Tips to keep your skin clean and clear.
Maskne. Rewind to the start of 2020 and we'd never even heard of the term which refers to face-mask induced acne. Now – like clammy chins – we're much more familiar with both.
With many still waiting on their vaccinations and the Delta variant spreading, face masks are still set to be very much advised by the government. Hence, mask-related acne is staying put for the foreseeable.
"It’s no secret that face masks have reaped havoc with our skin," says Skin Specialist and Founder of the London Premier Laser Skin Clinic, Lucy Xu. “From the friction of the the mask causing irritation, to bacteria transferring from the mask onto your skin, there are many ways in which wearing a mask could mean your skin will start to suffer. They can cause skin to become irritated and congested and could potentially promote acne around the cheeks and chin area.”
A simple hack has been going viral; people swear that spritzing toner onto their mask is helping to tackle maskne. Dermatologist Ava Shamban, M.D., founder of SKINFIVE, told Mind Body Green that "toners by and large do have some astringent properties, so they remove excess traces of oil, makeup, perspiration, and debris from the skin surface" and while said properties probably work better when they're applied directly to the skin, the mask hack could be something worth trying in a pinch. Ava added that a toner's antibacterial quotient, anti-inflammatory agents, calming and oil-absorbing properties can add an additional layer of help in the war against maskne.
If you don't like the sound of that, try these steps to curb the problem.
1. Buy the right type of mask
When choosing a mask, spend a little bit more to ensure that it is a good fit. Make sure it's large enough to cover the face and offers the right type of fabric which is breathable, soft on the skin and non-irritating. "I would also advise buying a couple which will allow you to rotate the mask so that you are wearing a clean mask each day whilst the other is in the wash," says Lucy. "This will not only prevent you from catching Covid-19 but of course will keep your skin clean and free of any unwanted bacteria."
As for the material itself, opt for natural fabrics such as cotton or washable silk as these types of fabric will reduce the friction of the mask on your face which should help to prevent any irritation from rubbing. Or why not try the more high-tech offerings from derm brands like Dr Barbara Sturm. The brand's Nano-Silver Mask is made with anti-microbial, anti-friction, nano-silver infused fabric that has been specifically created to have anti-bacterial benefits for the skin.
2. Keep your mask clean
Keeping your mask clean is imperative for ensuring that you are keeping your skin clean and free from any harmful bacteria that could cause you to breakout. "Furthermore, the air from breathing in a confined space will build up underneath the mask and will begin to suffocate the skin. This mixed with sweating and long periods of wearing the mask will act as a breeding ground for bacteria leading to potential breakouts and congestion, so its super important to ensure that you remove your mask when you aren’t wearing it to allow the skin to breathe and to get some air into the mask," says Lucy.
"I would also advise machine washing your mask after every use on a hot setting with good detergent, and as mentioned previously I would advise buying a few masks so you can rotate them.” This in itself could present a problem. We're not used to having washing detergents to close to our face. Try switching to a gentle fragrance and enzyme free detergent such as Boots Sensitive Skin Laundry Liquid. If your skin really can't tolerate detergents, wash your face masks without any, but make sure you put them on a boil wash.
3. Turn your skincare regime up a notch
“If your skin is prone to inflammation and breakouts, you may want to invest a little more time and money into your skincare whilst we have to wear masks. Looking after it morning and night will ensure that it is regenerating for each day," says Lucy. "I would advise – if you don’t already – double cleansing each evening before bed. You can use a cleansing balm, milk or oil but just ensure you double cleanse using warm water and a clean muslin cloth to remove any unwanted bacteria from all areas of the face and neck. I would also start to use face masks more regularly, perhaps a few times a week. These will work to draw out any impurities and bacteria which has surfaced onto your skin from wearing the mask and will work deep into the epidermis. A clay mask is best for acne prone skin,” she adds.
4. Only wear the mask when you need to
“Only wear the mask when you need – so getting on and off public transport and while you're in highly congested areas. Other than that, ensure you are removing your mask as much as possible to allow your skin to breathe and to make sure your mask doesn’t become too sweaty," says Lucy. "Once you take the mask off put it in a safe place away from anywhere it could gather bacteria. Perhaps pop it in a material pouch or drawstring bag for safety.”
5. Add in anti-oxidants and balms into your daily skincare
“If you are heading onto public transport and into the city, you should think about adding in some anti-oxidant skincare products into your regime to keep your skin healthy and to protect it against any harmful pollutants as well as any bacteria from under the mask. Vitamin C is a powerful anti-oxidant ingredient which will work to keep your skin healthy and illuminated and will neutralise any free radicals, it will also work to repair any damaged cells from wearing the mask," says Lucy.
"Once lockdown is eased and clinics start to open again, I would advise going for a professional Vitamin C skin peel to get rid of any damaged and dead skin cells and to brighten your appearance. If you find your skin has become irritated due to wearing a mask, you may also want to apply a rich skin balm onto the damaged areas which will help to repair and soothe the sore areas overnight,” she adds.
This was originally published on GLAMOUR UK | Elle Turner
