What is maskne and how to prevent it?
What is maskne & how to prevent it?
When we’re talking about masks nowadays, it’s not usually our favourite sheet masks which are up for discussion anymore. The decision to wear masks in public places is advisable when social distancing is not possible so that we can slow down the spread of COVID 19. Throughout the pandemic, business owners made it enjoyable for us to wear masks with their range of patterns, colours, and designs available. I’m all about the silver lining here at the clinic!
As positive as mask-wearing is, it can provide some difficulties for us all, too. Front line workers have been telling us from the beginning of the pandemic that the increased hours wearing a mask has led them to encounter skin issues which they never faced before, or their previously existing skin complaints had been intensified.
Let’s face it….getting blemishes from mask wearing is very common, and we’re hearing about it more and more as time goes on.
So, how can you care for your skin underneath your mask? I have explained it all below..
Cleanse & Moisturise Your Face Daily:
Gentle skincare products can aid in preventing skin problems. When washing your face in the morning and evening, try cleansing the skin with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. In the evening time, aim to double cleanse to get rid of any dead skin cells, impurities and/or makeup that is still sitting on the skin. When cleansing with a facial wash, ensure that your water is lukewarm and avoid scrubbing your skin with your fingers. The gentler you are with your skin, the better it will be, light circular motions work best. Regular cleansing is essential to keeping your skin looking radiant and healthy and helping to prevent blemishes and impurities on the skin.
Dry skin is a common face mask skin problem that we have all faced at one time or another throughout the pandemic. Moisturiser can help to maintain skin hydration and keep your skin looking and feeling refreshed. As we get older, the oil glands that keep our skin healthy begin to lose their power, which results in fewer oils being produced. Moisturising in the morning and evening causes the glands to not have to work as hard to keep your skin healthy throughout your day to day life. Always apply moisturiser immediately after washing your face, and I would recommend using a moisturiser with one of the following ingredients: Ceramides, Hyaluronic acid or Dimethicone.
Another top tip is after you take off your mask apply a little bit of moisturiser to the skin to keep your face feeling hydrated and nourished throughout the day!
Our top product recommendation for this is Obagi Hydrate Luxe.
Skip The Makeup
Everyday doesn’t necessarily have to be a makeup day! When wearing masks for hours on end, our makeup is more likely to clog pores and eventually lead to breakouts. If makeup is absolutely necessary, try using products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “won't clog pores”, and that way you are aiding your skin by preventing potential breakouts.
Change Or Clean Your Masks Regularly:
If I’m being honest, one of the best ways to protect your skin from blemishes is to ensure that the mask you are using is clean. If you are using medical, disposable masks, changing them every couple of hours during the day can reduce dirt and oils that build up on your face.
If you are wearing a mask that is made of fabric, I would highly suggest cleaning the mask at the end of every day. It is possible to wash your mask by hand or in a washing machine with soap as it will kill bacteria and help prevent the spread of the coronavirus whilst also preventing any blemishes from appearing on the skin.
Avoid touching or picking your skin:
Always try your very best to not touch your face or pick at your maskne!! I know this might be one of the harder tips to put into practice because touching your face or picking at blemishes is an easy habit we all get into. However, touching your face transfers oils from your hands directly onto your face, which can block your pores and create impurities; and picking at your blemishes can make the appearance of the maskne much worse in the long-term. So although it might be tough to avoid the urge to touch and pick, a hands-off approach is best for your skin, trust me when I say you’ll thank me later!
Book in for a consultation:
If you’re sticking to a good routine and using oil-free products whilst also cleaning your mask and face regularly but are still experiencing discomfort, the mask unfortunately may not be the culprit.
The next step to take would be to book a consultation with us here at the skin clinic or with your local dermatologist. This way we can determine what’s causing your symptoms, and we can give you recommendations on which treatments and skin care products will work best for your skin (since everybody’s skin is different).
While wearing a face mask has very much become our new normal, maskne definitely doesn’t have to be. A few extra steps here and there in your skincare and mask care routines or a trip to us here at the clinic can help you put your best face forward.
Click here to book your consultation with us.