The maskne: the advice to warn it and get rid of it
Maskne is a skin condition caused by wearing a mask or any other accessory around the mouth and nose, such as respirators. The friction from the mask or another accessory creates heat, moisture, and sweat, which encourages bacteria to multiply and clogs pores. This phenomenon causes what is known as "mechanical acne": different forms of acne can result from wearing a mask, from mild acne, marked by small red patches, blackheads, and small pimples, to severe acne, known as "cystic acne".
How can you prevent maskne from appearing?
Prevention is better than cure: here are our tips to help reduce the risk of pimples appearing on your face due to wearing a mask. First, remove your mask as soon as possible: the less you wear it, the more you reduce the risk of bacteria multiplying on your face. Also, by changing your mask regularly, you significantly reduce the risk of maskne appearing: if it is a cloth mask, wash it every two to three days if necessary. Use only mild soaps and no fabric softener to reduce the risk of clogged pores.
You can opt for cloth masks made from natural, skin-friendly materials: a 100% cotton mask is ideal.
How can you get rid of maskne?
Once maskne has set in, it is harder to get rid of: but don’t worry, there are treatments and creams that will help you fight acne that develops after wearing a mask.
Clean your skin properly morning and night
As with regular acne, your skin will need to be repaired: the best approach is to cleanse the skin on your face morning and night with suitable foams and creams. For cleansing, choose acne-fighting foams or gels, or use a mild soap. After cleansing, the ideal step is to apply a moisturising cream that is non-comedogenic: this cream will create a protective layer between the skin on your face and the mask. Avoid creams that are too rich, as they encourage excess sebum production, as well as products containing retinol. The cream should be applied at least 15 minutes before wearing the mask for maximum effectiveness.
Exfoliate your skin to remove impurities
Here is a foolproof tip against acne pimples: exfoliate the skin. Thanks to natural scrubs used in the evening before going to bed or in the morning before applying your day cream, you can effectively revitalise and protect your skin against external aggressions. Our Résurgence scrub is enriched with bamboo, an ingredient used to soothe irritated and sensitised skin (especially from wearing a mask), and shea butter, which nourishes and comforts sensitive skin. It will help exfoliate the skin on your face and remove all accumulated impurities, with use once or twice a week.
Adopt a suitable skincare routine
By changing your usual skincare routine to a routine better suited to maskne, you should see results quickly. Remember to cleanse your skin after going out wearing a mask: clean it with gentle, natural products and with nourishing, soothing creams. Avoid applying too many creams with active ingredients, as this will have the opposite effect. Focus on masks and scrubs to exfoliate impurities from your skin and deeply nourish it.
The secret to fighting maskne is therefore good skin hygiene : by choosing natural products free from chemicals, you will help your skin strengthen and more easily fight irritation caused by friction from the mask.
