Maskne: Covering up acne and how to prevent it
We all know the right habits for wearing masks. First, make sure you have multiple masks on hand to avoid reusing them. To avoid rashes, use masks made of soft fabrics that are neither too tight nor too loose.
Cleanse, tone, and moisturize your face before and after wearing a mask. But did you know that wearing a mask can still cause acne, skin irritation, and other skin problems?
Masks can actually cause breakouts!
There are several reasons why wearing a mask for a long time can affect the covered parts of our face.
A mask that is too tight can cause rashes on the bridge of the nose and behind the ears due to friction.
While you can’t take off your mask in public or at social gatherings, you can take it off when you’re in quarantine or at home to let your skin breathe freely.
Rough fabrics can accidentally rub our skin. The material of the mask should be soft, preferably 100% cotton.
Always use a gentle cleanser to wash your mask, as even the wrong cleanser can cause skin irritation.
The weather can also make the situation worse. Excessive dryness or moisture can negatively affect the skin under your duvet.
Maskne is healing, that’s what it does! Many people report experiencing acne, irritation, and rashes on their face due to wearing masks frequently.
You can avoid this by washing or disinfecting your mask every time you wear it. Always cleanse your face before and after applying a mask, and don’t forget to apply a gentle moisturizer to prevent your skin from drying out.
After removing the mask and cleaning your face, apply calamine lotion to the rash.
Another great way to nourish and moisturize your skin is to use a niacinamide face serum. It moisturizes the skin and treats acne without leaving scars. You can get Clinicikally’s Ultimate NIA Face Serum delivered to your home for free.
Useful skin care tips when wearing a mask
Wash your face frequently and apply moisturizer frequently. If you have dry skin, use a rich face cream.
Use a light sunscreen or sunblock, preferably mineral-based. Be aware that sunscreen contains certain chemicals that may affect the integrity of any rubber or elastic bands on your mask.
Avoid wearing heavy makeup (such as foundation) under your mask. This can cause a rash.
If you wear a cloth mask, wash it daily as directed to minimize the growth of bacteria that can cause acne.