How to Solve Your Maskne Problems

Masks are a daily accessory for most of us now, and along the way some of you may have started to notice that the area that your mask covers has developed more breakouts. Although masks help provide protection against the virus, they can also cause your skin to become irritated. Keep reading to learn some tips on how to avoid and how to get rid of “maskne.”

How to Avoid Maskne

1. Wash and moisturize your face regularly: Trapping the dirt and oils on your skin underneath a mask is one of the easiest ways to cause a breakout. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and avoid scrubbing the skin harshly. Apply a good moisturizer to act as a barrier for your skin, but don’t use something too heavy that may clog your pores. 
2. Skip the makeup: Not only does makeup get your mask dirty, but it can also become trapped by your mask which can lead to more clogging and breakouts. I recommend focusing on your eyes and eyebrows if you still want to use some makeup, this way the mask doesn’t interfere. 
3. Wear clean masks: It’s important to wash your cloth masks after each use because dirt and oil from your skin, along with bacteria, can end up on your mask. Try to avoid wearing surgical masks more than once because there is not a proper way to clean them. 
4. Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face: The oils from your hands can be transferred to your skin which can cause irritation. Wash your hands as often as you can with soap and warm water, not only to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but to also protect your skin. 

How to Get Rid of Maskne

1. Exfoliate and moisturize: Using a gentle exfoliant once a week can help clear and dirt and oils from your pores. Hydrate with a good moisturizer to balance out your skin’s hydration levels. Be careful, you don’t want to use harsh products because it can cause more irritation. 
2. Spot treatments: Using a spot treatment can help target a problem spot and clear the skin up faster. Spot treatments containing salicylic acid, zinc or benzoyl peroxide are best. These treatments usually dry out the skin easily, so use them sparingly to help with blemishes. 

Nobody really knows when the COVID-19 pandemic will end, so we could be wearing masks for the foreseeable future. Using these tips and tricks can help provide relief for some of the skin problems caused by masks.