Wearing a face mask has been a part of our everyday routine in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. If you have noticed more breakouts than usual around your chin or cheek area, then it is most likely from wearing a mask so often. We shouldn’t stop wearing a mask, of course, but we can learn to prevent mask acne. Here are some ways to prevent maskne, also known as mask acne. 

Make sure to wash your face and moisturize

If you don’t wash your face before you wear a mask, then your skin will accumulate all that dirt and oil and cause your skin to breakout. We recommend using a gentle oil-free and fragrance-free cleanser. It’s important that you moisturize after you wash your face. Moisturizing can not only reduce dryness but it can also act as a barrier between your skin and your mask. Try looking for a moisturizer that has ceramides or hyaluronic acid. 

Wear the right type of mask

It’s important that you wear the right type of mask especially during times like this when it is crucial. Cotton masks are very gentle but highly effective. They offer a combination of breathability and protection. Many people use silk pillowcases to reduce friction and irritation against the skin. It’s the same thing for silk masks. Silk can be used as an antibacterial mask and it can also have stronger filtrations when used with multiple layers. It’s also good to have a few masks on hand so when you wash one of your masks, you can just grab another one.

Do not reuse surgical masks

Although we recommend purchasing cotton or silk masks, there comes a time where we might need to wear a surgical mask. Surgical masks, also called medical masks, are very affordable and available almost anywhere. However, healthcare providers suggest throwing away the mask after you use it once. These surgical masks act as a barrier against germs. If you reuse these masks or leave them out somewhere they're not supposed to be, then it can be a possible threat to spreading disease.

Wash your masks

Don’t wear a cloth mask without washing it first. You can either hand wash your mask or put it in the washing machine. Use a hypoallergenic laundry detergent or even an antibacterial bar soap to wash your masks. Both options help remove any germs or dirt from your masks. Then, let it completely dry off. Your mask will end up with a buildup of oil and dirt if you don’t wash it regularly which is one of the main causes of maskne.  

Last but not least, skip the makeup

It’s tough, I know, but if you can skip the makeup I highly suggest doing that. Your skin will thank you, I promise. Wearing makeup often under a mask can worsen acne and cause clogged pores. If you can’t avoid wearing makeup completely, then skip wearing makeup on the areas under your mask. We highly suggest using non-comedogenic makeup. 

We don’t know how long this pandemic will last, so it’s essential that we take care of our skin while still preventing the spread of the virus. We hope you take our tips into consideration and still feel cute under your mask!