Skincare Remedy for Your "Maskne" Breakout
Wearing face masks can bring a sense of relief when you're outside, but those with sensitive skin are left with something more to think about —skin flare-ups and acne.
You may be getting on smoothly with your new routines, but do wearing masks still bother you? Or to be more exact, does “maskne” still keep you awake at night?
Maskne became a popular term nowadays for the acne and skin irritation caused by wearing masks. And if you’ve been quietly managing this bane of discomfort and still confused about how they arise, we’re here to guide you through.
What causes maskne?
The term maskne works like an umbrella term for several skin problems caused by wearing masks. These symptoms can be in the form of acne breakouts, redness, itchiness, and facial bumps at the bottom half of your face. And because maskne can appear in various ways on your skin, it may be tricky to find the exact cause why they came about.
But here's one thing that's certain. Wearing masks creates a trapped and moist environment due to talking and breathing that can lead to clogged pores. The combined friction and heat may also cause the skin to feel itchy, dry, and raw. And that is why if you have sensitive skin, donning on face masks for a prolonged time is not exactly the friendliest option.
Allergic reactions or contact dermatitis can also arise when you're allergic to certain chemicals used in masks. Surgical masks may contain formaldehyde and bronopol which some people may be sensitive to. So if this is the case for your skin, looking for a different kind of face-covering would be the easy solution.
However, it's still best to learn other preventive measures you can do to avoid future flare-ups.
Skincare tips to prevent maskne
Here are some practices you can do to protect your skin from further mask irritation.
1. Wash your face before wearing a mask
Trapped dirt and oil on your skin is a recipe for acne. Before putting on your mask, make sure to wash your face with a gentle and fragrance-free cleanser. Try your best to avoid cleansers that contain alcohol or perfume as they can promote irritation.
If you have sensitive skin, you can find a delightful solution with Cetaphil's light, gentle, and soothing facial cleanser. Wash your face with lukewarm water to smoothly rid your skin off of grease and dirt.
2. Put on moisturizer
Applying moisturizer not only keeps your skin hydrated but also acts as a protective barrier between your face and mask. After washing your face, lather on a moisturizer with ceramides or hyaluronic acid to provide optimal protection and hydration. Using a non-comedogenic moisturizer will also ensure that your pores won't get clogged. To find the best one for your skin type, you can consult your dermatologist for their recommendation. But if you have oily skin, you may want to avoid greasy and heavy moisturizers right off the bat. Meanwhile, dry skin can benefit from cream moisturizers.
But if you've not yet determined your specific skin type or you have combination skin, you can find refuge in Cetaphil's Moisturizing Lotion that is suitable for all skin types. It's lightweight, provides 24-hour hydration, and contains Vitamin E and B5 to nourish your skin throughout the day.
3. Skip the make up on the mask area
Wearing heavy makeup under a face mask can cause clogged pores and lead to breakouts. Instead, you can apply your makeup with a light hand or skip the bottom half of your face that your mask will cover. In this case, you can dedicate more time to polish your eye makeup. But more importantly, heavy foundation and powder on your face can leave residue on your mask that can compromise your hygiene and safety.
4. Avoid harsh skincare products
Skincare ingredients like retinol and salicylic acid can make your skin feel more irritable when wearing a mask. When using medicated skin products containing these ingredients, try to be careful how much you put on to save yourself from discomfort. When looking for skincare products, always consider your skin type and look for non-comedogenic products that won't block your pores.
5. Apply antibiotic cream
Wearing masks create the perfect environment for bacteria and acne to thrive. That's why dermatologists also recommend applying a topical antibiotic cream that can ward off bacteria when you have your mask on. Ask your doctor for what they can recommend for you.
6. Wear the right mask
Masks that fit too tight may cause friction and chafing that aggravate your skin. Choose a face-covering that has a snug fit and is made with materials that your skin is comfortable with. You may want to avoid masks that contain synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, and chemicals that you may be sensitive to. If you've opted for cloth masks, make sure that you wash them regularly with fragrance-free detergent, so your face remains free from dirt and bacteria.
Stay pimple-free from within
Accumulated stress and unhealthy habits like sleeping too late, smoking, or eating food lacking in nutritional value can all contribute to the growth of pimples. So if you truly want to protect your skin from the threat of blemishes, it's time to build better lifestyle habits. Want to take a more proactive approach? You can also build your skin's defense by taking in helpful supplements!
Lactezine anti-acne capsules contain Lactoferin, d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, and Zinc to help treat and prevent pimples in as early as two weeks. Take control when you get acne breakouts with Lactezine, the pimple expert.
Although you have to continue wearing face masks for your safety, it also doesn't mean maskne is beyond your control. Following simple steps in your skincare regimen and pre-mask routine can significantly lessen the chances of further irritation caused by masks. Make sure to follow MyPharma on social media for more helpful tips.
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