In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, we’re doing a number of things including social distancing, washing our hands often, and of course wearing masks when out in public. But one of the many side effects of wearing masks is maskne.
The other day I did an Instagram Live with Acne Expert Marie-Claire Cates who broke down why you get maskne and how to treat it. You can watch the full live here.
Marie-Claire broke down that it’s the friction of the mask rubbing against our faces that causes a condition called acne mechanica. The convo starts around the 29:40 mark of the live replay if you want to check it out.
If you’re an essential worker or someone who has to wear a mask 3 hours or more per day, here’s what you can do to protect your skin: put a layer of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly (original—not the cocoa butter one) or Aquaphor on your skin before you put your mask on. Now before you shake your head and hit the X to close out of this page, Marie-Claire says these occlusive moisturizers won’t break you out or clog your pores. You do your skincare routine as normal—then you put a thin layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor. They act as protectants for the skin and create a barrier between your skin and your mask so that it doesn’t cause that friction. Think of it like what chub rub does for the thighs. Skip the lipstick and makeup below your eyes—no one is seeing it anyway.
These masks feel hot and we may tend to sweat and produce more oil as a result of wearing them. This raise in temperature combined with the excess oil can be the perfect mix for acne-causing bacteria to thrive.
For everyone else who isn’t wearing masks for longer than 3 hours, you of course want to make sure you keep up with your regular skincare routine. But if you’re noticing some breakouts, you can start adding in some salicylic acid in your routine. You can shop some popular salicylic acid products in the widget below. You also want to make sure you’re washing reusable masks when you first get them and after each use. I would strongly advise against wearing the disposable masks more than once.
You also want to make sure you wash reusable masks when you first get them and be diligent about washing them after each use. I would strongly advise against wearing the disposable masks more than once.
Buy my dress here. My mask was handmade by a family friend.
Watch the FULL live video with Acne Expert below!
On top of er’thang else, now I gotta worry about maskne?!! You know how my skin is set up, it doesn’t take much for acne to rear it’s ugly head! Thanks again for always giving sage advice???
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lmaooooooo you’re welcome!