NO MASKNE, PLEASE

Wow, what a cool word invention during this crazy time. Mask + Acne = Maskne. OK, so what can we do about it?

Fortunately, I don’t have this problem myself. I only went out four times since March 2020, just to have meetings for an hour or so. Other than that, I did all my things online. Shop online, groceries online and food delivery online. And I only spent like an hour wearing a mask, so yeah…I don’t have maskne, but I do have regular acne showing up during this pandemic.

But I can imagine those who have to wear mask all day, especially where I live here in Jakarta, Indonesia. The sun is blasting, it’s super hot and humid out there. Mask is not just suffocating us in terms of breathing, but also our skin. It’s like sweat + oil + bacteria trapped for hours on that mask-covered area.

Though I know we can’t get away with it (until God knows when), here are some skincare tips for maskne:

  • Change your mask whenever it gets moist. Personally, I prefer disposable mask, because cloth ones need to be laundered using hot water to keep it effective (and I don’t have the luxury of washing machine with hot water, so nevermind). So far, I use this KF94 mask that I bought online (not cheap because it’s imported from Korea), but it’s the most fitted and comfortable for me.
  • Use gentler skincare options. Use gentler cleanser, hydrating (instead of exfoliating) toner and avoid using harsh exfoliants (avoid scrubs, please).
  • Choose more soothing/calming ingredients and avoid actives if possible. Hyaluronic Acid is my best bet, but some people might love Aloe. Opt for LHA instead of AHA and BHA, it’s a popular alternative with less risk of skin irritation.
  • Texture-wise, opt for gel than lotion or cream.
  • Wait for all of your skincare to absorb first before putting on the mask. Do not rush, make sure they dry completely before you cover your skin with mask.
  • Let your skin breathe while it can at home. Avoid using sheet mask that might irritate them more.
  • Bid adieu to your favorite foundation. Why bother adding another layer that will suffocate your skin further? Opt for concealer to cover any spots, or use tinted moisturizer instead.

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

REVIEW: ROLLOVER REACTION CUSHION COMPACT SPF 27 TINTED MOISTURIZER

Thanks Rollover Reaction team for sending me this PR Kit before they even launch this on March 25, 2019.

So, is it a cushion? Or is it a tinted moisturizer? Or both?

Use the puff to apply
My given shade is the lightest (perfect shade) Custard Tart

You see, cushion is ‘the house’ for the liquid inside (it is a packaging format). Most brands filled it with liquid foundation. But being Rollover Reaction, they filled it with tinted moisturizer. To tell you the truth, I was being skeptical at first, because I thought this is going to be one sheer base like most tinted moisturizer out there. Boy, I was wrong!

I only use one layer! No concealer, no filter!

This didn’t just cover well, but (I guess because one of the ingredient is caffeine) it perked up my complexion. And since this is also formulated with sunscreen SPF27, you can carry this for touch-ups during the day. Reapply over makeup and voila! You can get sun protection all day too.

Comes in 3 adaptable shades. Names inspired by Asian desserts.

But, talking about the ingredients, I’ve noticed Stearic Acid on the list down below. According to SkinCarisma.com, it is a fungal-acne trigger. So better watch out if you are prone to fungal-acne.

You’ll enjoy this if:

  • You are not feeling like going heavy on foundation
  • You love natural-looking cushion (not dewy nor matte)
  • You like versatile products that can go with you anywhere (thanks to its’ cute packaging)
  • You expect medium to high coverage tinted moisturizer in a compact
  • You want your skin to look ‘real’ not made up

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA