Wearing face masks beginning to cause ‘maskne’

Maskne (mask + acne) is acne formed in areas due to friction, pressure, stretching, rubbing or occlusion; is triggered by pores being blocked by sweat, oil, and makeup. Prior to the pandemic, this form of facial irritation was primarily experienced by athletes, “commonly due to the sweat, heat, and friction in their helmets and straps.

Breathing for hours with the mask on, it creates humidity to a breeding ground for acne. The friction of the mask can also block and clog pores, leading to the formation of comedones or blackheads.

• Make sure your mask fits properly: An important part of wearing your mask properly is ensuring that it fits your face and covers both your nose and your mouth. To help avoid chafing, your face mask shouldn’t gap excessively. But it shouldn’t be too tight either.
• Keep your mask(s) clean: Disposable masks should not be reused for another day; In case you used your disposable mask for a few minutes entering a store make sure to disinfect it properly.
• Use gentle skin care products: Cleanse your skin twice a day with fingertips only. Do not use any instruments – no wash cloths. Then pat your face dry using a clean towel, avoid rubbing too harshly. Follow with light moisturizer.

1. Wash your face with products that are non-irritating and include sebo-purifying ingredients . We suggest Bioderma Sebium Cleansing Gel, 100ml and Uriage Hyseac Cleansing Gel, 150ml to help unclog the pores.
2. After cleansing your face you can treat any spots or blemishes that appear with Uriage Hyseac Sos Paste, 15ml as it acts right from the first night by accelerating the spot maturation process, causing it to disappear quickly.
3. For hydration, look for products that moisturize, mattify and tightens pores; like Uriage Hyseac Mat – Mattifying Care, 40ml.
4. You can also treat your face with a clay mask once or twice per week; this will help your skin absorb any excess sebum as it helps to refine the skin texture, from the same line we recommend Uriage Hyseac Purifying Mask, 50ml.

Wearing a mask these days is highly important. By wearing your mask, you protect others and show respect for them. And in return, when others wear theirs, they protect you and show respect towards you.

Source: Health.com