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To help you figure out what changes to apply to your skincare regimen’s new normal, we’ll give you a few skincare tips for mask wearers!
As a health precaution, we’re all required to wear masks nowadays whenever we leave our homes and socialise with others. While it’s much-needed to follow this regulation, we’ve also discovered that it can be pretty damaging to your skin.
A quick FYI: masks can cause your skin to flare up and cause breakouts.
No matter how cute or expensive your mask is, there’s no escape from maskne. The only way to fight these unexpected breakouts is by adjusting your regimen to skincare for mask wearers. To help you figure out what changes to apply in your maskne skincare routine’s new normal, we’ll give you a few skincare tips for mask wearers!
What is maskne?
Masks are 2020’s hottest accessory. But sometimes, it can come with add-ons – COVID mask acne. Expertly called acne mechanica, maskne are pimples that are located where your mask touches your face.
When sweat, oil, and bacteria get trapped on your skin while you wear a mask, your skin will act up and start having breakouts. Unlike hormonal or cystic acne, COVID mask acne is caused by an external force, which is your mask rubbing and irritating your skin. It’s also more likely to happen when you are in a place that is hot and sweaty.
While warm and humid weather can cause sweat and moisture under your mask to clog your pores, cold and dry weather is not better for your skin either. If your skin is drier than usual, your mask will rub on your skin and cause hair follicles to open. When this happens, bacteria can seep on your skin and produce acne. With this, it’s inevitable to learn more about skincare tips for mask wearers.
How to prevent maskne in the first place?
Two factors considerably affect COVID mask acne: your mask and skincare routine. To prevent maskne, you should choose a cover that is made of a material that is best for your skin and apply the best maskne treatment.
The best masks are:
- Disposable
- Fresh
- Tightly woven
- 100% cotton, if made of cloth
Wearing disposable masks should be your top choice since you replace them frequently, and it does not collect oil and dirt. If you go for a cloth mask, cotton is the best material for your skin since it’s breathable, effective, and gentle.
Additionally, skincare for mask wearers will also help avoid breakouts. A light moisturiser can serve as a barrier between your skin and your mask. Always wash your face whenever you wear a mask. It would be less likely to get breakouts from dirt and oil if your skin is clean.
How to treat maskne?
Face masks don’t seem to be going out of style any time soon, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t bid your COVID mask acne goodbye. Here are some advice and recommendations on the best maskne treatment.
- Wash your face before and after wearing a mask. Use a gentle cleanser when removing oil, bacteria, and dirt from your face, this will help reduce breakouts.
- Turn to products with salicylic acid, retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients are very useful and common in fighting acne.
- Incorporate retinol into your nighttime routine. Retinol products increase cell turnover and decrease the accumulation of dead skin cells.
- Skip makeup. Makeup can clog your pores when you cover it up with a mask.
- Keep your skin moisturised and hydrated. Acne-fighting products can be drying. Use a water-based moisturiser to protect your skin from dryness and irritation.
Learn more about how to keep your skin’ moisture barrier intact and healthy
Asian Skincare Products That Can Help with Maskne
In some parts of Asia, wearing masks is nothing new. People wear masks to protect themselves from pollution and dust storms.
As one of the leading countries in maskne skincare, South Korea has come up with products that specialise in skincare for mask wearers. It has showcased outstanding innovations, gentle formulas, and efficient solutions that are of great value, which is why its products are considered the best maskne treatment.
Here are our top recommendations:
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COSRX – Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser 150ml – $10.64 Brand from South Korea: COSRX Benefits:
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NEOGEN – Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon (Original Version) 200ml 30 sheets – $25.11
Brand from South Korea: NEOGEN Benefits:
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SOME BY MI – AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner 150ml 150ml – $17.20 Brand from South Korea: SOME BY MI Benefits:
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Related: Best Korean Toners for Acne-Prone Skin
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MISSHA – Time Revolution Artemisia Treatment Essence 150ml – $39.30 Brand from South Korea: MISSHA Benefits:
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innisfree – Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule 30ml – $34.70 Brand from South Korea: innisfree. Benefits:
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Benton – Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel 100ml 100ml – $16.30 Brand from South Korea: Benton. Benefits:
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Isntree – Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ – 50ml – $18.49
Brand from South Korea: Isntree Benefits:
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It’s important to remember that we should always wear masks whenever we’re outside our home whether it’s at work or on public transport. However, wearing masks frequently can result in skin implications.
Friction and sweat are significant factors in getting clogged pores, which can lead to COVID mask acne. You should always make sure that your mask and face are clean whenever you go outside. The right maskne skincare can also be very helpful in preventing breakouts.
Resources:
- https://azbigmedia.com/lifestyle/what-is-maskne-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/
- https://ph.asiatatler.com/style/face-mask-breakouts-skincare
- https://www.goodrx.com/blog/tips-to-prevent-acne-caused-by-face-masks-maskne/
- https://www.flare.com/health/how-to-treat-maskne-prevent-mask-acne/
- https://hk.asiatatler.com/style/maskne-face-mask-acne-products-treatment
- https://couleurz.com/lifestyle-magazine/7-asian-skincare-products-to-help-deal-with-maskne/
- https://glamtouch.co.uk/blogs/korean-skincare-routine-tips/korean-beauty-essentials-and-tips-to-save-your-skin-from-wearing-a-mask-all-day
- https://themeekah.de/blogs/korean-beauty-a-journey-through-time/treat-prevent-acne-irritation-from-face-mask
