One content creator's journey to achieving the popular Korean glass skin becomes a cautionary tale for those who blindly pursue skin-care products that are available online.
24 Oras reports on June 1, 2024, that 26-year-old Benjamin Madiza suffered an unfortunate consequence after using a face mask— the brand of which was not disclosed.
In the last week of May, Benjamin's video went viral for appearing to have aged drastically, his face swollen and wrinkled.
Benjamin recalls during the interview, "Parang namanhid po siya. Pero ano po, nararamdaman ko lang po yung ano, yung cool no?
"Pagkatapos, pagkatanggal ko po ng face mask na yun po, nakita ko na po yung pagbabago sa mukha ko, so na-trauma ako."
He reveals having used the product for the first time on May 27, 2024.
He also notes that because dermatologists are not accessible from where he currently resides, he has skipped the part of consulting with one before putting on the face mask.
"Korean glass skin" refers to skin that looks crystal-clear, poreless, translucent, and luminous — reminiscent of a piece of glass.
Read: You can get glass skin with these facial treatments
BENJAMIN'S TAKEAWAY
At the end of the day, Benjamin charges the mishap to experience.
"Natakot po ako sa mukha kong tumanda, kumulubot," Benjamin relates.
"Bilang content creator, magiging informative po yun para sa lahat na kailangan, yung mga may skin ano po, sensitive po, maging aware po sa mga ginagamit nila."
The 24 Oras report also asks dermatologist Dr. Gwen Bagay-Matias to shed light on Benjamin's case.
The doctor says, "Baka hindi siya hiyang dun sa product na ginamit niya kaya ayun, nag-react yung skin niya, namaga talaga siya.
"So nagmukha siya na wrinkled na nagmukha siyang matanda.
"Yung mga allergen, nagpo-produce siya ng mga histamine na puwede magpamaga ng mga daanan ng hangin.
"So dahil pag namaga siya, mahihirapan tayong huminga. Yun yung tinatawag nila na stage 4 na or anaphylactic shock."
To avoid such cases from happening, consumers of skin-care products are urged to examine the product content and ingredients on top of doing a skin test.
Moreover, a stamp of approval from the Food and Drug Administration or FDA should be visible on the packaging.
When experiencing an allergic reaction, the first-aid treatment is to remove the product from the skin immediately, and rinse the affected area with water.
If symptoms persist, the next remedy is to take antihistamine or consult a doctor immediately.
READ MORE: