With the Covid-19 pandemic, came the necessity and the new normal of wearing masks. It is crucial to wear a mask when you are around other people as it plays a vital role in reducing the spread of the COVID. But with wearing masks came a new form of skin anomaly, popularly known as maskne; and now everywhere you look, people are searching for ways to avoid maskne.

I thought I would be one of the lucky few to get a clean break from this maskne monster, but it seems the universe has different plans for me. Now I’m proudly (not so much) rocking acne on my lower half of the face, and I must admit that those little terrors are quite hard to get rid of.

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That said, I decided to find some ways from the experts on how to at least reduce or avoid maskne, if getting rid of it proves to be an uphill task. But first, what’s this maskne?

What is Maskne?

The term ‘’maskne’’ (mask + acne) is not always related to acne but to the side effects such as facial breakouts that are possibly caused by the use of masks use. Individuals who are no stranger to skin problems or who have more sensitive skin are more prone to maskne (like me). This is because wearing a mask for prolonged periods of time prevents your skin from getting proper oxygenation to breathe and heal.

Maskne appearance varies from person to person depending on the type of skin they have. Individuals who might be more prone to experience face mask related rashes and bumps include those who are already living with skin issues such as:

Acne
Rosacea
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis
Allergies
Sensitivity to dry or humid air

Moving on, there are several ways of preventing some of these skin problems caused by maskne while keeping your skin healthy and fresh as you protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

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Avoid Maskne by Following These Tips

Maskne skincare routine

Using gentle, mild soaps and water for your face and a good, bland moisturizer for the nighttime can go a long way in preventing breakouts. Avoid scented or antibacterial soaps. Using a spray or barrier cream such as petroleum jelly or zinc oxide can prevent skin irritation in a raw, irritated, sore skin due to a warm or wet environment.

Avoiding unnecessary makeup or makeup in general – if you’ll be spending time in a mask – can prevent maskne. Besides, no one will be able to see your lower half face anyway. Piece of advice focus on eye makeup if you have to.

Always wear a clean mask

Always ensure the mask you are using is clean so as to prevent breakouts and avoid maskne. If you are using a mask made of fabric, it is important to clean it on a daily basis. If your preferred mask is the disposable one, change it throughout the day or at least daily. Doing this reduces the chance of dirt and oil building up on your pretty face and clogging your pores.

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Using a clean mask helps in maintaining healthy skin and keep your face clear of blemishes.

Wear the right mask and make sure it fits properly

The right mask should have the following characteristics:

Should fit comfortably
Be made of at least two fabric layers
Natural, soft and breathable fabric such as cotton on the inside layer that usually rests against your skin.

Ensure that the mask fits your face properly and covers your mouth and nose. Your mask should not be too tight or gap excessively either.

A mask with a bendable bridge of the nose can keep it from fogging up your glasses and also ensure a good fit.

Take a 15-minute break every four hours

Taking a 15-minute break every four hours to let your skin breathe helps in saving your skin. But make sure to wash your hands first before removing your mask. And of course, you should only remove your mask in safe places such as inside your car, at home or outdoors but while staying six feet away from other people.

That said and done, have you had your encounter with any mask-related breakouts yet? If not, what is your secret to avoiding maskne? Feel free to share in the comments…