How to Deal with Mask Acne

COVID-19. Where do we start? Not only has it ruined our summer plans, social lives & sanity, it’s also playing havoc with our skin. Who would have thought a few months ago that face masks would be our new accessory for SS20?

Mask-acne (or maskne) has arrived and boy is it annoying. As if we didn’t need another thing to worry about during a global pandemic, the masks we wear daily to protect others from transmission are unkindly repaying us with breakouts.

It can be a pain to deal with, and often at times extremely painful, making you want to wear the mask even more just to cover it up. S.O.S (save our skin) you cry; well don’t worry, we’ve rounded up some top tips to help your skin stay looking fresh when that mask comes off.

1. Wash your face before

Just like before applying makeup, you want to make sure your skin has a clean base to start the day. Washing your face before putting your mask on ensures you’re not trapping any oils or dirt under there that haven’t been washed away. A quick cleanse in the morning followed by a light moisturiser ensures you’ve got a good base and barrier from your mask.

2. Make sure your mask is clean

An obvious point but re-wearing a dirty mask isn’t going to help the skin situation. We have to think of the mask like underwear, you wouldn’t put on a pair of dirty knickers so why are you putting that dirty mask on your face? If you’re using disposable masks, the clue is in the name. Got a reusable? Have a few in your bag so you can chuck your used one straight in the wash when you get home.

3. Try to avoid makeup under your mask

Ok this may be a hard one to do, but where you can avoid wearing makeup under your mask. If you’re travelling somewhere where you want to wear makeup upon arrival, how about opting for a half face look until you arrive? Ok you may look a little odd leaving the house with the upper half of your face done, but letting your chin area breathe whilst travelling will help keep your skin looking fresh. Take a travel mirror and finish off your look once you’ve arrived!

4. Wash your face after

Just like point number one, we need to remove all the sweat, oils and dirt that the mask has potentially trapped, as well as any makeup you’ve been wearing that day. Here’s where double cleansing becomes your new BFF. Begin with an oil based cleanser to break down all that dirt, then opt for a second cleanser suitable for your skin type. If you’re struggling with breakouts we highly recommend a salicylic acid based cleanser, to help keep those breakouts at bay.

5. Try a different type of mask

It may be the fabric of your mask that’s causing your breakouts, rather than the mask itself. If you’re struggling with the spots, why not try a different fabric for your face covering. If you are purchasing a new mask. A great option that’s gentle on the skin is silk, albeit a little hard to find in everyday shops. A quick search online brings up a number of silk mask options suitable for all budgets.

6. Treat your skin

If you’re not already treating your skin to a weekly facial then now is the perfect time to start. Taking time out of your day to prep and pamper for a busy week will not only help your skin, but your mind too. A weekly face mask will help detoxify your skin and thoroughly cleanse it. We recommend our British Pink Clay Mask, packed with the key ingredients and vitamins such as Retinol and Vitamin C that your skin needs to get it glowing once more.

7. Make sure you’re taking care of your body too

This is a no brainer, but if you’re not treating your body right, it won’t treat you right back. A good diet is scientifically linked to good skin, so you need to make sure you’re drinking enough water and eating the right things to take care of your body from the inside out. We’ve discussed how to glow from the inside out in our recent blog post here.

Today's post is bought to you by Laura.