5 Ways To Tackle “Maskne”
Written by Danielle Horgan
The last few months have been overwhelming due to the coronavirus pandemic. Our lives have been shaken up and suddenly we’re adhering to strict rules that have been implemented to keep ourselves and those around us safe. Whilst lockdown has lifted and we’ve slowly introduced ourselves back into society as part of the “new normal”, most people are strictly required to wear face masks and coverings in all public areas.
Whilst masks are worn to protect us, many wearers report redness, irritation, and breakouts now known as “maskne” a recent term coined to explain the cause of acne as a result of wearing a mask or face covering.
There’s a number of reasons face coverings are wreaking havoc on our skin from the tight-fitting nature of the mask which can lead to blocked pores, to increased sweating and constantly adjusting and touching the mask and thus touching your face transferring oil, dirt, and irritants to the skin.
These pesky breakouts often occur as we’re breathing into a closed tight space which creates humidity and can accelerate the processes that cause acne.
Blemishes and irritation may appear along the jawline, or anywhere where the mask makes contact with the face, trapping bacteria and dirt within our pores.
So if masks are here to stay for the foreseeable future to protect us all from the virus, then how can we make sure we’re protecting our skin against breakouts and nasty skin irritations? Here are 5 ways that could help...
1. Select your mask wisely
Opt for natural fabrics such as cotton or washable silk as these types of fabric are breathable and will reduce the friction of the mask on your face; helping to prevent any irritation from rubbing. Make sure you wash your mask regularly, buy a couple, and rotate your wear, that way you know you’re always wearing a clean mask with minimal germs.
Try to invest in a mask that has a soft nose clip to shape to your face and adjustable ear loops to keep the mask secure so there’s no chance of any gaps that can invite extra germs in. Once you take the mask off put it in a safe place away from anywhere it could gather bacteria, in other words, refrain from screwing it up in your handbag! Try keeping it in one section of your handbag or place it in its own protective covering.
1. Select your mask wisely
Opt for natural fabrics such as cotton or washable silk as these types of fabric are breathable and will reduce the friction of the mask on your face; helping to prevent any irritation from rubbing. Make sure you wash your mask regularly, buy a couple, and rotate your wear, that way you know you’re always wearing a clean mask with minimal germs.
Try to invest in a mask that has a soft nose clip to shape to your face and adjustable ear loops to keep the mask secure so there’s no chance of any gaps that can invite extra germs in. Once you take the mask off put it in a safe place away from anywhere it could gather bacteria, in other words, refrain from screwing it up in your handbag! Try keeping it in one section of your handbag or place it in its own protective covering.
2. Double cleanse in the evening
Double cleansing is always a good idea regardless of wearing a mask. Start with an oil cleanse to lift any dirt, grime, and makeup from the day and then follow with a second cleanse using a lighter cream cleanser that is calming on the skin. If you do get a breakout or acne as a result of wearing your facemask, treat it by using anti-inflammatory ingredients such as a cleanser containing salicylic acid; this will reduce inflammation and dissolve grime build-up in pores.
3. Add an antioxidant
Use products that keep your skin healthy and to protect it against any harmful pollutants and free radicals as well as any bacteria. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, and other than being a free radical scavenger, it’s a well-known natural brightener that will work to keep your skin healthy and illuminated.
4. Avoid wearing makeup
Wearing makeup under a mask can feel uncomfortable, especially in hotter months. The heat that can build up under our masks can cause us to sweat, so if we’re wearing heavy makeup we’re in danger of clogging the skin.
Try and steer clear of makeup altogether, but If you’ve started to head into the office or you’re going for a night out and would rather not go bare-faced, then try to choose more lightweight products.
If you opt for a full face of makeup make sure you thoroughly remove all traces of makeup during your nightly double cleanse and wash your face mask/use a new one the following day so you’re not putting germs back on your face.
5. Stay moisturized
Dry skin is more prone to irritation, which can lead to soreness and red blotches. If you're struggling with sensitivity and dryness from wearing a mask, lightweight emollients can help restore lost moisture and protect skin from further friction from your mask.
Opt for a moisturizer that contains honey as this brings moisture to the surface of your skin, because of its ability to draw and hold water, it can be used as a humectant in your skincare routine and keeps skin moisturized throughout the day.
In Conclusion
During these times we must prioritize our health and safety and that of others too Having to cover our faces is something that wasn’t on our radar six months ago, so with this lifestyle adjustment, it’s important to pay attention and stay tuned into what our bodies need. If your skin is reacting, then tend to it and make necessary adjustments. As long as we’re washing our skin and masks properly and setting a consistent skincare routine, then “maskne” should be a thing of the past.
Danielle Horgan
Danielle has over 10 years of experience as a Health and Wellness PR working for a range of high profile skincare brands. A certified Yoga teacher and Reiki practitioner, Danielle is passionate about a 360 approach to skincare routed in exercise, plant-based nutrition, and high-quality natural products that yield great results.
