For several months now, wearing a mask has become a staple in everyone’s wardrobe, whether they like it or not. Even though these masks are necessary to provide a layer of protection from the germs around us, they don’t do great things for the skin, causing irritation, clogged pores, and flares of acne, which is now commonly referred to as “maskne”. Read on for 6 tips to prevent mask acne brought to you by Premier Dermatology.
- Always wash your face first: Be sure to start with a fresh face before you begin wearing your mask for the day to avoid dirt and oil that can cause breakouts from getting trapped underneath. Choose a gentle cleanser that is fragrance-free and oil-free. Rinse with lukewarm water, not hot. Avoid scraping or rubbing the skin.
- Apply a good moisturizer: You want to always apply a moisturizer immediately after washing your face. Moisturizer keeps your skin hydrated and acts like a barrier to friction from your mask. Choose one that is also fragrance-free and oil-free, look for protective ingredients like ceramide and hyaluronic acid, and avoid heavy products that can clog your skin and make you break out.
- Don’t wear makeup when wearing a mask: Beneath a mask, makeup is more likely to clog your pores and lead to breakouts. If makeup is necessary, use only products labeled non-comedogenic or oil-free. Also, residue from makeup can soil your mask fabric.
- Wear the right mask: Your mask should have a snug, comfortable fit to reduce skin issues. If the mask feels too tight or slides around on your face, it can irritate your skin, making you more likely to adjust it, which will transfer germs to your face each time you touch the mask with dirty hands. The fabric is also important – Avoid synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, polyester, and rayon. These are more likely to irritate your skin and cause breakouts.
- Wear only clean masks: Premier Dermatology recommends keeping a rotation of clean masks on hand and washing them after every use in fragrance-free laundry detergent. Paper surgical masks should be disposed of after a full day of use.
- Take mask breaks when you can: After washing your hands and finding a safe place six feet away from other people, take approximately a 15-minute mask break every 4 hours or so. This will give you and your skin a breath of fresh air.
Premier Dermatology
For the past three decades Premier Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery has been Delaware’s practice of choice in the skin and aesthetic services. Our goal is to address all of your skincare needs under one roof by integrating medical, cosmetic, surgical and aesthetic expertise with the highest standards of care and compassion. Visit our website to learn more about preventing skin issues and acne from wearing a mask, as well as the services we offer to keep your skin looking and feeling as healthy as possible. We can’t wait to work with you!
