What's up with pandemic pimple breakouts and how to cure them?

Pimple breakouts during quarantine is one common skincare dilemma people have been facing throughout the pandemic.

Apart from wearing of face masks, which causes skin irritation and the eventual acne — and practically zero facial maintenance and support because derma clinics are closed — dermatologist Jean Marquez said stress and lack of sleep are additional factors to the pimple problem of the pandemic. 

In an episode of Pinoy MD, Marquez said acne breakouts occur when there is inflammation on the hair follicles and oil glands of the skin.

"Nagkakaroon ng dead skin, oil and bacteria inside the pores, plus of course, the inflammation inside," Dr. Jean explained.

"Ang nangyayari kasi pag tayo ay nagwe-wear ng mask doon sa covered areas ng mask, doon actually nakukulob o naiipon or nata-trap ang sweat, oil and of course, dust," Dr. Jean continued.

"Pwede mag-grow ang bacteria and also pwede rin ito mag-clog sa pores which can actually cause acne breakouts," she added.

Marquez recommended to put medicines on the area before putting on a mask.

"After, mag-wash ka ng mild soap. Papahid mo yung gamot. It’s also good to put moisturizer na oil-free. Good for acne-prone skin," she said.

Dr. Jean said using mild facial wash and putting moisturizer fit for your skin type can also help curing breakouts.

Aside from curing the acne, Dr. jean said enough sleep, eating right, and soaking under the sun for 10-15 minutes for Vitamin D are also important.

However, Dr. Jean said it's also important to consult your trusted dermatologist.

If you're still scared to step out of your house, Dr. Jean recommends telemedicine. "You can actually go for mga virtual consults, marami niyan. Another thing, there’s mga what you call home services."

"Sa panahon na ito, pag-iingatan natin yung para sa kapakanan nila and kapakanan ng clinic," Dr. Jean said.

According to PinoyMD, having acne is hereditary, or because of hormonal changes and eating sugary foods or those with high glycemic index.

PinoyMD said skin as the largest organ of the body, serving as protection to our body. It is a must to take care of it whether or not there is a pandemic. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News