Maskne is a pimple (or pimples) located in areas where your mask comes in contact with your face. It occurs when sweat, oil and bacteria are trapped against your skin while wearing a mask, creating the ideal breeding ground for breakouts.
Another cause might be friction. When the mask rubs against your skin, it can lead to to chafing and irritation. This can be especially exasperating for those with sensitive skin.
We have to wear a mask in order to protect ourselves and others from Covid, but we don't have to put up with maskne and here are a few tips to help get rid of it:
Choose the right mask for you
First things first! Avoid masks made of irritating fabrics like nylon or rayon.
Try wearing a face mask that:
- fits snugly, but not too tight
- has two or more layers of fabric
- is made of natural, soft fabric (like cotton)
Remove your mask every 4 hours
The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends removing your mask for 15 minutes every 4 hours. This will help give your skin some much needed rest from being concealed all day.
Of course, only remove your mask when lawful and when you can practice social distancing. Don't forget to wash your hands each time before removing your mask.
Wash your face more often
Try washing your face morning and night with a gentle cleanser. After sweating or wearing a mask, rinse with water throughout the day.
Wash with cool or lukewarm water. Avoid rubbing your skin as much as possible. Instead, pat dry to avoid irritation.
Don't skip the moisturizer
Apply moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Use a noncomedogenic product to prevent clogged pores.
Do skip the makeup
Give your skin a break from foundation, concealer, and any other products that could potentially clog pores.
Wash fabric masks after every use
Try using an unscented hypoallergenic laundry detergent to wash fabric masks and never reuse a fabric mask without washing. If it's a disposable mask, toss it after each use.
Check with your doctor
If nothing seems to be working, your dermatologist or healthcare provider may recommend applying hydrocortisone or a topical antibiotic cream or gel on your skin before putting on your face mask.
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These masks have been irritating my skin. Thanks for sharing!