While everyone is grappling with the effects of Covid19, there is a skincare phenomenon that has taken the world by storm. Maskne or acne that is induced by wearing a face mask, is a new-world problem that many are facing at the moment. We take a look at why maskne occurs and what you can do to manage it better – all while continuing to wear your mask and staying safe!

If you have been wearing a mask diligently, you’ll begin to see your skin react to it in the form of breakouts and pimples. Maskne is located in areas where your mask touches your face – so your chin, nose, jawline and cheeks are most affected.

A combination of the friction of your mask, clogged pores and clogged hair follicles can cause this acne to occur. When you have moisture from opening your mouth, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast – add sensitive skin and you get what is called mask induced acne.

Make Cleaning Your Face a Priority

A complete and thorough removal of oil and bacteria is important to prevent and cure maskne. This is why you must ensure you cleanse your skin before and after you wear a mask. Opt for a gentle cleanser that hydrates your skin while effectively getting rid of the gunk. The Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Shea Butter is a great all-rounder cleaning product that creates a lightweight refreshing lather that easily rinses off. Rich in Shea Butter and Pro-vitamin B5, it protects the skin from the over-drying effects of hard water too.

Know Your Acids

Acne warriors will tell you how Salicylic Acid completely changed their lives! If you are suffering and prone to Maskne, it is indeed the time to embrace acids in skincare. Salicylic acid containing spot treatments are an excellent way to target whiteheads once they are formed. They also double up as effective pore de-cloggers! The best-selling Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is popular for a reason. Containing a potent concentrate of calamine, Salicylic Acid and fast-acting ingredients which heal and dry a zit with just one drop, this spot treatment can give results literally overnight!

Hydrate and Well

Oily skin does need hydration as dryness can encourage excess sebum production and hence clog your pores – leading to further acne! This is even more important when your skin is facing friction from a mask or with the use of stronger products such as Salicylic Acid.

Those with excessively oily skin can try Darphin’s Hydraskin Light moisturising gel, an intensive lightweight moisturising gel that contains exclusive ingredients to preserve your skin’s moisture. It also helps to boost the cells regenerative ability and comes blended with vitamins that are meant to refresh it!

Clean Your Mask Well and Often

While you are taking care of your skin, ensure that you invest in good quality, 100% cotton or natural-fibre masks that allow your complexion to breathe. It is also important to wash these often! Use a gentle detergent to wash your collection of re-usable cloth masks and let them dry thoroughly – airing them out in the sun is ideal! Always keep a pack of disposable surgical masks at home so you have something to fall back on, just incase your favourite masks isn’t clean!