To control the spread of the COVID-19 virus, people have been advised to use face masks when they move about in public spaces.
If you’ve been noticing breakouts around the area you wear your face mask, you are not alone girl!
This is a universal phenomenon that has been termed as maskne and happens to most of us wearing these protective face masks. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here are some ways to prevent ‘maskne’:
What causes it?
People who have oily or acne prone skin are more susceptible to this but maskne can also happen to normal and dry skin types as well. Clogged pores are the most common cause for maskne. The buildup of oil, dirt and dead skin cells constantly clog your pores and this often leads to pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, flare ups, skin irritations and itchiness. Face masks trap humidity within that can cause the buildup of acne. They also cause friction to the skin which leads to redness, chafing and irritation to the skin leading to breakouts.
How to prevent face mask acne?
Wash your face often but gently - Apart from washing your face twice a day, wash your face after using your face mask, with a gentle exfoliating face wash, especially if you have been sweating. Remember to be gentle when drying your face, to avoid any further inflammation. Using a cleanser will help remove all the oil, dirt and other impurities clogging your pores. Using a face wash that has glycolic acid will gently exfoliate older skin cells.
Use a moisturizer - Moisturizing your face before you wear your mask helps reduce the friction that is caused on your skin which could lead to inflammation. This acts like a barrier between the mask and your face. Using a non-comedogenic moisturizer that won't block your pores will help prevent acne.
Choose the right mask - Picking the right fitting face mask is important when it comes to preventing face mask acne. Make sure that it's snug but not too tight nor not too loose so that it avoids causing friction on your skin. Opt for a face mask that is made using natural and soft fabrics like cotton over synthetic fabrics like rayon or nylon as this may cause skin irritation.
Spot treatment - You can treat active acne or old acne scars and blemishes using a spot treatment gel. This gel based formula consists of salicylic acid, neem and green tea which helps combat and prevent acne. These ingredients help shrink pores, control sebum and boosts skin renewal.
Take a break from makeup - Avoid using makeup under your mask whenever you can. Heavy foundations or layering of makeup may end up clogging up your pores which will lead to acne breakouts. You should look for non-comedogenic labeled makeup.
Take a break every 4 hours - Take a 15 minute mask break after every 4 hours, only and when you can practice social distancing. This will help your skin breathe a little easier.
You can avoid and minimize maskne by incorporating these Green Tea infused products in your skincare routine.
Related Products:
Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash
Plum Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer
