Top Tips on Tackling “Maskne”

With COVID-19 changing the way we work, socialise, and live, it seems face masks have become the new norm for our world. To prevent the spread of coronavirus, face masks have been a compulsory accessory on public transport and in the majority of public places since July.

Despite its protective purpose, it’s certainly become reliable for giving people spots and unhealthy skin after wearing them for too long. The structure of the mask is purposefully tight to help prevent the spread of the virus, but loose enough to allow us to breathe comfortably. But due to this, you are naturally taking in less oxygen and building up carbon dioxide as you breathe out. The trapped breath combined with the sweat and oil that gathers under the mask can clog pores - leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.

Wearing a mask all day can lead to dirt gathering on the skin's surface. So I guess the question is… What can you do about it?

1. Use an efficient mask

Unfortunately, you can’t just not wear a mask, as your health should definitely make priority over your appearance. It’s important that you make sure your mask fits your face but is loose enough to remain breathable and less irritating to the skin. If you are suffering from maskne, the material of your mask could be a playing factor. The disposable ones every one wears is quick, cheap, and easy to buy, but you (and the environment) is much better off with reusable masks made of cotton or washable silk. These naturally soft materials will be less irritant on your sensitive skin which should help prevent any dirt from rubbing into your complexion.

2. Turn your skincare up a notch

If your skin is already prone to inflammation and spot breakouts, wearing a mask every day can be enough to encourage these problems. To prevent this (or at least ease it), a number of dermatologists and skin care professionals have recommended investing more time and money into your daily routine while masks are compulsory. The two points of the day where your skin is most vulnerable and in need of some skincare is as soon as you wake up and when you are about to go to bed. Double cleansing your skin morning and night is well-known for keeping your skin clean and well looked after in general, as well as helping you prevent maskne.

Owner of JustMegan beauty blogger, Megan, has been trying a number of products from the Bharti Vyas holistic skincare range. “I’ve really enjoyed using their Face & Neck Polisher, which contains therapeutic, natural ingredients as well as walnut shavings, to refine and tone my skin. This has been a big help in keeping my complexion even and soft, and I would definitely recommend it to someone suffering from irritation from wearing masks too often.”

3. Keep hydrated

Drinking a healthy amount of water every day is one of the primary ways to prevent acne by promoting proper, natural skin hydration. Keeping your skin hydrated is paramount if you want to stop breakouts, as dry skin triggers excess production of oil which will build up into your pores and cause these infectious spots. Try drinking an efficient amount of water every day to help keep hydrated.

Another way of keeping your skin hydrated is by investing in some moisturising products. This includes a moisturising cleanser, face wash, face mask, and moisturiser. Products formulated with hyaluronic acid can help with premature aging and maintain a stronger skin barrier during application.

4. Keep your mask clean

If you have a reusable face mask or covering, it’s imperative that you make sure it is cleaned regularly, to get rid of that build-up of sweat, oil, and moisture breath after use. The confined space you breathe in will warm up and build a clutter of dirt underneath the mask. Your skin will begin to suffocate more and create a wonderful home for bacteria to be produced and grow… Gross, right?

Right. Definitely consider the condition of your mask after each use. It might be worth buying a few masks so you don’t have to wait for one to be washed before you can leave the house. However, our skin is also not used to having washing detergents this close to our face, so maybe opt for a gentle fragrance or a laundry substance that is designed to satisfy sensitive skin.

5. Try some anti-oxidants

Anti-oxidants come with many benefits. From reducing the risk of a number of diseases and preventing or reducing the damage to your skin and body caused by oxidation. Relevantly, the places you are most likely to come into contact with harmful pollutants is on public transport and in busy public places, including work environments and shopping centers. And obviously, this is where we are most likely to wear our masks for a significant amount of time, trapping in the oxidation and causing problems to your skin and potential health.

To keep your skin nice and healthy during these inconvenient situations, try to include some anti-oxidant skincare products into your daily regime to protect it from bacteria and harmful pollutants, as well as repairing any damaged cells from wearing the mask.

If you already have antioxidants included in your skincare regime and you want to boost it, even more, you can also adjust your diet to include food and drinks that are high in antioxidants. This includes:

- Dark chocolate

- Blueberries

- Strawberries

- Kale

- Green Tea

- Spinach

- Coffee

- Grapes

- Oregano

- Peppermint

- Sage.

And there we go! Follow the tips above to tackle the spots and blemishes caused by our relatively new and essential accessory, the face mask.


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About JustMegan

Cambridgeshire Columnist from Buzz Studios. Junior Editor for What's The Buzz Magazine.