How to Treat Face Mask Acne
With a global pandemic in full swing, many of us are familiar with wearing facial coverings for prolonged periods of time. Whether you wear a face mask to protect yourself from COVID-19, harmful pathogens, or allergens, it’s important to practice good hygiene so that you can prevent the development of acne.
Wearing facial coverings can lead to mask-induced acne, irritated skin, clogged pores, and the entrapment of sweat and oils. This is commonly referred to as ‘maskne.’ Maskne can also be caused by the constant friction of the material on your skin. If you have ever dealt with this skin issue, keep reading for tips on how to prevent and maintenance it.
Cleanse Your Face Twice Dail
Whether you decide to wear a fabric or disposable mask, it’s important that your face is always clean prior to application. When you use a dirty facial covering, or have a layer of dirt and oils on your skin, bacteria can get trapped under the mask creating an environment for acne to flourish. This may seem obvious, but many people out there don’t realize that the culprit of their breakouts is due to uncleansed skin.
It’s crucial that you wash your face twice daily with a trusted cleanser so that you guarantee there is no buildup of dead skin cells, sweat, and oil. Selecting the right cleanser for your skin type is also extremely important to prevent the development of maskne.
Over at AnaK Cosmetics, we offer an online Skin Quiz for you to discover which skincare products work the best for your skin. We will tell you the best Cleanser, Toner, Moisturizer, Serum, and Problem Solvers for your best suited for your unique skin type. Our Cleansers at AnaK are great for washing away dirt and excess oil without causing dryness, perfect for preventing that pesky maskne. All our products are clean and free of carcinogens, sulfates, parabens, DEA’s, and commonly used chemicals that are not skin-friendly.
Choose the Right Mask
Another way to prevent maskne is to choose a reusable mask that is breathable, soft, and washable. There are several kinds of face masks on the market, such as non-medical masks, disposable surgical masks, and N95 face respirators. Some people have even used bandanas, scarves, and other clothing items to protect themselves from airborne particles. Be sure to avoid facial coverings made from synthetic fabrics like polyester, rayon, and nylon, which are all rougher on the skin as well as non-breathable. If you wear a mask made from these materials, it can lead to increased sweat and oil production, ultimately resulting in acne breakouts.
Some people will wear their mask loosely below their nose or far beyond their chin, which is due to the mask not fitting correctly. You want to make sure your face mask is snug enough to cover all sides of your face and nose without irritating your skin.
Avoid Wearing Excessive Makeup
If you are going to wear a face mask for several hours, you really don’t want to trap makeup underneath. A covered area leads to the production of sweat and oil, and if you combine that with makeup that covers your pores, you get those unwanted blemishes. It’s best to avoid face makeup like foundation, and keep the area clean and dry as much possible. Don’t worry, you can still wear that lovely eyeshadow and eyeliner as long as your makeup is free to breathe.
Get A Facial
If maskne is starting to become a regular occurrence, it may a good idea to get a professional facial every 6 to 8 weeks for a more intensive cleanse. This process will keep your skin clear and balanced, and promote a more vibrant appearance.
While it’s important to continue wearing a mask during such uncertain times, it’s also critical to pay attention to your skin, and take steps to improve it daily. Consider using non-toxic skincare products like ours over at AnaK to get through our current masked phase.
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