How to Prevent Maskne (Acne Caused by Wearing Masks). Do you think face masks increase the likelihood of acne breakouts? You’re right. Acne breakouts have been so frequent the past few months that people have found a name for face mask induced acne: Mask-ne.
Although it’s a hassle, you should never risk taking your face masks off because of acne breakouts. It just isn’t worth it. Being infected with COVID because you were trying to avoid acne isn’t the way to go.
Instead, down below are ways that you can avoid face mask induced acne breakouts without taking them off and without compromising your health.
Why Do Masks Cause Acne?
Acne appears when your pores are clogged by dead skill cells, oil, bacteria, or dirt. Clogged pores lead to whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples.
Usually, a simple skin-care routine that involves moisturizing, exfoliating, and cleansing helps control acne. Wearing a face mask interferes with that process. Instead of dead skin cells being shed, wearing face masks causes you to mess up the natural skin shedding process that, in turn, causes more acne to appear, inciting a breakout.
How Do I Avoid Mask Acne?
Managing face mask induced acne isn’t a simple one-step process. The ideal choice is to choose a cover that allows your skin to breathe while still effective at protecting others and yourself from the spread of the virus. The mask has to sit snugly, yet comfortably on your face, and it has to cover both your mouth and nose.
If you’re not using disposable face masks, soft fabric like cotton or still is recommended by dermatologists. Dermatologists also suggest that you avoid wearing multiple layers of make-up. Instead of make-up, you should instead opt for a moisturizer with at least SPF 30.
Washing Your Cloth Masks
When using a reusable face mask, always make sure to keep them clean and wash them properly after a day’s use. Removing your cloth masks is essential to keeping acne away. Use warm water and gentle detergent (preferably hypo-allergenic) to avoid irritating the skin.
Washing your cloth masks removes oil and dead skin build-up in the cover that are the main reasons for acne breakouts while using a face mask.
How Do I Treat Mask Acne?
Milder cases usually treated with classic over-the-counter ingredients like Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid. Benzoyl Peroxide kills the bacteria that generally causes acne, and Salicylic Acid is a chemical exfoliant that unclogs the pores. You can easily find products that have these ingredients in your local pharmacy.
Severe acne, however, is harder to handle by yourself, and highly suggested that you consult a dermatologist. Dermatologists might prescribe treatments like retinoid medications or anti-inflammatory cortisone creams. These speed up the natural skin turnover process and are a much safer way to go because they’re professionals.
Proceeding with Caution
When applying classic over-the-counter ingredients like Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid and testing them out for the first time, make sure to test it out over your face and wait 20-30 minutes before applying to the rest of the face. This is to ensure that you are not allergic to the products.
Skin irritations should never be taken lightly as they are more likely to agitate your acne problems and will add more problems than just acne.
Consulting a Dermatologist
Lastly, when over- the -counter products aren’t working for you, or have caused irritations to your skin, it’s highly suggested that you pay a visit to a dermatologist. NEVER try to solve things on your own or come up with your remedies because they might backfire and agitate the situation more.
For great skin care guides we hope this post on How to Prevent Maskne has helped you!
Recent Comments & Reviews