Maskne is no joke. As if the weight of the pandemic wasn't enough, we've all struggled with some type of unwanted acne due to the constant wearing of masks.
Maskne occurs when sweat, dead skin, oils and bacteria get trapped in your skin (ew). In addition to that, the chaffing or rubbing of the mask against the epidermis moves all of the above around, causing multiple blemishes to appear. To help you combat this, we've compiled a list of easy ways to prevent maskne.
Wash your mask regularly.
The simplest way to prevent maskne is to be diligent about washing your mask. Very similar to the way you think about washing your pillowcase, keep in mind that washing your mask is not only good for your skin, but it's also one of the most important things you can do to minimize the risk of COVID-19.
Remove makeup before putting on your mask.
We know putting on makeup is becoming less of a daily ritual due to the increase of time we spend at home. If you do decide to wear makeup, try to remove some of it before you put your mask on. There's enough oil and dirt on your face already - mixing in some makeup products within the enclosed space of your mask is the perfect recipe for breakouts.
Don't touch your mask.
Everyone knows that touching your face can cause acne. When you have a mask on, the same rule applies. When you touch your mask, dirt and oil from your hands can still make its way onto your skin. If you tend to have a habit of touching your face without realizing it, try to find a triple layer mask like these ones for extra protection.
Wash your face as soon as you get home.
That warmth you feel around your face when wearing a mask? It causes condensation or sweat to accumulate on your skin. The combination of your warm breath and the dirt and oil is what causes clogged pores and breakouts. Try to wash your face as soon as you get home, followed by moisturizer or a hydrating face oil.
Use a chemical exfoliator.
A good chemical exfoliator can do wonders for your face. Unlike a physical exfoliator, chemical formulas can be more gentle on the skin and does a great job of taking away dead skin cells. Bonus: using a chemical exfoliator regularly will also allow your other skin products to work more effectively.