The pandemic has shifted our lives in lots of subtle ways. For example, you probably haven’t been putting on makeup as much as you used to simply because you haven’t been leaving the house or seeing people as much as you used to.
If you recently wore some for the first time in a while, there’s a good chance your skin might have broken out in blemishes, become irritated, or felt very oily afterward. There are a few potential causes. The most likely: Your skin’s adapted to a life largely without makeup.
With many opting to not to wear any makeup or only wear small amounts from day to day as they self-isolated over the last few months, the sudden return to makeup, especially heavier, oil-based products, is a big adjustment for the skin.
You know how overwhelmed you can feel after returning to work from a long vacation? Your skin can struggle in the same way if you suddenly step up your makeup routine.
It may not only be your makeup
There are some other factors at play, as well. It’s been an especially hot and humid summer here in the Northeast. Our skin acts as our armor from the environment, protecting us from changes in humidity, levels of light, and environmental pollutants.
Under normal circumstances, our skin’s able to gradually adapt to seasonal changes and you, in turn, can adjust your makeup routine accordingly. But this year, because we’ve been spending more time inside, where the temperature and humidity are stable, the hotter temperatures and greater humidity can feel especially intense.
In other words, returning to your makeup routine may not be the only culprit behind your breakouts.
Add a mask to the equation, and your skin’s reaction to makeup can be even more unpredictable. On their own, masks can cause breakouts and other skin conditions because they can change the oil and sweat production around the mouth and nose.
What you can do about it
Your pores are less likely to clog if you use a gentle cleanser. Add in salicylic pads to control breakouts.
If you’re prone to getting acne around your chin and mouth, try to avoid wearing makeup in that area. A mask is going to be covering that part of your face when you’re out in public, anyway.
If you’re going to apply foundation, stick to a powder formula, which is more lightweight than creams and liquids, at least until the temperatures start to cool. Then, gradually add more products to your routine, one or two a week as long your skin continues to react well.
If, however, you continue to experience skin issues, consult a board-certified dermatologist.
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