Tips and Tricks for
Mastering Maskne
Mask acne got you down ? Learn how to prevent breakouts before they begin .
BY SAMANTHA LABRECQUE
With mask-wearing comes mask acne . We talked to Ganary Dabiri , staff dermatologist with CharterCare Medical Associates , about how to prevent and treat breakouts .
MANY PEOPLE ARE FACING BREAKOUTS FROM WEARING A MASK DUE TO COVID-19 . IS THERE A TECHNICAL TERM FOR MASK ACNE ? The term being used to describe acne exacerbated by wearing a mask is maskne . It is a form of acne mechanica , which is a term used by dermatologists to describe acne that develops from skin irritations caused by friction , heat or pressure .
Neutrogena and Cetaphil work well . You also may want to take safe mask breaks . If you are sweating under your mask , make sure you are cleansing your face during these mask breaks . You can use micellar water or acne facial pads such as Replenix Acne Solutions Exfoliating Acne Pads or Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Facial Pads . Make sure your face is dry before putting your mask back on . It is also important to incorporate a mild exfoliating scrub once or twice a week to your face and you may also consider having multiple masks available and switching one out every couple of hours if you need to be wearing a mask for prolonged periods of time .
CAN MAKEUP MAKE IT WORSE ? ARE THERE PRODUCTS YOU SHOULD AVOID ? Skip the makeup . When you occlude the skin , it enhances penetration of products into the deeper layers of the skin . Wearing a mask is occluding for your skin , so the mask allows oil , dirt and makeup to penetrate deeper into your pores , leading to skin irritation which causes breakouts .
ARE THERE CERTAIN FABRICS / MATERIALS YOU RECOMMEND WHEN BUYING A MASK TO HELP CURB BREAKOUTS ? Your mask must offer the protection you need for the task you are performing . If you are a frontline worker , safety comes first . Continue wearing the recommended personal protective equipment for your job . However , for personal daily use , it is recommended that you wear a mask that is 100 percent cotton . Washing the mask after every use is key to keeping your mask , and ultimately , your face clean .
WHAT ARE SOME TIPS FOR PREVENTING BREAKOUTS CAUSED BY PROLONGED MASK USE ? Breakouts from wearing a mask either may be new acne or a flareup of current acne or rosacea caused by irritation . The more ingredients that remain on your face after application , the more irritated your skin will get under your mask . Therefore , it is important to reduce your skin care regimen while wearing a mask . Stick to a basic mild , non-soap cleanser and a light fragrance-free moisturizer . You may consider using a salicylic-based face wash that removes dirt , dead skin cells and oil from your pores to prevent breakouts . Drugstore brands like Clean and Clear , CeraVe , La Roche-Posay ,
IF YOU DO BREAK OUT FROM YOUR MASK , WHAT CAN YOU DO TO TREAT IT ? If your breakouts have already started , adjusting your skin care routine is key . Another product to consider adding when you get home and are not wearing a mask , is a benzoyl peroxide-based topical as a wash or leave-on lotion that can also be used to spot treat . If you are getting breakouts from wearing a mask that you cannot control , see a board-certified dermatologist . There are prescription topical medications and prescription oral medications that can be used to treat your new or flaring acne or rosacea . Your board-certified dermatologist will be able to determine what kind of breakout you are experiencing and tailor your treatment specific to your needs .
Find a board-certified dermatologist by visiting find-a-derm . aad . org
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