FACE MASK ACNE: HOW TO PREVENT & TREAT IT

It’s belligerently hot and humid, but we still have to protect ourselves and our loved ones from Covid19, which is why we’re wearing masks. And because I didn’t already have enough skin problems to combat in this season, unfortunately wearing a mask is adding more to my worries.Thank you, face mask acne.

Face mask acne or Maskne is a world wide problem and these pesky breakouts are getting out of control. But you can’t entirely blame the mask for it. Clogged pores, makeup, bacteria, dirt – are all causes for acne so when you wear a mask on top, it becomes a breeding ground for everything to pop up. So I googled it, looking for a preventive measure to treat this issue. I did find some easy tips and have been following them for a week now. The remedies aren’t instant, however I do see a huge difference on my skin.

ps. we aren’t going to make any medicinal recommendations for treating Maskne.

A GOOD SKIN CARE ROUTINE

Yes, the most obvious one. If you aren’t regularly cleansing, moisturizing and exfoliating your face that hides behind the mask, then you are allowing clogged pores, bacteria, makeup, dead skin cells, gunk to shed. And SUNSCREEN. Please wear a good sunscreen. I would personally recommend the Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 100+ and is easily available at all the leading stores in Pakistan.

Cleanse. Tone. Moisturize.

Here’s a DIY toner according to your skin type.

MASK-WEARING HYGIENE

Let’s face it, we aren’t going to stop wearing masks anytime soon, so you will need to practice a good mask-wearing hygienic routine.

1. wearing a mask that’s made with a soft fabric and one that allows you and your skin to breath, preferably cotton in this weather. Khaadi, Sana Safinaz, Generations, and several online brands are selling cloth masks
2. choose the right make up underneath your mask that’ll help reduce the breakouts. say no to foundation and layers of anything that will clog those pores. I personally don’t wear any makeup underneath my face mask
3. moisturizing before wearing a face mask helps avoid friction. I have dry skin, so I face this issue a lot. So I moisturize my face before and after wearing a mask.
4. Use a gentle facial cleanser to wash your face. Nothing harsh and peeling that will irritate your skin.
5. DON’T FORGET TO WASH YOUR FACE MASK. Use luke warm water and gentle detergent/fabric softener that doesn’t irritate your skin otherwise you can welcome contact dermatitis (which is more than common)

Note: Moreover, if you have a chronic skin condition like cystic acne or eczema, please get in touch with your dermatologist and continue with your treatment plan. The face mask will probably instigate your skin condition even more.