How To Prevent Maskne
Wearing a mask has become a routine part of our everyday lives amid COVID-19. While they help reduce the chance of contracting the virus, wearing a mask for a large part of the day can lead to mask acne -- or “Maskne.” Today, we’re going to discuss the causes of Maskne and how you can keep this pesky problem at bay.
What causes Maskne?
If your mask is too tight, it can rub on your skin, trapping bacteria. This results in clogged pores, causing acne and cysts. Wearing a mask for a long period of time also prevents us from staying hydrated, which keeps skin plump and healthy.
How can it be prevented?
Luckily, there are lots of ways to stop Maskne from forming!
1. Wear a 100% cotton mask. Synthetic fibers can irritate your skin, so it’s best to stick with this soft, breathable fabric. Make sure you wash cotton masks in fragrance free detergent as often as possible. We suggest keeping a few in rotation so you don’t have to wash one every single day.
2. Double cleanse at night. Sounds extra, but washing your face twice at night is ideal for preventing Maskne. The Rhonda Allison Beta Green Tea Cleanser gets the job done. The initial cleanse removes makeup, while the second ensures that all dirt, oil and impurities are banished from the skin. Double Cleansing a must when wearing a mask all day at work.
3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drinking water as often as you normally would may not be as accessible when having to wear a mask for a long time, so the next best thing is hydrating your complexion with a serum. Two of our favorites are the Rhonda Allison Hydrating Grapeseed Serum--an ultra moisturizing, nourishing formula, or the Rhonda Allison Hyaluronic Serum, which has skin-plumping benefits. Both of these are like a tall drink of water for your face.
Be sure to moisturize day and night -- if you are prone to breakouts, use a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
4. Wear SPF daily. It seems we stress this tip in every blog post, but it is absolutely crucial. Even when you’re not directly in the sun, UV rays can harm your skin causing dehydration, sun damage and Melasma. We have several light formulas, such as the Rhonda Allison eZinc Protection Cream or the Suntegrity 5-in-1 Natural Tinted Face Sunscreen.
5. Skip makeup. Cosmetics are just another barrier that can potentially lead to breakouts! If makeup is a must, remember to double-cleanse at night, making sure that it is all off your face so your skin can breathe.
6. Avoid benzoyl peroxide and other topical treatments such as AHA’s and BHA’s. Skin care with cell-turnover ingredients can be harmful to the skin when you wear a mask, because it is unable to breathe. Reduce the frequency of using topicals, or stop them all together.
We hope you find these Maskne tips helpful! Although Maskne is a common occurrence, it is also easy to prevent and treat. If you need assistance with selecting a skin care routine to treat Masne, feel free to contact Suzanne at info@purefacecare.com.