How to Deal With Maskne

Wearing a protective face mask has become an essential part of our daily activities to keep ourselves and others healthy. However, this new accessory has many of my clients noticing some changes in their skin. While a protective face mask must be worn, for the time being, your skin doesn’t have to suffer. Here are a few tips to prevent and treat breakouts, irritation, and sensitivity.

Why your mask is causing you to breakout

Wearing a mask for an extended time creates a suitable environment for acne-causing bacteria that often leads to flare-ups of rosacea. This becomes more apparent and problematic when you’re wearing your mask at the gym, outside, or wherever the job calls for you to wear a mask for a lengthy period. The type of mask you wear can also affect your skin because you may be sensitive to various types of fabrics.

Before wearing your mask

Do a gentle cleanse using a low foaming facial cleanser. Then apply an alcohol-free toner to balance the skin and control oil production. You may think that wearing a mask reduces the need to wear sunscreen protection; but, this certainly is not true. UV rays can still penetrate through some light fabrics. Be sure to wear a matte SPF to protect your skin and prevent unwanted tan lines from your mask. If possible, try to avoid wearing heavy makeup foundations that can potentially clog your pores and increase oils on the skin.

Once you finish your morning skincare routine, make sure your mask is clean before putting it on. It is a good idea to keep an extra mask on hand to change in the middle of the day. This will help prevent excessive moisture buildup on your face. Simple soap and warm water will do to hand wash your masks and just let them air dry. Of course, a disposable mask is an option, but let us do our part for our environment.

After wearing your mask

As you begin to wind down the day, and you are done wearing your mask, remember to practice your evening skincare regimen. However, wash your hands completely with hand soap before touching your face. Begin by thoroughly cleansing your skin with a low foaming cleanser. Then use a gentle exfoliation cleanser. Treat existing breakouts with a spot treatment or serum to fight acne-causing bacteria and increase healthy skin cell turnover. Finish with an application of a lightweight oil-free moisturizer.

If you are experiencing redness and sensitivity due to a rosacea flare-up, cleanse your skin using a gentle skin-soothing cream cleanser. Avoid using harsh exfoliating products like facial scrubs or abrasive cleaning brushes.

Bring some calmness to your skin with a hydrating cream mask or cooling gel mask. You may want to elevate this experience with a cooling effect by keeping your facial mask product in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. Finish your skincare regimen with a healing moisturizer with skin-repairing antioxidant ingredients and redness relieving Niacinamide.

For more expert skin care and wellness tips, check out the blog.  Also, be sure to sign up for the e-newsletter, follow Beauty & Twine on Instagram and join the  Facebook  page.

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