We hate to break it to you, but stress does cause pimples. When we constantly worry about things (career, personal life, or in this case, a pandemic), our bodies produce the hormone cortisol which increases sebum production. Excess oil leads to—you know it—breakouts!
The obvious way to get rid of stress-induced breakouts is to, well, reduce stress. But if that seems impossible to do right now, here are things you can try:
-
Drink more water.
Okay, this may be TMI, but when you're stressed, your bowel movements are most likely affected. If you're constipated, your system can't release toxins that may manifest on your skin. Drink more water to hydrate your body from within and help flush out the toxins via poop (and sweat).
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
Wash with a gentle cleanser.
Opt for a facial wash with a low pH and a gentle formula. This will help strengthen the skin barrier, which will then lead to fewer breakouts.
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, P540, Lazada
-
Use an exfoliating toner.
Exfoliation is the KEY to clearer skin. This step dislodges stuck layers of dead skin cells and oil beneath the pores. ICYDK, clogged skin is one of the main culprits of zits. Look for a toner with any of these ingredients in the label: BHA. AHA, PHA, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid.
CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓watch now
SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner 150ml, P990, Lazada
-
Dab a potent spot treatment.
Target nasty zits with a spot treatment that's loaded with tried and tested blemish-fighting ingredients. Go for one with any of the following: benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, salicylic acid, and Centella Asiatica (if you have sensitive skin). Don't know what to get? Check out these Pinays' holy grail zit zappers.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓
Pyunkang Yul Acne Spot Cream, P650, BeautyMNL
-
Sleep more.
Please, for the love of your skin, stop scrolling on your phone until 3 a.m. Or, schedule a K-drama binge-watch on weekends so you can sleep in. When you lack snooze time, breakout-trigger cortisol comes in AGAIN. Clock in some zzz's!
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
Add a retinol product to your routine (optional)
(Ed's note: Okay, just a warning: If you're already using an exfoliating product, you may skip this step. Anything with BHA, AHA, and PHA, when combined with retinol, will ~over-exfoliate~ your skin. It will result in more breakouts and irritation.)
You may want to explore the world of retinol. This mighty ingredient can exfoliate, help heal acne, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Since this is potent, you may experience stinging the first time you try it. We highly suggest that you slowly ease your skin's tolerance to it by applying it every three days, then two, until your complexion is used to it. Also, you must apply SPF (even when indoors, because windows do let the sunlight in!) because retinol causes skin photosensitivity.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane, P850, independent online resellers
Follow Ira on Instagram.
Follow Cosmo PH Beauty on Instagram.
***
We are officially on Viber! Be part of the Cosmo Viber Community by clicking here! You can also visit the Sticker Market and download the “Cosmo Girl Sticker Set” here to be automatically part of the group. The stickers will only be available until April 27, so don’t miss out on the fun!