5 Tips and tricks to prevent “Maskne”
Checklist when leaving the house:
Lunch – check. Computer – check. Keys – check. Mask – check.
Masks are now a part of our daily lives. It seems odd to think of a time when we weren’t wearing them (I’m always thrown off when I’m watching older movies, and no one is wearing one).
Along with having these now a daily priority, something else has emerged to go hand-in-hand with masks…the prevention of “Maskne”.
Now, what is “maskne”? It’s now considered a general umbrella term for any skin condition that occurs from wearing a mask daily, including that of acne to atopic eczema. The cause is usually clogged pores but can also arise from friction of the mask itself against your skin causing irritation.
Since we can’t get away from masks just yet. Here are 5 tips and tricks to help prevent maskne and keep your skin as flawless as ever.
- Wash your mask
If you have a favourite fabric mask that you thoroughly enjoy, you have to remember to wash it. Since you’re breathing through it constantly and daily, fungus and bacteria can accumulate quite quickly, which can lead to less than flawless skin. A rule of thumb is to “wash your mask as often as you would change your underwear”.
- Wash your face
Just as there can be a buildup on your mask after daily wear, there can also be an accumulation on your face. So, after a long day of wearing a mask, be sure to wash your face with a gentle cleanser after washing your hands.
- Use a face spray
There are now products on the market that can specifically help with the issue of “maskne”. PurLif’s Face Rescue Spray can be used after you wash your face to rejuvenate the skin while also combatting bacteria with pure MicroSilver particles. Try spraying it on before you put your mask on for skincare benefits all day as well.
- Take a break
It’s okay to take a break from mask wearing throughout the day. Wearing a mask 24/7 can be a struggle, even for the most veteran wearer. 4 hours was found to be the maximum tolerance of time to wear a mask before being compromised by touching, readjusting or dampness. So, if you’re in a safe, open environment and socially distanced, take off your mask and let your skin breathe for a bit. You can also try using a face spray before you must put your mask back on and go about the rest of your day.
Taking a break also goes for makeup as well. If you don’t have to wear it, then don’t. It’s hard enough for your skin to breathe through a mask, why add another layer on top of to try and get through.
- Choose the right mask
Remember the story of Goldilocks and the three bears? The same idea should be applied when choosing a mask. When selecting one you want to make sure that it’s “not too loose”, but also “not too tight”. Having either might cause irritation on your skin due to friction from something that is ill fitting. The perfect mask is one that is comfortable and is a snug fit; that is, it covers your nose, mouth and chin with no gaps for air leaks. That’s what makes it “just right”.
Hopefully these tips will help you navigate through what to do to prevent blemishes from flourishing under your mask. Use whichever ones you can incorporate easily into your daily life and be “Maskne free!”
