How to Prevent and Treat Maskne

Masks have been part of our everyday looks for a while now. Since the implementation of their use, the term “maskne” has been coined. As a result of wearing masks daily for extended periods of time, countless people have been struggling with acne on their chin and lower cheek areas. Masks are here to stay at least for the near future, so it’s important to figure out how to prevent and treat mask-related acne, especially going into the warm summer months when sweat will be an added obstacle to clear skin.

Focus on the eyes

With several eye makeup trends to choose from, now is the perfect time to get creative with your looks and have the eyes be the focal point of your makeup routine. Colorful eyeliner is in, especially paired along with bold half-cut crease looks that will add fun pops of color. Chaotic Cosmetics has hydro liners in vibrant colors that are perfect for going into summer. In this look, I am wearing shade “safety goggles” on my lower lash line, and I would highly recommend using this shade as a winged liner as well.

Wash your masks often

It is crucial to wash reusable masks after each use and to only wear disposable masks once. The bacteria that builds up in masks can contribute to breakouts, so it is important to wear a fresh mask everyday. Some masks are made of synthetic materials which can be irritating to the skin. That being said, masks made from cotton or silk are most gentle on the skin; their smooth materials will cut down on friction that can irritate your skin. Along with their more gentle qualities, silk masks are also more chic and luxurious looking. Here are some of our favorites from Amazon:

Exfoliate

Now more than ever, it’s easy for bacteria to build up due to the moisture trapped in your mask. Implement using a gentle cleanser after removing your mask and using a non-abrasive gentle exfoliant a few nights per week to reduce buildup. Raya Spa has a great gentle exfoliator called the Pineapple Enzyme Scrub that is applied in the shower and left on the skin for 10 minutes, leaving your skin smooth and refreshed. Exfoliating is important because it unclogs pores, which helps in preventing acne and removes dead skin cells, prepping the skin perfectly for any moisturizers or oils in your routine.

Hydrate

When wearing masks all day, it’s beneficial to keep the skin hydrated. Some masks may absorb the natural oils in your face, drying out your skin and leaving it thirsty for moisturizer. Target sells hydrating masks that are shaped to go under your protective face mask that contain hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and calendula for ultimate hydration. When applying moisturizer and serums, it is best to apply on damp skin to lock in moisture.

Give your skin a break

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends removing your mask for 15 minutes every 4 hours if possible. This will help give your skin a much needed break. Healthcare workers who are on the frontlines for extended periods of time agreed that removing their masks when possible helped save their skin. Along with giving your skin a break, it’s also important to avoid heavy foundation when wearing a mask for hours to avoid clogged pores.

Maskne can be super frustrating - we know the struggle! But hopefully these tips will help save your complexion. Little changes go a long way, so try to implement at least one of these recommendations and see how your skin transforms. Also, remembering the good you’re doing for the people around you by wearing a mask will help you glow brighter!