The Maskne Issue Is Real (and Our Top 3 Tips to Help)
Maskne — acne and irritation from wearing a mask; as if we needed one more thing to worry about. As we move around with our masks on deep in the throes of this (weird) new normal, we might not really be thinking the surgical mask as another minor inconvenience. Tropika Club knows that the maskne issue is real, so here are our top 3 tips to help.
Table of Contents
No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
- What is Maskne?: Maskne is a term that refers to acne or skin irritation caused by wearing a face mask for prolonged periods of time. It can affect anyone who wears a mask, especially those who work in healthcare or other essential services.
- How to prevent acne when wearing face masks: Tip 1: Find the Right Face Mask: The type of mask you wear can make a difference in preventing maskne. You should look for a mask that is made of breathable and soft fabric, such as cotton or silk, and that fits snugly but not too tightly on your face. You should also wash your mask frequently to remove any dirt, oil or bacteria that may accumulate on it.
- Tip 2: Get Minimal with Your Skincare: When wearing a mask, you should simplify your skincare routine and use gentle and non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores or irritate your skin. You should cleanse your face before and after wearing a mask, and apply a lightweight moisturizer to hydrate and protect your skin barrier. You should also avoid using harsh or abrasive products, such as exfoliators, toners or masks, that may strip your skin of its natural oils or cause inflammation.
- Tip 3: Go Easy on the Makeup: Wearing makeup under your mask can worsen maskne, as it can mix with your sweat and oil and create a breeding ground for bacteria. You should avoid wearing foundation, concealer, blush or bronzer under your mask, and opt for minimal or no makeup instead. If you do wear makeup, you should choose products that are oil-free, water-based and non-comedogenic, and remove them thoroughly at the end of the day.
- What You Can Do to Treat Maskne: If you already have maskne, you should treat it with care and patience. You should avoid picking or popping your pimples, as this can lead to scarring or infection. You should also use spot treatments that contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil, which can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. However, you should be careful not to overuse these products, as they can dry out or irritate your skin. If your maskne is severe or persistent, you should consult a dermatologist who can prescribe you medications or treatments that suit your skin condition.
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What is Maskne?
The rubbing of the masks against our skin can cause micro-tears, allowing bacteria and dirt to clog up our pores. It certainly doesn’t help that surgical masks are designed to block things out. So, everything in the surgical mask stays within it too. As we breathe with the mask, the environment inside the mask becomes hot and moist. And the sweat, oil, and bacteria will start to accumulate.
All this points to an inevitable disaster — your skin barrier is now damaged. It causes skin issues as your skin becomes more susceptible to the irritating effects of wearing a mask for an extended period.
This is a global affliction. there’s a research letter reporting that at least 83 per cent of healthcare workers in Hubei, China, suffered skin problems on the face, and doctors have been reporting an increase in acne flare-ups in people outside of health care as well. Major South Korean beauty brands Dr. Jart+ and Peach & Lily are even listing collections of “maskne essentials” on their online stores.
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How to prevent acne when wearing face masks:
Tip #1: Find the Right Face Mask
Balancing between protection from the coronavirus and preventing skin irritation is key to finding a face mask that works for you. If you’re not a healthcare or frontline worker, you have the luxury of wearing a mask made from a lighter material, though its best to avoid synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, spandex, and wool.
Get face coverings made out of natural fibres, such as cotton, bamboo, or natural silk. That way you reduce the chance of skin irritation. A reusable cotton cloth mask is one of the best compromises out there since it lets your skin breathe will still offering some protection. However, you should clean it after you use it since bacteria and particles can build up on the mask, not to mention the sweat too.
Wearing masks needn’t be a chore. It could be another opportunity to make a bold, creative expression with face masks. You could never go wrong with these fashionable masks by local designers.
Tip #2: Get Minimal with Your Skincare
A clean mask can only go so far. Stick with gentler products for now: hydrating toners, light serums, gel moisturisers, and sunscreens. Avoid harsh scrubs, thick creams, and heavy-duty exfoliant. They tend to congest the skin’s pores, especially if you have sensitive skin, and the mask will intensify the skin’s absorption of products too. Though sunscreen is still a must.
Instead, go for a gentle cleanse, even if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Depending on your skin condition, you can get facial cleansers with ingredients that soothe the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, aloe, and niacinamide for your skincare routine. If you want to wear a mask after applying products, remember to wait at least five minutes so your skin fully absorbs the products. If you want to treat your breakouts, try an over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide treatment with a 2.5 or 5 per cent concentration, not 10 per cent, and apply only on the spots.
Tip #3: Go Easy on the Makeup
Again, think simple! The fewer products you use for your makeup the better. Ideally, you’d want to avoid makeup on the areas covered by your mask. If you still want something on, wear foundations with lightweight formulas and then blot your skin to gently remove the top layer that’d otherwise be rubbed off and onto your mask. Or, you could try oil-free makeup primers to reduce friction from the mask.
But, nowadays there’s even smudge-proof makeup to wear under your mask. And you needn’t be entirely minimalist. Let this be an opportunity to show off the windows to your soul.
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What You Can Do to Treat Maskne
Don’t panic if you have it! You have to take extra care since some acne treatments have products with inflammatory properties. Refrain from squeezing or popping your pimples, you could risk worsening your inflamed skin.
To treat your breakouts, try an over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide treatment with a 2.5 or 5 per cent concentration, not 10 per cent, and apply only on the spots. You can try products with salicylic acid.
You might have a rash on your face with constant itchiness. It could mean that your skin could have contact dermatitis from the dye or the rubber parts of your cloth masks. Some fabric could release formaldehyde as well, which is a skin irritant. Though hydrocortisone can help treat contact dermatitis, do consult a certified dermatologist for treatment.
If it persists, stress could be behind the outbreak of acne. As much we love comfort food, it’s time to have it in moderation. After all, there’s evidence that chocolate, dairy, and other sugary (high-glycemic) foods cause acne. So get that carton of almond milk and that box of grapes in your next trip to the supermakret. If all else fails, at least your clothe mask can cover up the issue.
Conclusion
We hope you found this article helpful and informative. Maskne is a real and common problem that many people face nowadays, especially during the pandemic. But don’t worry, you’re not alone and there are ways to prevent and treat it. By following our tips, you can keep your skin healthy and happy under your mask. Remember to choose a comfortable and clean mask, keep your skincare simple and gentle, and skip the makeup when possible. And if you need more help, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice from a dermatologist.
At Tropika Club Magazine, we care about your skin and your well-being. That’s why we offer you the best tips, tricks and deals on beauty, wellness and lifestyle. Stay tuned for more articles like this, and don’t forget to check out our website for the latest promotions and discounts on your favourite services. Thank you for reading and stay safe!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is maskne?
A: Maskne is a term that refers to acne or skin irritation caused by wearing a face mask for prolonged periods of time. It can affect anyone who wears a mask, especially those who work in healthcare or other essential services.
Q: What causes maskne?
A: Maskne happens because the mask creates a humid and warm environment that clogs the pores and disrupts the skin barrier, leading to inflammation and infection. It can also be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or existing skin conditions.
Q: How can I prevent maskne?
A: To prevent maskne, you should follow these tips:
- Choose a breathable and comfortable mask, such as cotton or silk, and wash it regularly.
- Cleanse and moisturize your skin before and after wearing the mask, using gentle and non-comedogenic products.
- Avoid wearing makeup under the mask, as it can mix with your sweat and oil and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Change your mask whenever it gets damp or dirty, and avoid touching your face or adjusting your mask unnecessarily.
Q: How can I treat maskne?
A: To treat maskne, you should follow these steps:
- Use spot treatments that contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil, which can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. However, be careful not to overuse these products, as they can dry out or irritate your skin.
- Avoid picking or popping your pimples, as this can lead to scarring or infection.
- Consult a dermatologist if your maskne is severe or persistent, as they can prescribe you medications or treatments that suit your skin condition.
Q: Where can I find the best facials for maskne in Singapore?
A: If you are looking for the best facials for maskne in Singapore, you can check out our website for the latest promotions and discounts on your favourite services. We have curated a list of the best maskne facials in Singapore that will help soothe and repair your blotchy, irritated skin. Some of the facials we recommend are:
- My Cozy Room’s Award-Winning Premium Anti-Acne LED Facial
- Skin Lab 360’s Acne Clearing Facial
- Wellaholic’s Microneedling with Afterglow
- Porcelain’s Proionic Facial
- SkinGO!’s Deep Cleansing Facial
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