Word: Maskne. Definition: Acne caused by regularly wearing facial masks.
Maskne may sound new, but the the actual technical term is ‘acne mechanicha’ which has been around forever. It refers to the skin irritation that is formed by excess pressure, heat, and rubbing against the skin. When the skin is constantly rubbed, it initially becomes rough and then starts to develop acne-like bumps with continuing irritation like sweating or more friction.
Conversations about skin conditions have hit an all time high in my inbox. That’s because masks can worsen skin issues that already exist or cause new ones. No doubt you can feel the sweat and irritation under your mask (it feels like a petri dish breeding ground after a big walk) - if that sounds like you - keep reading..
How to manage Maskne? Read on.
Consider the type of mask you wear.
Only you can decide how you want to balance the weight of the mask material with the level of protection it will give you, but dermatologists suggest 100 percent cotton as a good compromise because it allows skin to breathe a bit. As the temperature rises and you sweat more, you’ll need to keep the mask clean.
You need to treat it like underwear and wash it frequently. You don’t want all of that oil and sweat and dirt to sit there and then you reapply it to your face constantly.
Streamline your skin care routine.
Many of us use too many beauty products anyway, so consider mask wearing a good excuse to adopt the most basic skin care routine: a gentle non-foaming cleanser and a mild, nutrient rich moisturiser.
Less is more right now, so look for products with fewer ingredients. Another reason for using fewer products: The mask will intensify product delivery to your skin. That warm, humid environment will actually allow deeper penetration of products. So, it goes without saying you also need to be mindful of ingredients.
Break up with makeup (at least temporarily).
If you need to wear a mask for long periods of time, wear as little make-up as possible. A lot of foundations aren’t pore-friendly (or non-comedogenic for the science-y among us) so to give your skin the best chance of breathing, ease-up on the contour and full coverage foundation.
Don’t touch your mask! Or your face!
You know the rules of not touching your face! The same applies to your mask-wearing face. Keep your hands clean and far away from your face to minimise any additional breakout-causing bacteria. You might like to use this antibacterial spray for when you're on-the-go.
Exfoliate regularly.
A gentle exfoliator used 2-3 times a week will help clear your face of dirt/grime/old skin cells and allow your hydrating products to sink in deep and work hard. This is exactly what you need right now.
If you want additional support for your skin and want to resolve your skin issues for god, then you might like to check out this program - designed to address both the inside and the outside. After all true beauty begins on the inside.