, all that grime gets transferred to your pillow and back to your face. The constant rubbing against the material can also cause breakouts and inflammation. To prevent future zits, keep in mind to change your pillowcase weekly. You may also opt to switch to silk or satin ones to reduce friction. (Your hair will thank you, too—we promise!)
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Clean your phone.
Did you know that your phone is the ultimate breeding ground for bacteria? Because it's placed on different surfaces throughout the day, it collects a ton of germs, which may transfer to your face whenever you make a call. To avoid this, clean your phone using an anti-bacterial wipe or with tissue and alcohol.
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Avoid touching your face as much as possible.
We know, we know. Trying *not* to touch your face is hard. But do remember that our hands touch many things and surfaces as we go about our day. If it truly cannot be avoided, keep your hands clean before resting them on your skin.
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Switch out your headphones for in-ear buds.
Cranking up the music and singing the lyrics to your favorite song may be therapeutic, but if you notice pimples popping up on your cheeks, the culprit may be your headphones. Anything pressed against your skin for extended periods of time can cause a buildup of sweat, dirt, and oil, which results in—you guessed it—acne.
To prevent this, you might want to look into using in-ear buds instead to prevent any more unnecessary friction. If you don't want to spend more money, remind yourself to wipe down the pads of your headphones before and after using them to keep them in tip-top condition.
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Prep your skin before wearing a mask.
There's no doubt that wearing face masks for extended periods of time can wreak havoc on your cheeks and all the areas it covers. To avoid maskne, make sure to prep your skin before placing it on. If you don't know where to start, check out this video!
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