Getting breakouts under your face mask? Try these top tips for keeping your skin healthy and blemish-free.
How to protect your skin from ‘maskne’
You’ve shopped around for the perfect face mask and never leave home without it. But while you might be enjoying the novelty of matching your mask to your outfit (just us?), one thing you won’t be happy about is the impact on your skin.
Yep, turns out wearing face masks for hours on end means goodbye glowing skin and hello to breakouts and rashes. Ouch. Here’s how to protect your skin while staying Covid-safe.
What is ‘maskne’?
‘Maskne’ is officially A.Thing. Google searches for ‘maskne’ (aka mask acne) are up 811%. The word was originally made up to describe the breakout of a type of acne called ‘acne mechanica’ which is caused by wearing a face mask. Now, the British Skin Foundation (BSF) describes maskne as “an umbrella term to cover all manner of facial rashes that can happen due to our increased use of face masks.”
Why do face masks cause spots and rashes?
Why do face masks cause
spots and rashes?
There are lots of reasons your face mask is playing havoc with your skin. According to dermatologists at the BSF, these include…
Friction
Friction from where your mask rubs against your skin. This can cause friction pimples and sore, red skin. It can also aggravate any existing skin conditions like eczema or rosacea.
Blocked pores
Blocked pores underneath your mask caused by trapped moisture and oil. This, combined with sweat, makeup and bacteria on your skin, creates the perfect breeding ground for spots.
“Have a read of the ingredients in your skin care products. If you can spot niacinamide, you’re in luck.”
How can I prevent ‘maskne’?
Luckily, there are lots of things you can do to protect your skin and keep blemishes at bay.
1. Wash your mask
The last thing you want touching your skin is a piece of material covered in oil, sweat and old makeup. Eww. Which is why, if you’ve got a reusable fabric face mask, you should pop it in the laundry after every use. (You can use normal detergent.) And remember, if you’ve got a disposable face mask, chuck it in the bin straight after wearing it.
2. Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse
It’s a good idea to wash your face before putting your mask on to get rid of any dirt and bacteria. Also, boost your skin care regime by cleansing day and night (if you don’t already). Check out our range of gentle skin cleansers.
3. Choose the right face mask
Look for face masks that are made from cotton. This will mean they are more breathable and kinder to your skin than ones made from synthetic materials like polyester. Also, avoid friction as much as possible by making sure your mask fits snugly but isn’t too tight.
4. Use sunscreen
Half your face may be covered, but you’ll still want to protect your skin from damaging UV rays. Look for a moisturiser with sunscreen or use a tinted moisturiser with SPF.
5. Switch up your makeup
Another way to protect your skin is by going minimal with your makeup. Drop the foundation for a while - it’s only going to end up on the inside of your mask - and focus on your brows and lashes instead!
6. Use products containing niacinamide
Have a read of the ingredients in your skin care products. If you can spot niacinamide, you’re in luck. This is a B vitamin that boosts your skin’s natural barrier by helping with the production of ceramide (these are the proteins that retain water inside the skin.) The beauty ingredient is also said to manage acne and reduce pores.
Some favourites to help you while we’re wearing masks:
€ 6,15
<ul><li>Professional individual lash remover</li><li>Dissolves glue easily</li><li>Protects natural lash</li><li>Gentle formula<br</li></ul>
Exclusive
€ 18,95
3 FOR 2
<ul><li>Light moisturiser to promote balance and harmonise the skin</li><li>Help balance, tone and equalise oil and moisture levels</li><li>Blended with Orange Blossom and Ginger extract</li><li>Orange Blossom offers natural healing for sensitive and delicate skin</li><li>No parabens, sulphates or mineral oil</li></ul>
€ 12,69
<ul><li>Rich, hydrating foam</li><li>Exfoliates, resurfaces and helps improve skin texture</li><li>Moisturises, hydrates and helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles</li><li>For smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin</li></ul>
Exclusive
€ 18,69
3 FOR 2
<ul><li>Gently cleanses the skin and remove all traces of make-up and impurities</li><li>Enriched with Chamomile extract to provide a soothing action</li><li>Lavender has antiseptic benefits with the ability to calm and soothe</li><li>Beautiful fragrance</li><li>No parabens, sulphates or mineral oil</li></ul>
€ 10,48
<ul><li>A light cleanser for sensitive skin</li><li>Gently removes makeup and impurities</li><li>Provides anti inflammatory effects to soothe and calm the skin</li><li>Assists with cell repair and improves the skin s natural moisture barrier</li><li>No artificial colours or fragrances</li></ul>
€ 10,21
<ul><li>A hydrating cleanser for normal/dry skin</li><li>Gently removes makeup and impurities</li><li>Helps to restore moisture, repair skin and renew cells</li><li>No artificial colours or fragrances</li></ul>
Exclusive
€ 13,89
3 FOR 2
<ul><li>Gentle formula to remove all traces of make-up and impurities</li><li>Chamomile and Lavender soothe and calm</li><li>Leaves skin supple nad feeling cleansed</li><li>Suitable for all skin types</li><li>No parabens, sulphates or mineral oil</li></ul>
€ 24,25
<ul><li>Step 3 - Boost Lotion to complete the treatment</li><li>Plumps and conditions brows and lashes. Hair is left softer</li><li>Convenient individual treatment sachets for complete hygiene</li><li>Dual Treatment Formula - safe and effective on both Lashes & Brows</li></ul>
Exclusive
€ 35,45
<ul><li>85% Natural </li><li>Natural Clays Kaolin, Bentonite and Pink Clay</li><li>Dermatologically Tested, Clinically Proven and Vegan friendly</li><li>Detoxifying formula absorbs excess sebum, toxins, impurities, and pollution to help fight dehydration, irritation and blemishes</li><li>Extracts of Chia Seed, Pink Grapefruit and Guava </li></ul>
Struggling with maskne? Why not shop our skin care range and protect your skin from ‘maskne’ today. Or, take a look at some more of our top tips in our Beauty by You section, or join the conversation on our Facebook page @SallyBeautyUK.