What is Maskne and What's the Best Way to Deal With It?
While face masks are a necessity for preventing the spread of disease, they also can wreak havoc on our skin.
There's a new word sweeping the world...maskne, a clever combination of "mask" and "acne" and it’s defined by occasional breakouts and irritation along the chin, nose and cheeks caused by friction from wearing a face mask.
If you’re experiencing an increase in clogged pores, blemishes, inflammation and irritation with prolonged mask use, you’re not alone.
So, how do we prevent face mask breakouts?
These essential tips for preventing and treating maskne, plus the must-have products that should be in everyone’s acne arsenal are shared by my good friend, Cosmetologist, and member of my Beautycounter team, Beth Iacobellis.
In fact, Beth and I had a great conversation the other day, as I picked her brain about this very subject. I don't leave the house that often, I'm high risk (due to my breast cancer) but even my weekly doctor and occupational therapy visits are enough to cause some maskne! I notice mine, on my cheeks and in front of my ear where the strap must rub a little.
So, I asked Beth a couple of questions, that I think you'll find super helpful...
Q: Why do we get pimples after wearing a mask?
A: Normally, we shed skin cells throughout the day, but when wearing a mask, the dead skin cells have nowhere to go, so they end up staying on our skin and clogging our pores...leading to blackheads and pimples.
Q: What can we do to protect our skin, so that we don't breakout?
A: It starts with the type of mask that you're wearing, you may need to go through a few different designs and fabric types to find one that works for your skin long-term.
Here is what you should look for in skin-friendly mask:
- Make sure the mask actually fits your face shape. You want it to fit snugly around the nose and sides of the face. This reduces friction that can cause skin irritation.
- Make sure there is enough room for you to actively talk and move your lips without them rubbing against the mask.
- Cotton masks are a good, breathable choice if you want a washable version. However, make sure you wash masks in fragrance-free detergent as fragrance can further irritate sensitive skin.
Q: Does our skin care regimen make a difference?
A: 100%! Everyday I am seeing clients who are being too harsh on their skin, it's about finding the balance of cleaning the skin enough, but also protecting the skin, so that the rubbing doesn't annoy the skin.
Q: Would you share what you're doing differently for your skin care regimen with us?
A: For you and your amazing women Karin...absolutely!
1. I use my regular skin care regimen, as usual (Take the skin care quiz here to discover your best skin care regimen)
BTW, Beth and I both use the Countertime Collection to firm, plump and brighten the skin!
2. I use the charcoal soap 2 times a week on my face followed by appropriate Beautycounter daytime moisturizer. (Take the skin care quiz here to discover your best daytime moisturizer)
3. I use the All Bright Vitamin C Serum every morning, followed by daytime moisturizer.
4. I use Skin Twin Featherweight Foundation daily for natural light coverage, giving me a healthy barrier between my skin and hours of mask wearing.
A heavy moisturizer will only add to breakouts due to excessive moisture from breathing with a mask. Yuk! But we do need to breath 😝😂
5. I use the Overnight Resurfacing Peel 2-3 times a week at night followed by appropriate nighttime moisturizer.
Beth and I agree that the Overnight Resurfacing Peel is a must have and game changer for our skin. Don't let the name confuse you though...it's super gentle and doesn't peel!!
In fact, I tell you exactly how to use it in The Ultimate Maskne Survival Guide I put together for you, with all of these tips from Beth and her product recommendations...
Keep in mind that the products you use on your skin matter. Harsh chemicals will not only increase your maskne, but also your risk factors for breast cancer and other serious health issues, from infertility, to obesity and so much more!
Beth happens to be very shy about her accomplishments, but I want to mention and celebrate her for her tireless work with the organization Look Good, Feel Better...who help women in cancer treatment look and feel like themselves again.
This is why, Beth, as an advocate for helping women in cancer treatment to feel better and myself as a Health Coach and Breast Cancer Thriver...both choose Beautycounter for safer, less toxic beauty products.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions to [email protected] and don't forget to grab your Ultimate Maskne Survival Guide below!
KARIN'S HELPFUL TIP: Why not consider a Maskne Survival Kit for your holiday gifts this year?
A personalized mask with the above products...perfect!!
Need more personalized products to add to your perfect gift? SHOP ALL BEAUTYCOUNTER HOLIDAY GIFTS HERE
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