Maskne
So, do not panic! Let's consider why these breakouts are happening and see what we can do about them.
Firstly, wash and change your masks.
Super simple but super effective. If you're not switching and washing your masks regularly, the bacteria on them will continue to grow and continue to seep into your skin every time you put them on again. Be careful with your washing powders/liquids though - anything too harsh could be too much for the delicate skin on your face and actually be another cause of breakouts. There's a bit of trial and error involved here but generally one that is extra gentle and fragrance free is a good place to begin. Disposable surgical masks seem to be the most breathable for your skin but obviously they're a bit costly (and as single use they're not the most environmentally friendly). It's worth going for 100% cotton masks. These are breathable, easily washable and will still effectively protect those around you. If you're going to be wearing a mask for an extended period, such as your working day, it's a good idea to change it a couple of times throughout the day too, so treat yourself to a few pretty ones. Don't give the bacteria a chance to keep building up and up! Equally, make sure your mask actually fits! If it's too tight it's going to dig into and chafe your already delicate skin.
Another tip - which is much easier said than done - is stop touching your mask! The more you fiddle, adjust and push your mask into your face, the more you're spreading any bacteria around your skin. Also, take your mask off when you have the opportunity - expose your skin to some fresh air and give it a little breather. The American Association of Dermatology recommends removing your mask for 15 minutes every 4 hours, as long as social distancing can be maintained.
Now, I know the above won't solve the issue but these little efforts will help to reduce the resulting spots. What we're dealing with is the heat, friction and moisture inflicted on your face while wearing a mask. These all contribute to maskne breakouts. As you breathe out you generate moisture and, with a mask on, this moisture (and any bacteria) has nowhere to go but back on to and into your skin. With this happening your pores are so much more likely to get blocked with sweat, dirt and oil, developing into nasty spots. Let's go back to basics to start dealing with this:
Wash your face.
Twice a day, every day. In an ideal world you'd wash your face before you put your mask on and just after you take it off, but I know that's not necessarily possible! I know it'd be nice to stay in a bed a little longer...and sometimes you just want to collapse into bed at the end of the day but it doesn't take long to wash your face and it's so worth it. If you really are wearing a mask a lot then try and use a cleanser that's oil free. All that heat and friction actually dries out the skin which makes it panic and produce more natural oil, so you don't want to add too much more into the mix. If your skin is already oily, a good ingredient to look for in a cleanser is salicyclic acid - this will help remove excess oil and dead skin, essential in preventing those pores getting blocked. Use lukewarm water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
Don't skip your toner.
Toners are fab for dealing with any dirt and oil your cleanser may have missed. They also help to tighten those pores that we're trying to clear. The smaller and tighter the pores, the less grime getting trapped in there so don't miss this step!
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
I'm mainly talking about skincare here but don't underestimate the importance of drinking water either - when that mask is off make yourself have a gulp! Skincare wise make sure your products are going to hydrate your skin. Hyaluronic acid is a super ingredient to look for, I think of it as a drink for your skin. It basically replenishes any lost moisture deep within the skin and then holds on to moisture in the cell. This makes for happy, plump, hydrated skin (obviously spots are what we're focusing on here but that plumping result of hyaluronic acid is ace for fine lines and wrinkles too 😉). Make sure you use this after cleansing but before anything else as it's molecularly teeeeeny tiny, and then lock it in with a non-comedogenic hydrating moisturiser. I use SeneGence Climate Control under my moisturiser to get this deep hydration and I love it.
Don't over exfoliate.
Exfoliation is great for getting rid of dead skin cells and unblocking pores but too much exfoliation can damage the skin's natural barrier. This barrier protects the skin and helps to prevent moisture loss so damaging it will just make your skin more dehydrated. This is exactly what we don't want! Mask wearing already dehydrates your skin whether you're an oily, combination, normal dry or sensitive skin type. Tread cautiously here and don't exfoliate more than once or twice a week.
Give your skin some TLC with a treatment mask.
I'm currently using Temple Spa's Purification, Deep Cleansing Mask and SeneGence's Detoxifying & Moisturising Mask. Both of these are perfect for targeting those pores and drawing out impurities.
Now, this last one pains me a bit to say but...avoid makeup.
Gah! We all know I love makeup and I am rubbish at following this piece of advice but if you know you're going to be wearing your mask for a while then do try to avoid it. Even if you only avoid the mask covered area and focus on super duper eyes and lashes! Even the best makeup in the world will block your pores if it's trapped under your mask in a humid area for ages! Oh, and any makeup you do wear - REMOVE IT AT THE END OF THE DAY. I can't stress that enough!
As it's friday I'm off to treat my skin to a lovely face mask (of the non PPE variety) and treat myself to a glass of something yummy.
As annoying as maskne is, it's essential to keep wearing a face mask when we're supposed to. Summer is just around the corner and I really want to see my friends - spots or no spots!
Lots of love,
Clare xx
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