How to Get Rid of Maskne

The COVID-19 Pandemic has drastically impacted many routines including one’s skincare routine. While masking-up protects yourself and others from the spread of illness, it can often lead to skin irritation and breakouts (aka, “maskne”). If you are looking for tips and tricks on how to prevent and get rid of maskne, you’re in the right place: Olecea Beaute is here to help! 

What is Maskne?

The term “maskne” is a combination of the words “mask” and “acne” used to describe several different skin care issues like breakouts, dermatitis, chafing, or other inflammatory rashes on the skin. Wearing a mask all day traps moisture from your breath, building up of sweat and oil on the skin under the mask, which can lead to inflammation, rashes, and even acne breakouts. If you’ve been wearing your mask a lot, you may notice little red bumps, rash, or blemishes on your cheeks, lower nose, or around your lips. 

Here are our recommendations to treat and prevent maskne:

Ensure your Face Mask is Always Clean

While the type of fabric matters when it comes to choosing a face mask, keeping it clean is arguably what matters most in this decision. If you consistently wear makeup, the makeup can rub off on your mask and stay there until the next time you wear it. This can clog your pores due to the amount of product sitting on your skin. The same thing can happen if you are wearing your mask in hot weather, as sweat can also clog your pores.

If you’re wearing reusable fabric masks, wash them often with non-scented detergent. Fragranced soaps and detergents can be irritating for skin, regardless of skin type or condition. Skip the scents to help protect your skin.

You should not be wearing the same mask each day. Change it out and wash them. If you’re using disposable masks, you should use a new mask at least once a day. 

Have a Daily Skincare Routine 

Your mask is only one part of the equation! Taking care of your skin and using the right products can also help ensure that your skin remains healthy and flawless. 

Having a daily skincare routine will give your skin the foundation to fight off maskne. No matter your skin type, we recommend the following steps:

Step One: Cleanser 

Purify your skin with our Coconut + Sea Sugar Foaming Cleanser. It gently cleanses the skin with coconut derived surfactant and natural sugars that deeply hydrate while protecting the skin’s natural barrier.

Step Two: Toner

A toner’s job is meant to gently refresh your skin without stripping it of its natural moisture, preparing your skin to drink up any other skin treatments that you may apply. (Our Silver + Licorice Root Protective Facial Spray is great for this!)

Step Three: Serum

Serums provide much-needed ingredients to your skin. Serums like the Pearl Activating Elixir, nourish and soothe moisture-deprived, sensitive, and irritated skin, and help reduce wrinkles and reduce pigmentations. 

Step Four: Moisturizer

Moisturizing helps reduce skin dryness and provides your skin necessary  protection.  If you are looking for a moisturizer, try our Hemp + Vitamin C Glow Face Oil – a fan favorite that will calm, soothe, and replenish hydration for problem skin. It’s also gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Moisturize Often

As we mentioned before, masks can be extremely drying and irritating for your skin - no matter how healthy your skin may be. One step you can take to create a natural, protective barrier for your skin is to moisturize and refresh your skin often. 

Our Silver + Licorice Root Protective Facial Spray effectively refreshes your skin, and you can use this for pre- and post-mask use. This product sprays a fine mist onto your skin, helping brighten and calm your skin, treat and prevent breakouts, and rejuvenate dull skin. You can use this product throughout the day if you feel like your mask is being especially irritating or drying. 

If you are interested in learning more about how else you can care for your skin, check out our other blogs! 

-Olecea Beaute Experts