Maskne! Chances are you have been wearing a mask, almost on a daily basis, for far too many hours over the past six months. By design, masks are meant to block, which in these Covid-19 times is always a good thing. But and it is a big but, what if breathing and sweating, along with rubbing, inside that mask creates a hot and humid environment? What if that very mask is blocking and trapping that build-up of bacteria with nowhere to go but your skin? This leads to breakouts on your nose, mouth, and chin, irritated skin, clogged up pores, and all manners of skin conditions such as dermatitis, both Contact, Perioral, and Seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, and folliculitis, as well as acne mechanica, more popularly known as Maskne, a skin condition brought on by endless hours of wearing masks.
What can you do about maskne? We tell you all about it!
- Change them regularly
Masks are a bit like underwear, you wouldn’t wear them for days on end but change them regularly. Nobody should have that build-up of dirt, oil, and sweat near their skin for too long.
- Wash your face
Before and after wearing a mask, try washing your face with a mild and gentle exfoliator that is oil, and fragrance-free.
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Maskne: avoid wearing make up. Moisturise
Use a lightweight moisturising cream that is water-based and fragrance-free. It will act as a protective barrier, prevent friction, and will keep your skin hydrated.
- Avoid makeup on nose, mouth & chin
Wearing makeup on your mask area, whether your nose, mouth, or skin will clog up your pores, and stain your mask. Having said that your eyes, whether it is your eyelids or eyelashes are still fair game.
- Grow out your beard or shave close to avoid infections of the hair follicles and skin inflammation.
Taking care of maskne doesn’t have to overly complicated. Just follow these simple recommendations, and say goodbye to your maskne.