A condition we’re all very familiar with, maskne or mask acne is mainly caused by wearing a mask for too long. The longer you wear a mask for, the more it impacts your skin if the right precautions are not taken. When you breathe the same air within your mask for hours without a break, it allows the moisture, oil and bacteria to get trapped in that space with direct contact to your skin, leading to clogged pores

So, how exactly do you ensure following safety protocols while also maintaining your skin’s health? Here are some ways in which you can keep your skin healthy and acne-free all the while wearing a mask:

Choose the right mask with the right fit

For obvious reasons, the mask you wear must cover your mouth and nose completely; go for a snug mask that gives you some breathing space but is not very loose as well.

Choose a fabric that’s soft on your skin

Ideally, any synthetic fabric like nylon or polyester, for instance, are a no-go for masks. Those will only further irritate your skin and may even cause rashes or blemishes. Cotton masks are the perfect choice for keeping your skin healthy and happy! Of course, the best option will always be the disposable surgical masks or N95 masks; but if you are using a reusable cotton mask, ensure that you wash it regularly using fragrance-free detergents.

Skip the makeup!

Makeup products like foundations and concealers don’t blend well with your skin under masks! Adding the extra layer of product on your face will only lead to further irritation and clogging of the pores because it will mix with your sweat – causing irritation. Moisturizers are the perfect solution to this! Just one layer of moisturizer will act as the perfect barrier between your skin and your mask – protecting the oil and sweat to seep into your skin with ease!

Follow the mantra of cleansing and moisturizing daily 

Whatever your skin type is, there’s always a moisturiser to suit your needs! Choose the one that suits your skin perfectly. Find the right cleanser and use it daily to keep the pores unclogged and skin healthy! Avoid using products containing salicylic acid because while it may be a good cleanser, it might remove excess oil from your skin, leaving it dry and making it more irritable. If not, try using products with lower amounts of salicylic acid. To put it simply – stay hydrated! 

Lastly, it’s always good to take a small, ten-minute break from wearing a mask every few hours. However, please ensure that you are in a controlled environment and away from others to reduce the risk of getting infected or infecting those around you. Wearing a mask is definitely a necessity now than it was ever before. If you are dealing with the wrath of maskne, these remedies are surely safe to try.

Follow these pointers to keep maskne at bay but if you’re experiencing bad breakouts or any other side effects, consult your Dermatologist to get a customisable skin care to suit your needs!

For a consultation with our in-house Dermatologist, Dr. Kritu Bhandari, contact us here.

Follow @orijiineindia on Instagram for more!