Everyone is now wearing a mask in their daily lives. However, mask acne is also beginning to be a main problem for us. So what are the steps to prevent mask acne on your face?

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the world is required to wear masks outside and maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Maskne usually affects healthcare workers. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend everyone wear masks in public, we are all at risk. 

Whether or not if mask is now officially part of your daily outfit, there are ways to prevent it and this is how.

1. Clean your face

Make sure to wash your face using good Skincare products after taking out your face mask. Fun fact, wearing a mask trap moisture closed to you face and filled with bacteria that can cause breakouts.

Keeping your skin clean will reduce the germs, so remember to wash your face before and after you wear your mask. Use a cleanser that contains 5% benzoyl peroxide to wash your face

You can also try a pH-balanced cleanser. Whatever you use, make sure it is fragrance and oil-free. More is not better. So don’t over wash your face because that can make your skin produce more oil, causing more acne.

2. Relax on your skincare routine

You can always try different skincare products to see if it works in your routine, but not at this moment with the ongoing pandemic. It is pointless to even try products that might cause irritation or imbalance.

Try to avoid using peels, exfoliants and products with retinol if you are not used to them. Avoid salicylic acid products that you leave on, as well as aftershave, which may contain alcohol. Face masks can make your skin dry, and alcohol will increase dryness. But don’t over moisturize.

You can search for products with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or dimethicone. Dimethicone will help create a barrier that can reduce irritation.

3. Use an appropriate acne treatment

Treating an acne from wearing a face mask can be difficult and tricky because the products can be harsh and further irritate your skin. Try a topical acne treatment with 2% or 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, but only put it on the pimples. Don’t use the stronger 10% solution. If you have black or brown skin, acne may cause some hyperpigmentation.

Apply or use skincare product that contains glycolic acid to help clear your skin and treat the discoloration. If your breakouts are severe or don’t get better, you might need to consult a specialist to get prescription medications. 

4. Try other types of mask suitable for your skin

When masks rub your face, the friction can cause a kind of breakout called acne mechanica. Masks may also lead to contact dermatitis or irritation on the nose and ears. Silk or silk-like masks may cause less irritation, but offer less protection than some other materials.

Avoid synthetic mask like polyester and nylon. The most effective masks, like the N95 respirator, are made from plastic fibers that can also irritate the skin. Instead, use cotton mask with layers that lets the skin breathe, and make sure your mask fits snugly but comfortably. Modify your behavior according to the level of protection your mask provides.

5. Clean or recycle your mask

If you are using a paper or surgical mask, please throw it away in the bin. A dirty mask will transfer bacteria to your face and could cause more maskne. If you are using cloth type, wash the masks after each use, using the hot water setting.

You can also wash them with other laundry method but with the hot water setting. You can try bleach alternative to increase cleanliness. Dry your masks on the highest heat setting and make sure they are completely dry before use.

6. Beware of trade-offs between protection and skin breakouts

Tight and thicker mask is, as a rule, the better protection it will provide against pathogens like the novel coronavirus. The N95 mask provides the wearer one of the highest levels of protection, but can also be very irritating and needs to be tight fitting. 

Although wearing masks too long may cause acne breakouts, protecting yourself and others is more important than pimples. Minimize maskne by keeping your skin clean and always wear a clean mask.

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, we might be wearing masks for a long time. The right skincare routine can help lessen mask-related skin damage and breakouts.

Planning to create your own brand of skincare, cosmetics and other beauty products? Get in touch with us today!