5 Minute Read:
With more of us going back to work and leaving our homes, there is a new situation unfolding – acne breakouts from our masks! The world creatively dubbed this phenomenon “mask-ne.”
With masks still required, is there any way to be safe without breaking out? Yes! There are ways to reduce and manage your mask-ne breakouts. Continue reading for our favorite tips and tricks to keep the masks on and acne away!
LESS IS MORE
The first step is applying less makeup on your face. Makeup naturally clogs your pores creating acne if you’re not careful. Wearing makeup and a mask creates the perfect environment for mask-ne. Instead of wearing makeup, use this time to perfect your winged eye liner or bold eyebrow, and, as a result, you can feel confident at work without the risk of mask-ne. If you must apply makeup under the mask, practice a less-is-more application style and reduce your foundation usage. Your wallet will thank you.
At the end of the day, be sure and wash your face with a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type. If you don’t know what type of skin you have, I recommend checking out this blog by Jessica Griffiths from Dermstore. Griffiths deep dives into each skin type and what products are best to keep your skin healthy and glowing. For more in-depth instructions on how to keep yourself clean during COVID-19, check out the Mayo Clinic’s blog describing skin care tips during a pandemic.
KEEP YOUR SKIN SOFT
Pro Tip: invest in a moisturizer that’s easy and light on the skin. We recommend wearing a moisturizer that compliments your skin type and has sunscreen. To learn all about why sunscreen is important, read our “Benefits of Sunscreen Blog.” In addition, you can use a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation to hydrate your skin and look flawless. Alastin HydraTint Pro Moisturizer with SPF 36 works wonderfully and has an amazing universal tint that works with all skin tones.
WASH YOUR MASK
Above all, make sure to wash your face and mask to eliminate any bacteria. Washing eliminates the bacteria living in your mask, stopping it from transferring to your face. The CDC recommends that along with proper skin care, to wash your masks weekly depending on daily usage. For a detailed guide on mask washing, read this blog article on the CDC’s website describing multiple ways to wash your masks. I recommend hand washing with laundry detergent or washing your masks in a net bag in a washing machine on a gentle cycle.
If you are using disposable masks, make sure to not reuse them. Change them out frequently to avoid bacterial build up.
FACIALS AGAINST MASK-NE
In our office we offer many procedures and treatments that help prevent mask-ne. Hydrating facials are one of our favorite facials. It’s a quick and easy facial that everyone can benefit from. The treatment works by exfoliating your outermost layer of skin with water. That’s right water! The facial works by cleaning out your pores and exfoliating your skin leaving you with plump hydrated skin. Our Hydrating facial will help remove any build-up of bacteria in your pores to stop frequent breakouts.
In the end, having a good skincare routine can prepare your skin to fight mask-ne. If you’re worried a product might not be for you because of sensitive skin, spot test it on your arm before applying it to your face. Give us a call, or email to see how we can help you find a great pandemic skin care routine. We’re all in this together!
