Seeing more breakouts than usual? You might have already met maskne.
The breakouts that you may have been experiencing are the result of the fabric of your mask rubbing up against your skin. There’s actually a name for it, “acne mechanica”. This friction irritates the skin, compromises your pores and essentially leads to the appearance of those pesky visitors. Add in makeup, SPF and debris to the mix, and now in the peak of summertime, sweat and humidity and you’ve got a recipe for a breakout. On the bright side, there are ways to keep your skin healthy underneath your mask! Making a few, easy changes for the time being, such as adopting a skincare routine for acne, can help prevent maskne.
Besides adopting an acne skincare routine, these are some of our favorite tips to help keep your skin clear and balanced.
Wash your reusable masks every day and don’t reuse disposable ones.
The makeup, debris and sun protection collected on the inside of your mask can result in clogged pores and irritated skin.
Keep from rubbing your mask.
The extra friction and pressure can lead to even more irritation and breakouts.
Avoid touching your face upon removal.
If you aren’t able to cleanse after removing your mask, keeping your hands off of your face can help prevent even more bacteria from coming into contact with your skin.
Now, let’s talk about skincare!
If you’re using a lot of products with active ingredients (think retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C), you might want to be mindful of how much and how often you are using them. During this time, your skincare ritual should be as minimal as possible and focused on soothing and hydrating products to prevent compromising your skin’s barrier. While you should still exfoliate 2-3 times per week, in place of an abrasive scrub, remove dead skin cells with a gentle facial polish to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
Keep reading to learn our trusty acne skincare routine for fighting maskne!
Wash your face with a mild cleanser morning and night.
Cleanse at night to get rid of any dirt and debris from your day AND in the morning to prevent trapping any bacteria that may have built up overnight. Meant’s Do-All Wash is a gentle, hydrating cleanser packed with deep-moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil and glycerin along with a blend of antibacterial plant extracts and essential oils. Can also be used as a body wash and shampoo! Ode to Self BASK 2-in-1 Balm Cleanser & Mask also does wonders for maskne and pimples. Gentle salicylic acid deep cleanses pores while nourishing oils leave skin silky soft.
Apply a restorative serum.
Earthwise Beauty’s Nap in the Meadow Face Serum combines a cooling base of cold-pressed aloe juice with skin-regenerating botanicals. Ultra-hydrating and healing, this skin savior helps to refresh and protect your skin both before and after a day of wearing your mask.
Spot treat.
If you’re already seeing some pesky pimples pop up, dab on a spot treatment! The Advanced Repair Mask from Malaya Organics is an ultra concentrated yet soothing and gentle blend of of exotic herbs, clays, and neem flower honey crafted to manage acne from its very first appearance all the way through the healing process. Just leave a dot on your breakout for 30 minutes and rinse!
Use a soothing, antibacterial moisturizer.
Think of a moisturizer as a protective seal that locks in hydration over the surface of your skin to help prevent it from drying. Formulated with zinc, a natural anti-inflammatory and acne fighter, môme care’s Indispensable Cream L was developed with acne-prone skin in mind. It helps to protect the areas of your skin that experience friction or pressure from your mask and its straps: This includes your nose, behind your ears as well as around your mouth and chin. We recommend applying at least 15 minutes before putting on your mask to ensure proper absorption.
Opt for a tinted moisturizer with SPF.
Avoid using heavy foundation or makeup during these warmer months, as it can lead to even more clogged pores. The D-Luxe Daily Bronzer SPF 30 from AKT Therapy is a lightweight, non-comedogenic option that leaves your skin with a healthy, sun-kissed glow. Bonus: it’s boosted with vitamin D to help increase the absorption of this essential vitamin from the sun.
Don’t forget to reapply after removing your mask when spending time outdoors!
