At the time of this post, you have probably been wearing a mask for at least 9-10 months in order to do your part and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. But what about your skin? By this time now, you may have already discovered the dreaded mask acne or maskne. With oil and sweat building up daily under our mask, our skin becomes more susceptible to rashes, inflammation, and breakouts. Mask are a must, but maskne can be prevented by following these steps to keep your skin happy, healthy, and acne free.
Cotton Mask
All masks are not created the same. The CDC recommends people wear cloth face coverings rather than surgical masks, to ensure our hospitals continue to have proper PPE to care for all of the hospitalized patients. When considering what type of mask to wear, other than surgical, cotton is both comfortable, breathable, and minimizes irritation for the skin. Make sure your mask fits properly and be sure to cover your mouth and nose.
Cleanse
By now, you have likely mastered your handwashing routine and now it's time for you to master your skincare routine. Make sure you are cleansing your skin right before you put your mask on and right after you take it off. For a quick clean on the go, keep Obagi Acne Wipes in your bag. These gentle wipes help to soothe the skin while fighting acne simultaneously.
Dr. Epps go-to maskne hacks include:
Don't forget your SPF!
Masks provide protection against COVID-19 but do not replace sunscreen. UV rays can still damage your skin through your clothes and, yes — your mask. Check out these sunscreens:
Skip the Makeup
With the increased humidity of the skin under the mask, makeup could lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Keeping your pores clear is absolutely essential to under-the-mask skincare, and makeup will only worsen any inflammation or breakouts. Now is the best time to adopt a makeup-free lifestyle. One of the many great benefits of wearing a mask is the mask will hide your acne. If you are looking for a light alternative to makeup, check out the Obagi Sun Shield™ Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50. This tinted sunscreen is lightweight and has the technology to match your natural undertones and enhance your natural complexion.
At the time of this post, you have probably been wearing a mask for at least 9-10 months in order to do your part and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. But what about your skin? By this time now, you may have already discovered the dreaded mask acne or maskne. With oil and sweat building up daily under our mask, our skin becomes more susceptible to rashes, inflammation, and breakouts. Mask are a must, but maskne can be prevented by following these steps to keep your skin happy, healthy, and acne-free.
Thank you for your continued dedication to protecting yourself and others. Now with these tips, you can protect your skin too!