Maskne…it’s a thing
I know it sounds like I made it up, but “maskne” (acne and irritation from wearing a mask) is a real thing. Masks can heighten skin issues that already exist and they can also cause new skin problems. Add in the summer heat and humidity and “yikes, we have a problem”. Most people are being hit with the same type of acne as, say, a football player might get where the helmet rubs. The good news is that there are several ways to take control of your mask wearing and not only protect yourself but also stop irritation in its tracks.
Kind of Mask
First and foremost, consider the kind of mask you are wearing. I prefer a soft fabric that is washable. Many dermatologists are recommending 100% cotton face masks. The one I like is (and I’ve bought three from this company) come from KES, a dress manufacturer, that has added face masks to their line. These masks are clever - they don’t hurt the ears, are made from soft, sustainable material, washable, and for each one you buy, KES donates one to a healthcare professional. They are also beautiful and come in many colors. I purchased several plain black ones for my husband.
Cleanliness is next to…
Keep your mask clean! Wash your masks frequently. I treat mine like my satin pillow case covers. I put them in a “delicates” wash bag, use a delicates detergent, throw them in the machine, and let them line dry. You can also hand-wash your masks too.
Don’t Be An Underbuyer
Buy more than one. Don’t skimp here. Put one in each car if you have a car(s), one by the door you usually leave from, and one in a clean plastic bag in your purse. That way you will always have one at the ready.
Practice Smart Skincare
Smarten up the skincare routine. I’ve got several ideas here, depending on what you are dealing with…:
Redness and Irritation To The Skin: Moisturizer is key here. Use a gentle one that won’t exacerbate the redness already. I like this one, and this one. Use it frequently… you don’t have to wait until the end of the day! As far as cleansers go, a gentle soft one, but that still is effective (to take of dirt, grime, sweat and natural oils), is the way to go. If you are really irritated, start with gentle wipes like these. Once the redness recedes, step up to a gentle cleanser like this one or this one, winner of Allure’s “Best of Beauty” in 2017.
Acne: This might be the one time that you’ll hear me recommend a “spot treatment”. Usually acne on the face has been forming for weeks, so dermatologists now agree that applying a treatment all over the face is the best way to keep typical acne at bay. But maskne may be different. Here it’s from irritation most likely, so spot treating is the way to start at least. Try products like this one, or this one, which contain 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide in tandem with a boosting gel so you get a stronger effect. I also love the idea of face mask (no pun intended!) to treat maskne. This clarifying face mask is perfect for the job, and can be substituted for your cleansing routine three times a week. (A New Beauty 2020 Winner). As usual, follow the directions on the product you choose. You still have to contend with a Covid preventative face mask every day, so be in it for the long game here.
Makeup Breakup: As much as it kills me to say, less makeup is more here. You really should not wear makeup underneath a face mask. It is just going to exacerbate any issues you are already facing. Personally I am wearing makeup for Zoom client calls or important volunteer calls where I want to look my best. I am using a tinted powder as my foundation, like this one or this one (use the discount code LizBabb-LBD at checkout for a 5% discount). My skin looks less shiny on the video monitor and if I do have to run out and use a face mask, I know the makeup product won’t absorb in to my skin as fast as a tinted moisturizer or liquid foundation will and thus hopefully not lead to a break out.