As people wear masks for longer periods of time, more and more people are suffering from rough skin.
We will introduce recipes using ingredients containing nutrients that help skin turnover.
☆Acne☆
◆Measures against acne! “I don’t want to leave acne scars!”
[Recipes recommended by Sundrug nutritionists and registered dietitians]
◆Seasonal vegetable salad with perilla dressing
◆Peperoncino style with squid and asparagus
The habit of wearing a mask has become widespread, and acne caused by stuffiness, dryness, and friction caused by wearing a mask for a long time has come to be expressed by the word "maskne" = "mask" + "acne bacteria". I am.
It occurs when pores become clogged with sebum, bacteria multiply, and inflammation occurs.
<Mechanism of normal acne formation>
Normally, the condition of your skin depends on the season, but with maskne, wearing a mask increases stuffiness, dryness, and friction, which thickens dead skin cells and blocks pores, making it easier to get acne. In the early stages, the skin may feel rough, and as maskne progresses, small pimples become inflamed.
When you wear a mask, your skin temperature will rise rapidly from 32℃ to 37℃ in a short period of time. It is known that when skin temperature rises by 4°C, sebum production doubles.
Inside a mask, where heat and humidity are trapped, the skin's barrier function deteriorates, and it can be said to be an environment where acne bacteria can multiply.
Because of this, more and more people are suffering from acne and rough skin.
Why masks make acne worse
1. "Maskne" is more likely to occur because masks increase sebum production and reduce barrier function.
Normally, the temperature and humidity change depending on the season, but as you put on and take off the mask, seasonal changes occur rapidly inside the mask. The skin's barrier function has deteriorated and it has become more susceptible to irritation, and the mask irritates it, making it more likely that acne will occur repeatedly.
2.Reusable mask
A mask made of cloth or urethane material that is less irritating to the skin. Can be used repeatedly and kept clean. However, if you do not wash properly, soap scum will remain and have the opposite effect...
Wash properly⇒Video on how to wash cloth masks *Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
3. Things on the mask (sebum, cosmetics, food and saliva) can cause irritation.
Since you wear the mask for a long time, the mask can collect sebum and saliva, which can irritate and cause inflammation. Wipe sebum and sweat frequently, and wipe your mouth thoroughly after eating.
4. Masks that don’t fit
A mask that is too small will press your skin and cause friction. Irritation to the skin reduces the barrier function and causes acne and rough skin. It is important to use a mask that is the right size for your face.
<<How to choose the mask that suits you>>
①Make an L shape with your thumb and index finger.
② While forming an L-shape, place the tip of your thumb at the highest point at the base of your ear, and place the tip of your index finger 1cm below the base of your nose.
③Measure the length from your thumb to your index finger to determine the size.
●We recommend the following depending on the desired length! *Size may vary depending on the product
9-11cm: Children's size
10.5-12.5cm: Small size
12-14.5cm: Normal size
14cm or more: Large size
Click here for details ⇒ How to wear and choose a mask
Reference: Japan Sanitary Materials Industry Association website
Causes that make acne worse
1. Increase in sebum secretion① Imbalance of sex hormones
During puberty, male hormone secretion becomes active and sebum is secreted excessively. In women, from two weeks before menstruation to just before menstruation, progesterone levels increase, which stimulates sebum secretion.
②Stress
Worrying about acne can build up stress and increase #1.
③Meals
Excessive intake of fatty or sweet foods.
If you already have acne, alcohol and too much spice can make the inflammation even worse.
2. Sebum is not excreted
① Lack of sleep
Metabolism slows down and skin turnover slows down, causing dead skin cells to accumulate and sebum to be excreted.
②Acne bacteria
Although it is a normal bacteria that originally exists on the skin, by producing free fatty acids, dead skin cells accumulate and sebum is no longer excreted. In addition, acne bacteria can grow in pores that are blocked by accumulated dead skin cells, causing inflammation.
③Cosmetics
By blocking pores and sweat glands, sebum cannot be excreted.
Acne can be caused by a variety of factors such as lifestyle habits, hormonal balance, and stress.
If acne occurs, it is important to treat it quickly to avoid leaving any scars!
Click here to see how to deal with it ⇒ Care for acne-prone skin
☆Recommended nutrients☆
・Vitamin B2 : A vitamin necessary for lipid metabolism. It has the function of protecting the skin and mucous membranes.
・Vitamin B6 : A vitamin necessary for the metabolism of lipids and proteins. A deficiency can cause eczema.
・Vitamin C : Protects the skin from oxidative stress such as ultraviolet rays. This vitamin is also necessary for collagen production, so be sure to take it with protein.
・Lactic acid bacteria : When the intestines are in bad condition, putrefactive substances increase, reach the skin through the bloodstream, and cause skin irritation such as acne.
In addition to lactic acid bacteria, it is also important to take care of your intestines by taking oligosaccharides and dietary fiber.
☆★Does eating chocolate cause acne? ★☆
It has been said as an urban legend for a long time, but from my own experience, many people feel that eating this will cause acne. However, there are no foods that directly cause acne, and it is important to be aware of a well-balanced diet.