Some people that are wearing masks are developing acne. This is caused by the moisture, oil, dirt and bacteria that builds up underneath the mask. The result can be breakouts around your nose, cheeks and chin. For some, stress is an additional factor that is causing breakouts on normally clear skin. Here are some things you can do to minimize the chances of "maskne".
Keep Your Face Clean
Be sure to wash your face before putting on a mask and after taking it off. This reduces the amount of bacteria that is on your sking and can cause breakouts. Choose a natural gentle cleanser that won't dry out or irritate your skin. One of the most important ingredients to avoid is SLS or sodium lauryl sulfate. It strips the skin of moisture which can serve as a natural barrier. The environmental working group (EWG) scores products based on the known toxicity of ingredients. You can see their list of facial cleansers here.
In addition, once a week, do an exfoliating treatment to remove dead skin cells and and associated bacteria. This will also help unclog the pores on your face. You can make your own using a gritty ingredient, like sea salt, brown sugar or ground oatmeal. You can simply mix a gritty ingredient with water or your favorite base such as jojoba oil or water. Gently massage your skin and then rinse and pat dry.
Moisturize
To prevent dryness and itchiness that sometimes happens when wearing a tight-fitted mask, use a moisturizer. That will create a physical barrier that can protect your skin from bacteria. Once again, make sure the product you use does not contain synthetic ingredients or fragrances. It's best to let the moisturizer soak into your skin for at least 15 minutes before putting on a mask so that there is a good safe seal between your skin and the mask.
Minimal Make-up
It's best to avoid using any type of colored foundation when wearing a mask. Foundations, bronzers, and blushes tend to clog pores and trap bacteria. It's also best not to wear lip gloss or anything that might stick to the mask.
Clean Your Mask
Bacteria can easily build-up in a mask that is reused. If you have a cloth mask, you can wash it or iron it daily to keep it clean and bacteria free. Make sure to store clean masks in a new paper bag to keep them germ free. If you use disposable masks, grab a new one daily. And make sure to clean anything else that touches your face daily as well. This would include glasses and phones.
Healthy Diet and Stay Hydrated
If you’re experiencing breakouts, even if it’s from mask-wearing, you can still benefit from eliminating the most common acne-promoting foods. The biggest problem foods include sugar, highly processed foods, fried foods, conventional dairy and alcoholic beverages.
Instead, make sure to eat plenty of anti-oxidant rich foods. Low glycemic foods such as berries, avocados & citrus fruits are excellent choices. Organic proteins like grass-fed beef, organic chicken and wild-caught salmon are healthy and nutrient dense. And foods high in fiber and vitamin A like spinach, kale, carrots and sweet potatoes are extremely beneficial.
Staying hydrated can also help and/or eliminate acne. Water improves the health and functioning of the digestive and lymphatic systems, which leads to the removal of toxins from the body. Water also helps to moisturize the skin from the inside out and helps prevent the accumulation of toxins beneath the skin.
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