Face masks have become a part of our everyday life, but with a new normal also comes a new set of challenges. By wearing face masks for prolonged periods of time, some of us have discovered an unwelcome side effect that is "maskne" – the acne and breakouts caused by wearing a mask day in and day out.
The reason behind it is because your breath is trapped beneath the mask, making your skin surface warm and moist. Add in Singapore’s heat and humidity and you’ve got yourself a hotbed for breakouts! So how do we to avoid maskne?
Consider your mask’s material
For people with sensitive skin, cotton layers would be the best option. Surgical masks are made from non-woven fabrics such as polypropylene, which is essentially a plastic, and formaldehyde may be produced during its production. This ingredient in surgical masks may likely be the source of irritation after wearing these masks for prolonged hours!
Wash your mask
This goes without saying, but if you're wearing a reusable mask, make sure to wash it everyday to prevent bacteria build-up. Any mild soap or detergent will work and make a huge difference! Have two reusable masks so you can wear one and have the other dry out. And of course if you're using medical masks, make sure not to reuse these and wear a new one everyday.
Cleanse your face before and after wearing your mask
The thorough removal of oil, dirt, and bacteria from the skin before and after wearing a mask plays a big part in reducing the risk for maskne. Use a gentle cleanser that’s soap free, fragrance free and oil free and rinse with lukewarm water. Avoid anything harsh that will strip the skin of its natural barrier!
Use products with salicylic acid
As well as keeping both your face and mask clean, using products that contain salicylic acid can also help prevent and treat maskne. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid, which helps to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, unclog pores and keep them clean, as well as prevent the build-up of dirt and oil.
Apply retinol at night
Another skincare ingredient that help your skin fight maskne is retinol. Using a retinol product at night a few times each week will help increase cell turnover and decrease dead skin accumulation, which is great for folks experiencing more comedonal acne such as whiteheads and blackheads.
Some things to take note: use retinol only in your nighttime skincare routine, as retinoids break down in sunlight, rendering them less effective. And if you want to integrate both retinol and salicylic acid into your skincare routine, do note that they are best used separately otherwise they may cause dryness and skin irritation! You can choose to use your salicylic acid products in the morning and retinol in the night, or alternating them to use on each day.
Break up with makeup
If you're suffering from maskne, you may be tempted to use makeup to cover it up. But heavy products such as concealers and foundations can further clog pores and make maskne harder to treat. Try not to wear makeup under your face mask, or if you must, opt for lightweight mineral makeup that applies with a powder or kabuki brush.