Rock with these 7 easy tips to fight ‘Maskne’ or Mask Acne this Summer

Wearing masks for longer periods of time can lead to breakouts, excess oil production, and even bacteria growth on your face.

Published:13th May, 2021 at 5:46 PM

No one could have predicted that masks would become our new "custom" in just a few months a year and a half ago. Wearing a mask to avoid the spread of coronavirus is now as common as grabbing your keys and wallet before leaving the house, if not more so, due to the pandemic.

Although masks are an effective way to avoid contracting or transmitting coronavirus, they do have an effect on your skin. Wearing them for longer periods of time can lead to breakouts, excess oil production, and even bacteria growth on your face. Chafing from masks can be incredibly unpleasant and make you feel self-conscious about your appearance.

Also Read: Viral video of Butter Chicken Cake leaves netizens astonished

What is 'Maskne' and how can it be avoided?
Maskne is a term that refers to acne, pimples, breakouts, and other skin irritations that occur as a result of wearing a face mask. When sweat, oil, and bacteria become stuck on your skin while wearing a mask, a perfect breeding ground for breakouts is created. Maskne is a small price to pay in order to survive these days, but there should be a way to avoid them, right? Yes, there are a few things you can do to avoid it.

Select the appropriate fabric for your mask:

Always use a fresh mask
Wearing a clean mask is one of the most important ways to protect yourself from maskne. Wearing new, clean masks reduces the amount of time your skin comes into contact with a discarded mask, which may contain oils and dirt. It will aid in the prevention of bacteria being reintroduced into your skin. If you're using a disposable mask, be sure to replace it every so often. If you use a cloth mask more often, make sure to wash it frequently with unscented hypoallergenic detergents to avoid transferring contaminants onto your skin. Masks worn during workouts should be removed as soon as the exercise is over and replaced with a new mask.

Keep your hands away from your face:
Avoid touching your face or picking at your mask, as this can easily move oil and dirt from your hands to your face, clogging pores and causing breakouts. Touching your face is very normal practice, making it a more difficult temptation to avoid. However, please refrain from picking at your mask, as this can result in scarring in the long run.

Also Read: 5 must have intimate products in every woman's emergency kit

Using a gentle cleanser to wash your face on a daily basis:
The accumulation of oil and dirt in your pores as a result of wearing the same mask for prolonged periods of time is a significant cause of skin breakouts. Always use a new, clean mask, and wash your face twice a day without fail. To avoid adding more friction and irritation to your skin, use gentle cleansers.

Use a moisturiser as a ‘barrier'
Moisturiser is important for keeping your skin healthy and free of impurities. Find a light moisturiser that matches your skin type and apply it every day after washing your face to create a barrier against the mask's friction. When selecting a moisturiser, keep the following in mind:
* Moisturiser with a gel base for 'oily skin'
* Lotion for 'normal skin'
* Moisturiser with a cream base for 'dry skin'

Say no to makeup
To treat your maskne, you should avoid wearing makeup. Heavy makeup, such as foundation and concealer, clog pores and trigger breakouts. If you really must wear makeup, look for non-comedogenic ingredients that won't clog your pores and leave your skin looking bumpy.

Make an appointment with a dermatologist
If your acne persists after you've followed all of the above measures, it's quite possible that the mask isn't the source of your breakouts. As a result, you may seek the advice of a dermatologist in this situation. They will assist you in pinpointing the precise issue and will even make treatment recommendations. In such situations, wearing a mask is unavoidable, but maskne avoidance isn't impossible. Many of your mask-related issues could be solved with the right skincare regimen for your skin and dermatologist consultations. Following these measures will help you avoid acne and keep your skin safe and happy to a large degree.

SCROLL FOR NEXT