5 Ways to Treat and Prevent Maskne

April 20, 2021

Face masks as fashion have been taking over our feeds, and we’re here for it. These days, it’s keys, phone, wallet, and, face mask. By now, you might have stashed one in every bag and jacket pocket just to have a backup. Since we’re all doing our part to keep ourselves and others safe by wearing face coverings, a new trend has emerged: maskne.

You’ve probably heard of it by now. You might have even experienced mask acne, which is, quite literally, acne around the mouth, along the jawline, and on the chin because of wearing a mask. This super common, albeit annoying, side effect is caused by an increase in temperature and humidity around the nose and mouth area and friction. This combo can lead to clogged pores (and then pimples), dryness, and irritation.

The good news? Maskne is totally treatable. And that really is good news, because face masks aren’t going away any time soon. So, what’s the best way to treat maskne? Here are five quick tips.

1. Get into a Regular Skincare Routine

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and follow up with a non-comedogenic moisturizer once in the morning and once before bed. If you’re breaking out from your mask, it’s wise to skip the scrub (for now) because it might be too rough on skin while it’s feeling sensitive.

There’s no better time to get into a daily skincare routine. Plus, it can be something you look forward to doing every day. Who says you can’t have a daily self-care moment? (Answer: No one.)

2. Wear Moisturizer for Your Skin Type

When it comes to helping prevent mask acne, moisturizer actually plays a lead role. Healthy hydration is key, because skin can easily dry out when it goes from one extreme environment (like while wearing a mask) to another. You’ll want to choose a moisturizer that’s right for your skin type. The American Academy of Dermatology says that:

  • An oil-free moisturizer is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.
  • A lightweight lotion is ideal for normal or combination skin.
  • A cream moisturizer is ideal for dry skin.

3. Hit Snooze on Makeup

Flaunt your natural beauty (yep, breakouts and all) to give your skin more time to breathe. Makeup can clog pores while you wear your mask, which could lead to more maskne. On the flip, wearing a mask does a great job of masking pimples while out and about.

4. Target Zits with an Acne Spot Treatment

That acne around your mouth, chin, and jaw won’t stand a chance against a benzoyl peroxide acne treatment. Benzoyl peroxide works by killing acne-causing bacteria. It may even help prevent more pimples from popping up when used regularly. Got those clogged pores? A salicylic acid treatment fends off zits by exfoliating and deep cleaning pores.

5. Wash Your Face Mask

We’re all for wearing reusable cloth face masks. But, they do require some upkeep. Worth it, though, because the planet needs as much TLC as we can show her. Make sure you’re washing your masks with hot water and a gentle soap or detergent.

Treat maskne right with Clean & Clear® acne skincare. You got this!

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