Face Maskne: How To Treat & Prevent Them

 

Mask-wearing has become a norm for all of us.

However, this essential daily habit has led to a frustrating phenomenon known as Maskne. A prevalent side effect of mask-wearing, Maskne has plagued individuals with and without acne-prone skin by triggering pimple formation and a host of other skin issues such as irritation, redness, bumps and rashes. 

 

What Causes Face Maskne

Maskne is a common skin condition caused by the prolonged usage of face masks and it usually occurs on our cheeks and nose bridges. It is a result of clogged pores due to excess oil, bacteria, dirt and dead skin cells. Also, wearing masks traps sweat and humidity on the surface layer of our face which increases the risk of acne formation. Friction caused by facial masks rubbing against our skin when we talk can exacerbate inflammation as well. Some masks are pre-treated with chemicals which some of us are allergic to. All these factors can either work alone or in combination to trigger blemishes and worsen existing inflammatory condition such as cystic acne.

 

5 Tips To Treat & Prevent Maskne

1. Choose A Suitable Face Mask

As we have to wear face masks for most part of our daily lives, choosing the right one is a fundamental step in preventing Maskne breakouts. Pick a mask that fits well but not too tightly to minimise friction against the skin. Silk masks are skin-friendly alternatives to regular masks as it helps reduce friction.

If you are using reusable masks, be sure to wash them after every use with mild and unscented soap. Clean thoroughly to prevent residual soap on the mask from coming into contact with your face. Let your masks dry completely before putting them on again.

 

2.  Keep Your Face Clean

Wearing your mask all day long can trap dirt and enable bacteria to thrive in a moist environment. Ensure that your complexion stays clean by applying our on-the-go ‘face sanitiser’, the LumiShield Anti-Bacterial Facial Mist, whenever your face feels unclean or compromised by environmental stressors. This anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory facial mist is a great stand-in for cleansers as it may not be convenient for us to cleanse our face in the middle of the day.

Cleansing your skin is an important first step in every skincare routine. With mask-wearing, it is even more crucial. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser in the morning, after wearing a mask and in the evening, to rinse off excess sebum, dirt, oil, bacteria and other impurities that may have built up during the day.

Avoid harsh cleansers with drying alcohols that may strip your skin of its natural moisture, leaving it more susceptible to irritation caused by mask-wearing. If your case of Maskne is more severe, you may swap your regular cleanser with one that has acne-fighting ingredients such as our LumiPure Anti-Blemish Cleanser that is formulated with Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide which helps to treat acne as well as Lavender which calms irritated skin. 

 

3. Travel-Sized Mouthwash On Standby

Another way to prevent the build-up of bacteria underneath your mask is to bring a travel-friendly antiseptic mouthwash wherever you go. It is also a more convenient substitute to carrying around a set of toothbrush and toothpaste. Use it after meals or whenever you need freshening up to reduce the amount of germs that you are breathing out into your mask. Moreover, a fresh breath makes mask wearing a more comfortable and pleasant experience!

 

4. Exfoliate 2-3 Times A Week

It is common knowledge that pore congestion, contributed by an excess build-up of dead skin cells and cosmetic residues, is one of the main causes of acne. Regular exfoliation of your skin using a gentle yet effective chemical exfoliator helps to slough off impurities and skin cells prevent pores from becoming blocked. We recommend our LumiGlow Fruit-Derived AHA Exfoliant formulated with naturally derived Glycolic, Lactic, Citric and Ascorbic Acids for this job.

 

5. Use Acne Spot Treatment Products 

Supercharge your acne skincare routine with effective acne spot treatment skincare to speed up the healing process. Our LumiClear Potent Acne Spot Complex is designed to act fast and heal blemishes effectively with its Quintuplex action powered by 5 strong acne-fighting ingredients. These ingredients including ICTASOL, Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Niacinamide and Eucalyptus Extract.

Ensure that the acne spot treatment you use dries down before putting on your mask. For an additional layer of protection, you may apply our LumiGuard Protective Pimple Patch over your pimple to shield it from direct contact with your mask so that it can heal more effectively.

 

Mask-wearing is here to stay but Maskne does not have to. Keep a journal of the steps you have tried to help identify the main culprits behind your breakouts. With the right preventive measures in place, you can banish Maskne for good.

 

Have a question on Lumipeau skincare or anything related to acne? Reach out to The Lumipeau Concierge via email at concierge@lumipeau.com or Whatsapp at 6338 8183 and the team will be glad to assist!

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