Manila, Philippines — For those of us who are working from home, the absence of daily commute has allowed our bodies some respite from the dusts and pollution we get from being on the road. That’s good news for our lungs, and our skin! However, being in home quarantine during this pandemic has created a new set of skin concerns. Some people got acne breakouts from wearing protective face masks, while others may experience having drier or oilier skin than usual as a physical response caused by anxiety.

If you’re dealing with skin issues or simply want to give your skincare routine a boost, consider adding a face mask. Korean beauty trends may have popularized the sheet mask version, but there are many other types of face masks that can address a whole range of skin concerns. Face masks aren’t necessarily meant to be used every day, and sometimes a weekly treatment may be enough to improve the condition of your skin.

For dealing with acne and troubled skin

Whether your pimples are caused by wearing a protective face cover or something else, your skin is probably feeling irritated. Origins can get you Out of Trouble with a 10-minute mask! It features ingredients like zinc oxide and camphor to soothe troubled skin, as well as sulfur and salicylic acid to treat those annoying zits. It also helps to refine any roughness in your skin texture. 

For dealing with dull and dry skin

Sometimes, skin can get so dry that it gives you a grayish tone and lots of flakes. No amount of moisturizer can fix that because what your skin needs is actually some exfoliation. Korean beauty brand Althea takes pride in its Milk Peel Cream Mask, which first looks like a regular clay mask then transforms into a fluffy foam that’s easy to wash off. What’s even cooler is that it contains alpha and beta hydroxy acids that gently and effectively remove the dead skin cells. This leaves skin looking brighter and smoother, while also feeling more soft and hydrated. 

For dealing with blackheads and oily skin

Apart from having to deal with the unwanted grease and shine, oily skin is more prone to developing comedones or the little skin clogs that we know as blackheads. Innisfree’s Super Volcanic Clay Mask is a brand bestseller because Jeju volcanic clay is incredibly effective at sucking up excess sebum. It also loosens whatever blackheads or whiteheads you might have, so your pores look smaller and cleaner after use. 

For a pampering sesh that makes your skin glow

There are many Korean sheet mask options available, but Japanese brands make really good ones, too. Kracie Hadabisei makes these Moisturizing Sheet Masks with Deep Brightening that contain vitamin C and collagen, which make them really effective for making skin look glowy and feel soft and supple. They’re pricier than other masks at P695 for a pack of 4 (available at Beauty Bar and SM Beauty), but if you want a sheet mask that really works, this is a good bet.

Working from home doesn’t necessarily lessen the stress you feel, and it can be compounded with anxiety brought on by the pandemic. Taking care of your skin is a great way to practice self-care as it helps you to destress while rewarding your efforts with visible results. Doing a skincare routine can take less than 5 minutes but if you want to give your skin a special treat, a sheet mask is an easy way to do it. 

Image Source:  @originsph, @innisfreephilippines and @hadabisei_kracie on Instagram