No thanks to COVID-19, mask-wearing has become a part of daily life as we work to slow the spread of the coronavirus. However, many mask wearers have noticed new skincare concerns, including the rise of acne caused by mask-wearing, aka “Maskne”.
To get to the bottom of these skincare questions and discover how to keep skin looking gorgeous and clear while donning a mask, here are some tips on how to avoid maskne and other best practices for mask-wearing:
If you are seeing a rise in skin issues since COVID-19; anything stress related like psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis, this is why; the skin and nervous system are very much connected, increasing stress levels trigger inflammatory skin conditions like maskne, which is acne caused by a combination of friction, sweat and heat.
Some mistakes people make when wearing masks in regard to their skincare and makeup routine include not cleaning their masks, not washing their face, drying out their skin with acne treatments, not moisturizing, not exfoliating properly, and using harsh soap.
If you have tender skin, it is advisable to use masks made from silk, as it reduces friction against the skin.
To alleviate the threat of “maskne”, these skincare steps can help.
Cleanse: Just like our hands, we need to increase the frequency in which we cleanse. The best method is to double cleanse. First, use an oil based cleanser to lift bacteria and grime away (and any makeup) from the skin. Second, use a gentle cleanser to rinse all the impurities away. Move in circular motions. With this method, cleansing should take 1-2 minutes. Remember to cleanse after every time you go outside or wear your mask.
Exfoliate: Exfoliating will help to decongest pores. Look for a gentle chemical exfoliant that will not only weaken cell bonds but also break down sebum before it clogs a pore.
Moisturise: It is incredibly important to support the skin barrier right now. Moisturizing will protect hydration from escaping the skin and shield the skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Recommendations for washing and changing masks.
Ideally your mask should be washed after every use, especially if you are sweating or spending a long period of time in it. We recommend buying a few more masks, so you always have a clean mask on hand.
Major tip on keeping clear skin with masks, is protecting the skin barrier. This is key. If that is left intact, the likelihood of breakouts is greatly decreased.