"Maskne" is a real thing, and we've personally experienced it. Pesky acne can pop up due to the wearing of protective face masks from excess friction and heat that gets trapped. Get tips from one of our esthetician's on how to get clear skin and reduce your chances of getting maskne...

While staying safe and wearing a mask to protect ourselves and others from the virus or in other circumstances, I am sure the last thing we all want to worry about is our skin breaking out! Unfortunately, anything that causes heat and friction on the skin has the potential to cause acne for those of us with acne-prone skin. Being an Esthetician compels me to share some tips with you that will help reduce the risk of breakouts caused by protective facial masks.

Skin Hygiene 

This may go without saying but of course, we want to keep our skin clean before, after, and while wearing our masks. If you don’t already, be sure to cleanse your skin both morning and night. I recommend a gentle cleanser in the morning and a double-cleanse in the evening, consisting first of a gentle cleanser and then an active cleanser look for exfoliating acids like salicylic or glycolic. You want to be sure you are being intentional with your cleanse!

Massage your cleanser in circular motions for at least one full minute, focusing on areas of congestion or acne-prone areas but being sure to reach every part of your face, neck, and hairline. While wearing a mask you may need to take it a few steps further than just your routine morning and evening regimens. Using a toner in between washes is a great way to keep the skin clean, especially if you are wearing a mask all day at work. Bringing a toner and some cotton rounds with you to work to use in the middle of your day or at the end of your day once you take off your mask and head home is a great idea. Witch-hazel is a wonderful option as it is gentle and anti-inflammatory.

Mouth Hygiene

Mouth hygiene is also something you may want to be aware of. Acne around the mouth area can be caused by poor mouth hygiene because the bacteria from your mouth can transfer to your skin. Since you are breathing into a mask when you are wearing it, it’s a good idea to keep your oral care on point to avoid bacteria circulating inside your mask and contaminating your skin. 

Also, if your skin is chafing from wearing your mask so often you may need to apply a balm-like barrier on the places where your mask fits the snuggest. Aquaphor can provide a great protective barrier to prevent chafing and irritation in those areas. When it comes to the fabric of your mask you want to choose one that causes the least amount of friction possible, natural silk is a great option for both your skin and the effectiveness of protection.

Mask Hygiene

You also want to make sure your protective facial mask is clean. Of course, follow the recommendation to wash your facial mask after every use, this not only keeps your face cleaner but ensures the safety and effective protection. However, washing your mask will not be helpful to your skin if you are using laundry products that contain pore-clogging ingredients. To avoid these ingredients opt for a laundry detergent that is free of sulfates, parabens, dyes, and fragrance. Some safe options include All Free and Clear, Tide Free, and Arm and Hammer Sensitive Skin, Free and Clear. Avoid using a fabric softener altogether. Unfortunately, all fabric softeners are pore-clogging and do more harm than good. Lastly, you also want to avoid using dryer sheets, instead, you can use wool dryer balls to cut down on drying time and reduce static. Try adding essential oils to your dryer balls if you miss the fresh laundry scent! 

Should You Wear Makeup under Your Mask?

If you are wearing your mask to work and are used to wearing makeup on a daily basis you may feel conflicted about whether to wear makeup under your mask or do the bare minimum. In general, I would recommend avoiding wearing makeup under your mask. If you feel compelled you can still apply your makeup under your eyes or on your forehead where the mask does not cover. Makeup does not allow your skin to breathe and neither do face masks, that being said you want to allow your skin to breathe as much as possible. Another thing to think about is the ingredients your makeup is made of. Liquid foundations are by nature more pore-clogging than powder foundations. They don’t allow your skin to breathe, if you have acne-prone skin it is better to opt for a powder foundation and mineral ingredient-based ones tend to be less harsh and are better for your skin.

Please note there are many internal and external factors that contribute to acne including diet, hormones, stress, hygiene, pore-clogging ingredients, and more. This blog is simply focused on acne caused by wearing a protective face mask.