What is “maskne” & how to treat it with
Dermalogica skincare !
Raise your hand if your skin has been a little um…off lately (meeee). Don’t worry, you are NOT alone. By now we’re all familiar with the struggles of wearing a mask every day and let’s be real: it is not the best. Although super necessary, wearing a mask can be uncomfortable, hard to breathe in, and as it turns out… not so great for our skin. Whether we like it or not, masks are important. Studies show that wearing a face mask along with other preventive measures can help slow the spread of the virus and help keep us, and everyone around us, safe. In this article we’ll discuss what we can do to help our skin better adjust to this “new normal” which for many of us includes “maskne”.
What is "maskne"?
Many people have seen an influx of irritation around their mask lines or have begun to experience new breakouts from the long term effects wearing a mask.
This is where the term “maskne” comes from.
“Maskne” or mask acne is a very real thing. Especially for our essential and healthcare workers, whom we are beyond grateful for! Some of us may be required to wear a mask at work which means long hours of not being able to take our masks off. Others are able to work from home and just have to wear one when out and about. Either way, maskne can happen whether you’re required to wear a mask a lot or a little. It all depends on the type of skin, but one thing is for sure - if you’re acne prone or have sensitive skin, you’re probably dealing with mask irritation a lot more others.
Since this is something we’re all going to have to learn how to navigate through for a while, I’m going to share some tips on how to treat and prevent maskne and take care of your skin - underneath the mask.
What causes maskne?
One of the main reasons wearing a mask can cause acne is excessive moisture and sweat. By wearing a mask, we’re trapping most of the air we’re breathing behind it, causing a lot of warmth and moisture to develop under the mask. This can increase oil production and also allow dirt to sit on the skin’s surface. Without the regular amount of airflow our face is used to, along with the slight increase in temperature, it’s easier for bacteria and breakouts to develop on the skin under your mask.
Another reason you could be experiencing maskne is friction. People who struggle with acne or sensitive skin tend to do better when their skin isn’t being touched of rubbed. Any sort of constant friction or rubbing on the skin can make breakouts worse by causing dirt and oil that may be sitting on the skin’s surface to be pushed further into the pores.
Dermalogica Barrier Repair is our
Number 1 Recommendation for preventive use!
Maskne do's and don'ts recap
1: Thoroughly cleanse skin by double cleansing before and after wearing your face mask.
2: Limit the amount of makeup worn under your mask or switch to a lighter foundation.
3: Wash your reusable mask after every use.
4: If possible, replace disposable masks after every use.
5: Cotton and silk material masks allow for more airflow and less friction on the face while still providing protection.
6: Use lightweight, oil free products as opposed to thicker, heavier
products while wearing your mask
