COVID-19 has dramatically changed the way in which we live our lives. Wearing a mask is now the new norm. Masks are reducing the spread of COVID-19, and everyone needs to continue to wear them. Even though this new accessory is saving lives, some people are experiencing breakouts, chaffing and other skin conditions from them.
Maskne can develop in two ways. The first cause of maskne is caused by direct friction from the mask onto your skin. This rubbing can cause irritation and a rash. The second way in which maskne gets caused is by the fact that the mask traps humidity, oils and sweat. This build up can then block your pores and will lead to acne breakouts. Maskne is something that even those with normally clear skin can get. But how can we prevent it?
1. Buying masks with natural fabrics
Since masks are the new accessory that everyone needs, brands have come out with masks in all fabrics, colors and patterns to cater to everyone. Masks that are made from natural fabrics such as cotton or silk will be more breathable and will decrease the moisture level and amount of bacteria that gets trapped in the mask. Check out my favourite natural fabric masks from Kitsch!
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2. Treat Your Mask Like a Pair of Underwear
Just like your underwear, your mask should be worn once before getting washed or thrown away. This will prevent the built up sweat, oil and bacteria to get transferred back onto your face. When washing your masks, make sure you are using an unscented detergent. The fragrance can also be having a negative effect on your skin.
3. Wear a Zinc Based SPF
A Zinc based SPF will not only be beneficial for your skin without a mask, but when you use it underneath a mask, you are creating a barrier between the mask and your skin. This will help prevent the chaffing, and transfer of oils and bacteria onto the skin.
4. Remember to Wash Your Face
Something as simple as remembering to wash your face could be helping with clearing up maskne. After wearing a mask for an extended period of time, you should always remember to wash your face in order to clean off any excess oil, or sweat that has built up throughout the day.
5. Be Gentle
In the morning, before putting a mask on, you should be extremely gentle with your skincare products. This means avoid any harsh exfoliants and strong ingredients. For example, AHAs and BHAs. These ingredients are meant to chemically exfoliate. This process will leave your skin more sensitive which will allow the bacteria to penetrate even more than normal. Switch to using these ingredients at night to ensure getting the full benefit of them. Make sure you are using hydrating and gentle ingredients on your face, such as a gel moisturizer and a hyaluronic acid serum.
6. Treating the Acne Directly
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If you already have breakouts, you should be treating the acne directly. Since these breakouts are caused by the mask, you should be spot treating them. Using a product like the Clinique Acne Solutions clearing gel, will be extremely beneficial. This is a spot treatment made with Salicylic acid. This acid penetrates into the pores and clears out any excess oil and build up within them.
7. Skip the Makeup
If you have the option, try skipping the makeup in the areas that will be covered by a mask. Makeup already has the potential to clog pores, therefore if you skip the foundation below the nose, you will be saving your skin.
Maskne sucks but hopefully these tips will help prevent and treat any maskne you could be dealing with. Remember, this is normal, and there are a lot of people dealing with it. Try these out and see what works for you!
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