Maskne: How to Avoid It (Mask Fatigue)

Maskne: How to Avoid It (Mask Fatigue)

Who thought masks would be the must-have accessory of 2020? And, while they are a significant step in preventing the dissemination of Covid-19, they have had an unintended consequence. Maskne, to be specific.

Maskne is acne, chafing, redness, and inflammation created by wearing a mask for an extended period of time around the lips, cheeks, and jawline.

It is, in reality, a true thing.

Masks induce skin friction while also trapping sweat, dirt, and bacteria. Basically, the ideal environment for breakouts, flare-ups, and general maskne.

Here are few things you can do to help:

Change Your Mask
Change your mask every day or wash it regularly in between to prevent bacteria buildup. You can still choose to

Cleansing
Go for a double cleanse at the end of the day to thoroughly extract bacteria, grime, and sweat buildup. Before applying a mask, it's also a smart idea to wash your hands.

Makeup should be kept to a minimum.
Better still, go makeup free under your mask. Otherwise, the pores are more likely to get clogged, creating the ideal storm for breakouts. Instead, try on a dramatic eye shadow look.

Exfoliate
 1-2 times a week with a soft chemical exfoliant to unclog pores. This will not aggravate the skin and will make you smoother and lighter.

Keep it simple
Maintain a daily regimen that focuses on light hydrating moisturisers to restore your skin's protective barrier.