Heading for an outing with friends and family, your mask is the new accessory.  It is an essential tool without which you can’t leave home. With the new trend, comes new health issues which are coming up these days. Maskne is trending these days. Many people are facing a lot of health problems from metal issues to skin issues which are cropping up this season due to COVID19. Those with sensitive skin have a lot of issues with breakouts.

What is “Maskne”?

“Maskne” is called acne mechanics which is caused due to friction, heat, and occlusion. By wearing a mask, a warm, moist, humid environment is created for your skin. Wearing a mask has advantages to protect your respiratory tract from infections. However, it can be uncomfortable for your skin which cannot breathe easily. Friction, sweat, and oily skin can lead to breakouts which can be difficult to control. The affected areas are the chin and cheeks. Wearing make-up quite often with the mask can create the worst situation for bacteria P.acnes to grow on the skin and cause acne. 

Invest in a good quality mask 

Investing in the good quality cotton breathable mask is the need of the hour. Choose a mask that is made up of soft cotton fabric. Washing the mask with mild detergent and keeping a spare one can help. If you are wearing a reusable mask, the Center for Disease Control recommends washing the mask after every use. How you wash your mask is extremely important because that affects your skin. Washing your mask with unscented soap or unscented detergent under flowing water is very important. Make sure you remove all traces of dirt and soap from the mask before using it. 

Medicated cleansers can help 

Switch to skincare products that are medicated and antibacterial in formulations. This will clear your pores of all the dirt and grime to help prevent the overgrowth of bacteria. When at home, make sure that you unclog your pores well with a mild scrub once every alternate day. This will allow your skin to breathe. Medicated cleansers like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and glycolic acid can help you provide a protective barrier for your skin against bacteria.  

Give top priority to skincare 

Lazy after coming from work, time to get active to switch to a skincare routine. Follow a skincare routine religiously every day to help you keep your skin and infections away. Clean your face with cold water and an antibacterial cleanser to remove all dirt, makeup, sweat, and grime. Some antibacterial spray or mist will also work wonders for your skin. Make sure to spray it before you step out and give sufficient time for it to absorb well.

Switch to professional skincare 

If your acne breakouts and flare-ups get out of control, speak to your specialist in regards to it. A specialist can help you prevent acne and can restore your skin balance. Avoid popping or touching your pimple which can aggravate the issues. 

Go for antioxidants and vitamin supplements.

Popping a good quality supplement can help in taking care of immunity. Your skin needs all the vitamins and nutrients to glow from internally. Going for vitamin C peel can also help in giving a youthful glow to your face. Vitamin C will keep your face illuminated and help prevent free radicals from damaging your skin.

These tips can help you achieving good skin and preventing “Maskne”. Remember to treat your skin gently with great care during this COVID19 pandemic.