Just a year ago, we had no idea phrases like ‘social distancing’ ‘tier 4’ and ‘maskne’ would be such an integral part of our vocabulary, but oh how life has changed for us all. With the rapid spread of Covid-19 wearing a mask is the best way to stop transmission of the virus, but it means that carrying masks in our handbags, cars and pockets has become the new normal and will be with us for the foreseeable future.
Despite all the positive benefits of wearing a mask and doing our part, there has been some noticeable repercussion, many of which you are probably facing yourself, maskne. Have you noticed a sudden influx of blackheads, whiteheads and rashes? This may very well be connected to you wearing your mask! Read on to know how to get rid of maskne.
Dermatologists have explained this phenomenon through friction. Dermatitis has been triggered through the breakdown of the skin’s barrier through the friction between your skin and mask. This can happen in very short periods of time, I had no idea either! The friction can cause painful cysts, redness and clogged pores- an acne breeding ground, which is why we have made this guide, as a preventative measure to get rid of maskne!
Wearing a mask is essential and don’t let the fear of acne scare you! Read on and know how to treat and purify your skin from masce whilst adhering to government guidelines.
- Wear a different mask everyday
Maskne is a breeding ground for skin that has warmth and moisture and wearing the same mask everyday, day in- day out, can exacerbate the skin even further to the effects of maskne, which none of us want. Look for lightweight fabrics that will reduce the moisture in that area and many of these require a quick cycle in the washing machine to get rid of the bacteria and gunk and then you are good to go! If you don’t, the bacteria lingers upon the fabric and transfers straight back onto your skin.
I would always recommend buying multiple masks with a soft cotton feel for protection against the virus and keeping your face clean, I keep multiple in the car, handbags and coat pockets so that I don’t forget! Follow this first step as the first way to tackle and get rid of maskne.
- Wash your face twice a day
Invest in a non-harsh, gentle cleanser which you can use everyday and as your evening double cleanse to remove any dirt trapped from under the mask and allow your skin to breathe and recover overnight. Maskne accumulates due to trapped dirt underneath your mask, a moist environment and coupled with recycled air, washing your face twice a day will significantly improve your maskne, trust me you will notice the difference!
Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Micellar Make up Removing 500ml | Scentsational
The Bioderma Hydrabio Micellar Water is a great everyday first cleanser, it will remove all your makeup and counts as your first cleanse! It will remove all the dirt from the surface of your skin, whilst leaving a soothing sensation upon the skin as a gentle finish. This is a toiletry bag must!
Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Tamarind Combination/Oily Skin (scentsational.com)
Next up, I would follow with the Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser as your morning and second evening cleanse, as it penetrates the skin deeper than the micellar water to remove the dirt even further to prevent any breakouts from your Maskne. It will soothe the skin from the inside out and calms any current spots.
- A good protective moisturiser
A protective moisturiser with SPF will be your best friend in the fight against battling maskne. Make sure you check whether your moisturiser is suitable for your skin type. If you have oily skin you want to be using oil-free moisturisers because otherwise the moisturiser will become a breeding ground for the bacteria from maskne- trust me you do not want that!
For oily skin:
Clarins My Clarins RE-BOOST Mattifying Hydrating Cream 50ml (scentsational.com)
For dry skin:
Eucerin Skin Cream 5% Urea, Lactate & Carnitine 75ml | Scentsational
For normal/combination skin:
Clarins My Clarins RE-BOOST Refreshing Hydrating Cream 50ml (scentsational.com)
You can thank me later!
- Face mask
The final step in the battle against getting rid of maskne is a face mask. This has been the holy grail in my combat against maskne, especially with the special ingredient of Salicylic Acid due to its penetrative abilities to break down grime and dirt and reduces the inflammation of break outs.
The face mask that users are raving about is Clarins SOS Masks Pure Rebalancing Face Mask 75ml | Scentsational it has a rebalancing ability to ensure your skin is nourished in certain target areas, whilst maintaining moisture and protection in other areas, this works for maskne because it removes the excess moisture from the maskne breeding ground and deposits essential nutrients.