6 Hacks to Help You Avoid Maskne
We’re coming up on one year since the start of a global pandemic. Covid-19 has rocked the world and we are still feeling the after-effects. What once seemed strange is now “the new normal.” Social distancing, working and studying from home, and masks are all part of our lives and it doesn’t look like masks are going anywhere, anytime soon. In the past year, Dermatologists have seen exponential growth in new patients with similar skin complaints of “Maskne.”
What is Maskne/Mascne?
Maskne is the term affectionately given to the acne that pops up on your face around the nose, lower cheeks, chin and jawline, or the area covered with a face mask. Maskne is not something new, as healthcare workers and other mask-wearing professionals have struggled with this skin condition for years, but now the rest of us have joined in with our mask-wearing woes. Wearing a mask can be hard on your skin but KubWipes has the top tips to help you avoid mascne and other mask-induced skin problems with simple and effective ways to clear your skin and protect it.*Remember to protect yourself and others from the spread of disease by following all local health codes for mask-wearing in your area. KubWipes does not promote the misuse or avoidance of mask wear.
Choose the right mask.
As the WHO recommends fabric masks made of three layers for ultimate protection and should not be too loose or too tight. Your mask should fit snugly on your face without being too tight as added friction will worsen acne also known as “acne mechanica.” Trapped heat and humidity from your breath combined with friction from your face mask can trigger and worsen your mascne by causing tiny ruptures on your skin where dirt, sebum and bacteria can enter and grow. For acne-prone skin with blemishes, a silk mask may be preferable to avoid worsening friction-induced skin trauma. If you have active blemishes, make sure to treat them and protect them from mask friction by using acne patches or a barrier balm-like petroleum jelly.
This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people run errands then take their mask off and hang it on their rearview mirror, ready to use the next day. We get it, you only wore your mask for 30 minutes in the grocery store and another 15 minutes here and there. Essentially it’s still “clean” right? Wrong. Besides protecting you and those around you from virus particles in the air, your face mask collects dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells that accumulate within the fabric. If you’re not washing your face mask daily, harmful bacteria, dirt and grime could be rubbing against your face tomorrow. To protect yourself from illness, skin irritations and mascne, Face masks should NOT be reused multiple days in a row.
This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people run errands then take their mask off and hang it on their rearview mirror, ready to use the next day. We get it, you only wore your mask for 30 minutes in the grocery store and another 15 minutes here and there. Essentially it’s still “clean” right? Wrong. Besides protecting you and those around you from virus particles in the air, your face mask collects dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells that accumulate within the fabric. If you’re not washing your face mask daily, harmful bacteria, dirt and grime could be rubbing against your face tomorrow. To protect yourself from illness, skin irritations and mascne, Face masks should NOT be reused multiple days in a row.
- Handwash in hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds, or machine wash on a high heat setting, preferably with a non-scented or gentle detergent. Baby detergents are great for masks! (Remember you’re going to be breathing through it. You don’t want to breathe in any chemical residue left behind by your detergent.)
- Hang to dry in the sun or tumble dry on a high heat setting.
- Store in a clean, dry place until next use.
Wash your face before and after mask wear. (and your hands!)
Before you put on a mask, wash your face thoroughly, but don’t overdo it. Over-washing your face can lead to skin dehydration and you could train your skin to overproduce sebum, the natural oil secretion your skin produces to protect itself. KubWipes are the perfect wipes to have on hand for quick and easy skin cleansing. The 100% natural cotton fibers are soft and silky and won’t irritate damaged or blemished skin and the unique chemical-free formula won’t dry out your skin like other cleansers and pre-saturated wipes. KubWipes are fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and dermatologist recommended. Don’t forget to also grab a wipe when you take off your mask, to gently wipe away any dirt, sweat and bacteria that are lurking underneath your mask. You can use them dry for superior absorbency, or wet for an extra dose of cleansing power. KubWipes 100% Natural Cotton Dry Wipes are also great to use with your favorite micellar water for a quick cleanse after working out.
Air it out.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends taking a 15 minute break from wearing your mask every four hours to let your skin breathe. Follow all social-distancing guidelines in your area and make sure you wash your hands before removing your mask. Your skin will appreciate the mask break.
No mask makeup.
This is a common vicious cycle people get into. So you have maskne, and you want to cover it up with makeup, but then you have to put a mask on and you’re still wearing the makeup underneath. Don’t do it! By applying makeup to a part of your face that will be covered with a mask, you risk clogging your pores in a warm and humid mask environment which is the perfect place for bacteria to grow and pimples to form. Skip makeup application on any area of the face that will be covered by your mask and instead embrace the fact that anyone who you run into isn’t going to see your mascne anyways. 😉
Follow a simple but effective skincare regimen.
Less is more right now. Follow a simple skincare regimen of washing, toning and moisturizing your face twice a day. KubWipes 100% Natural Cotton Dry Wipes are your best friend when it comes to simple, clean skincare because one pure wipe can do it all! Wash, apply products and dry your cleansed skin without any toxic ingredients.As we’ve already mentioned, wearing a mask creates a microclimate on your face. That microclimate can intensify product reaction on your skin so now is not the time to try out a bunch of new products underneath your mask. Make sure to only use acids and actives, like Retinol, at night so the delivery is not intensified under your mask which can irritate your skin even further. We know we’ve been talking about the warm, humid environment masks create, which may have you thinking you can skip the moisturizer, but think again. Moisturizer provides a barrier of protection and hydration for your skin that is needed in the best of times, not to mention in times of acne breakouts. Choose a moisturizer that is oil-free and non-comedogenic and apply after cleansing day and night.
For more tips on acne skincare, check out our FREE downloadable guide. We hope these maskne tips have been helpful to you. Follow KubWipes on social media for weekly skincare and life hacks. Please remember to follow all medical and government guidelines in your area to protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19.