Maskne or Mask Acne. Is it a thing?
So you are getting mask acne from wearing a face mask all the time. Most Victorians are aware, wearing a facial mask whilst out and about is currently mandatory. If lockdown wasn’t hard enough we now have to contend with Maskne! (aka Mask Acne). Although a great measure to stop the spread of coronavirus, more and more people are finding they are unhappy with their skin due to breakouts from wearing a mask.
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Why does this happen?
For starters, the skin in our face is not used to being covered for extended periods of time. The tight material leads to the development of acne because of an increase in bacterial growth due to the changing environment.
How can I prevent mask acne?
The obvious answer is to stop wearing face masks but unfortunately, we can’t do that just yet. I have a few tips on how to cope with acne from wearing a mask. It won’t be a complete cure but will hopefully improve the breakouts.
7 Tips To Reduce Acne From Wearing a Face Mask
1. Start off by trying to limit the amount of makeup you are wearing.
If you are wearing normal liquid foundation there’s probably no need, give your skin a break!! If you feel it necessary to wear something I would suggest using a mineral-based makeup.
Jane Iredale makeup is free of parabens, talc, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, fillers and GMO ingredients. It is extensively tested for safety, stability, efficacy and performance. It is also a non-comedogenic formula so won’t clog your pores, all the while being dermatologist and allergy-tested. The preservatives used are only highly effective yet natural ingredients.
This means this makeup is kind to your skin and will not increase breakouts. Their amazing Jane Iredale Amazing Base Loose Powder rrp $83 is a lightweight loose powder that contains zinc oxide (great for inflammation and a natural SPF) all the while giving coverage and not looking cakey.
If a liquid is more your style, Jane Iredale dream tint SPF’s 15 $80 are also amazing and can be used alone or under the loose powder for more coverage.
2. Invest in a good spot treatment serum
Something containing salicylic acid and niacinamide is perfect for reducing angry breakouts or use over the whole affected areas if you become congested to exfoliate and de-clog the area. This can be used daily and even as a preventative.
Cosmedix clarity serum $78 is a high-strength, blemish fighting serum which combines salicylic acid, tea tree oil and niacinamide to fight bacteria, mattify the skin and fight post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
3. Remember less is more, keep your routine simple
Cleanse twice daily. If breaking out around the areas where you wear your mask, apply appropriate blemish serum and perhaps use the other serums that you normally use e.g. A hydrating serum to the other areas of your face.
Use a lightweight moisturiser such as medik8 balance moisturiser $98 to help rebalance the skin. Drink more water, wash your mask regularly if you have a reusable one.
4. Spray your mask to prevent germs that cause mask acne
Dr pimple popper has suggested a great tip of spraying your mask with a salicylic acid spray and letting it air dry before wearing. Cosmedix purity balance toner $72 contains salicylic acid and would be perfect to spray onto your masks.
5. Wear the right mask
To reduce mask acne look for masks that are snug, but comfortable. Made from a natural, breathable fabric, such as cotton. Softer smoother fabrics on the inside of the mask will be nicer to sensitive skin.
6. Wash your mask regularly
Wash in hot water to kill any germs with hypoallergenic laundry detergent. If your mask is disposable, only wear the number of times, instructed on the box.
7. Follow up with a treatment at your clinic
Once you are able to come back to the clinic, to help fight mask-wearing acne congestion, a series of chemical peels with LED light therapy (Coco Ruby Healite facial $200) would be recommended to provide a deep clean, exfoliation and light therapy to speed up the healing process.
These 75-minute treatments are totally tailored to your skins specific needs but all include a deep cleanse, mechanical and enzyme exfoliation, chemical peel, Healite led light therapy and mask application.
Extractions can be part of the treatment to remove blackheads and congestion and I’m sure the dermal girls are itching to perform extractions on their patients!
Remember, ‘Maskne’ is a temporary issue and your skin will eventually bounce back. Good luck.
Free Virtual Skin Consultation
If you have any questions or concerns during the lockdown the dermal girls are contactable for a phone chat or free virtual skin consult to answer any of your questions. To organise a consultation with a Melbourne Dermal Clinician contact the clinic on 1300 599 990.
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