How to Combat Mask Acne
Due to the current global pandemic, we all are required to wear face coverings which has been causing a lot of us to experience mask acne. It’s difficult to cure mask acne when we constantly have to wear our masks every time we leave the house. Therefore, it’s important to understand what causes mask acne so that we can understand how to directly target it in order to cure it. Also, let me preface this blog post by stating that I am not a licensed aesthetician or dermatologist, so I encourage you all to do your independent research on any information or products provided below just to be safe!
Here are some tips and information that have helped me and I have found via research to better understand mask acne:
Mask Acne is caused by clogged pores. Our skin already experiences oil production, bacteria & dead skin cells. With us wearing the masks, all of these negative Nancy’s build up and clog our pores. Masks also cause and trap humidity from breathing & sweating which increases production of mask acne.
Mask Acne can be prevented by practicing the following:
Be sure to cleanse & moisturize your face daily - This may seem obvious but you would be surprised by how many people do not do this on the regular. By keeping your skin cleansed & moisturized you can reduce the chances of experiencing mask acne.
Try not to wear makeup while wearing your mask. Makeup is more likely to clog our pores under the mask - along with bacteria, oil production & dead skin cells. Therefore, if anything, just beat the upper half of your face & call it a day - nobody haffi know (lol).
Wear the right mask. Personally, I feel more comfortable wearing masks that are cloth/washable & have a loose fit. This way, my skin has some room to breathe under the mask & I can save the environment by washing my masks vs. disposing after each use. If you are using disposable masks, I would recommend to switch them out often because they do collect bacteria - which can cause mask acne.
Take breaks while wearing the mask - if you can. Whenever I am outside & have to wear my mask, I always take breaks between wearing my mask. whether I’m walking in an open space or grabbing a bite or a sip. Not only can this help prevent mask acne, but it also gives your lungs a rest from the limitations of breathing while having the mask on.
Make sure you’re being consistent with your skincare routine. This is another tip but may seem like - duh Kendra (lol). However, it’s super important to ensure that you are completing your full morning & night skin care routines to ensure that your skin is being treated appropriately to prevent chances of any mask acne.
You have mask acne, now what? Mask acne can be cured by practicing the following:
Use products that encourage your skin to breathe! I’m including this as the first tip under this section because it is the most important! One of the reasons mask acne is able to form is because of the lack of circulation for your skin in the effected areas. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your are using products that assist the skin with circulation!
One product that I use that helps with this is Cynthia Aesthetic Oxygenation Serum. This serum is formulated with beta-glucan which helps with the skin’s ability to utilize oxygen. This serum has been bae & I have not experienced much mask acne during the “panaromic” so far. I do want to note that if you are interested in purchasing this serum or any other product from Cynthia Aesthetics, you must be a client of hers or have to have a Virtual Health Session with her first.
Another product that can help with mask acne are cleansers formulated with benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is a topical antiseptic used to treat acne & other skin concerns. the cleanser that I use with this ingredient is PCA Skin BPO 5% Cleanser. This cleanser is my JAMMMM!!! It works so well & I started seeing results within a week of me using this cleanser! However, there are other cleansers on the market with this ingredient including: PanOxyl Foam Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide , CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser , Dr. Zenovia 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Cleanser (I do want to note that I have not tried any of these cleanser suggestions, besides the PCA BPO 5%, so I won’t be able to confirm if they actually work to help with acne).
Use non-comedogenic makeup products. This means that the products include ingredients that won’t clog your pores. I always mention non- comedogenic makeup product suggestions in my makeup videos on my Youtube channel - so you can check them out for recommendations because the list of my recommendations would be pretty extensive lol. You can also do your Googles to find suggestions of these products.
I hope that all of these preventative & corrective tips can help you combat mask acne. Yes, it is tough….No, it is not cute! But we’ve got this! If you have been following my acne journey on Youtube for the past two years, you know that my skin has been through it! However, I have been able to transform my skin so much during that journey. If you are currently suffering from mask acne, let that be encouragement to you that a change is possible & that is is going to come :) Please leave comments with any further questions you may have!