How to Avoid Maskne (Mask Acne) Breakouts
Face masks are back and with the summer heat, they can create the perfect storm for acne breakouts. To help prevent maskne, or mask acne, we recommend these 10 tips for healthy skin.
1. Cleanse and moisturize regularly.
Continue following a regular skincare routine to keep your skin healthy. This includes washing and moisturizing in the morning, before bed, and after sweating or wearing a mask.
When washing your face, use a clarifying cleanser and toner then immediately apply moisturizer. Avoid cleansers that contain sulfates and parabens that can cause irritation and make it harder to heal. A moisturizer can serve as a barrier between your skin and the mask.
2. Add salicylic acid.
To fight stubborn acne, try adding retinol- and benzoyl peroxide-containing products like our Acne Control Serum. For stubborn pimples, use a spot treatment.
3. Protect your lips with petroleum jelly.
Dry skin and chapped lips are common face mask problems. You can prevent chapped lips by applying petroleum jelly after washing your face, before putting on a mask, and before bed. To prevent additional breakouts, only apply the petroleum jelly to your lips and avoid the surrounding skin.
4. Skip the makeup.
Makeup is more likely to clog your pores and lead to breakouts under a mask. If makeup is necessary, use only products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.”
5. Avoid trying new skincare products.
Even just wearing a mask for a short period can make your skin more sensitive. To reduce problems, avoid harsh products and stick to your regular products.
6. Less is more.
When you cover your face with a mask, some skincare products that you’ve used in the past may irritate your skin. Cut back on the products and see if your skin gets better.
7. Wear the right mask.
To reduce skin problems, try a face mask that:
- Fits snugly, but still comfortably
- Has at least two or more layers of fabric
- Is made of soft, natural, and breathable fabric, such as cotton
Avoid masks made of synthetic fabrics, such as nylon or rayon. These materials can irritate the skin.
8. Remove your mask every 4 hours.
Health care workers on the frontlines of the pandemic have found that this helps save their skin. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends removing your mask for 15 minutes every four hours to give your skin a break.
9. Wash fabric masks after every use.
Washing your mask removes oils and skin cells that collect inside the mask, which could lead to a skin problem. Never reuse a cloth mask without first washing it. Use unscented hypoallergenic laundry detergent, then let it dry completely.
10. Try a chemical peel.
Lastly, a chemical peel could be just the trick if your maskne is more severe or persistent despite these tips. A chemical peel is applied topically to exfoliate and remove the damaged outer layers of the skin. In addition to treating acne, this treatment can help to correct problem skin, age spots, and fine or deeper aging lines of the face. At OnePeak Medical, we have several peels to choose from depending on the aging changes of the skin or sun damage present.
Schedule a consultation
If you feel you could benefit from a chemical peel or would like to request more information, please contact us today to schedule your consultation.