Maskne: How to Avoid Spot Breakouts While Wearing a Mask

The current pandemic is redefining how we live, how we interact and also how we manage lifelong conditions under the new requirements that make face masks mandatory in most public spaces.

For people with acne, wearing a face-covering is proving to be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the covering prevents you from spreading the disease while on the other, it can contribute to breakout and blemishes, which is now being referred to as ‘Maskne.’

Although it is challenging managing maskne, there are things you can do to prevent irritation and a few things you should avoid.

Keep Your Skin Clean

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, cleaning your face at least twice a day can help to reduce the breakouts. Fragrance-free cleaners and lukewarm water are the most recommended, but you can also use a forming cleanser especially for oily skins.

For dry and sensitive skin, a cream cleanser is the best option. If wearing a mask is irritating, you should avoid exfoliating and using physical scrubs on your face because they can cause further damage.

After your face cleansing routine, pat your face dry with a towel. Do not rub since this will only irritate the skin more.

Don’t Over Clean!

There’s a thin line between doing just enough and overdoing it. It sounds like a good idea to clean your face before and after wearing a mask, but you should be careful about that. If you wash your skin too regularly, your skin can dry out, which will lead to redness and irritation.

Cleaning your skin twice a day (in the morning and evening) is enough. If you’ve been sweating, you can use a gentle cleaner that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils after your activities.

Drink Lots of Water

Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to keep your skin comfortable and it hastens the healing process. In addition to drinking lots of water, use an occlusive moisturiser to maintain the health of your skin and minimise the risk of infection. A moisturiser will also reduce the severity of breakouts and mitigate scarring.

When choosing the right moisturiser for your skin, look for ingredients such as Panthenol, niacinamide, ceramides, gluconolactone, and glycerin. If you have a dark skin tone, opt for a pigment-evening product.

Find a Comfortable Facemask

Preventing maskne breakouts can be as easy as finding a good and comfortable mask with the right amount of protection for you.

The Maskari face mask is a good example. In addition to having excellent construction and an emphasis on comfort, the mask features HeiQ Viroblock technology which inhibits the growth of microbes and bacteria, which can lead to further breakouts.

The inner layer of the mask is made from 100% soft cotton to ensure comfort for both you and your skin and to help with temperature and moisture management, which will reduce the risk of breakouts. If you’re having trouble with other face masks and face coverings, the Maskari could be an excellent alternative for you.

After investing in the right mask, you should avoid wearing makeup under the mask. This will reduce the risk of clogged pores and bacteria build-up. Instead, you can opt for a tinted SPF for that magnificent glow.

Bottom Line

With these few tips and techniques, you can successfully manage breakouts while keeping yourself safe while in public places.