3.Wash your mask
Religious skin hygiene is crucial in keeping maskne under control. But what good is it having a rock-solid regime if your mask itself is full of germs? If you are guilty of being a little too economical with single-use surgical masks here and there, try to curb this unsanitary habit in the interest of skincare and indeed public safety. For those who own a reusable mask (and we recommend you do – but more on that later), make sure to wash it regularly. You wouldn’t wear a top more than a couple of times without a wash and the same logic applies to mask-wearing. Dirt and oil tend to collect on the fabric with every use, quickly rendering it a hotspot for bacteria. While we’re on the subject, use a gentle laundry detergent when washing your mask. Harsh chemicals may fan the flames of the maskne, potentially causing further irritation and breakouts.
4.Choose a natural fabric
The type of mask you wear can contribute to maskne and its many symptoms. This makes sense, considering it sits flush against your skin. Synthetic material can aggravate the skin, causing redness and inflammation. Invest in a decent quality, 100% cotton mask to minimise these effects. If you really want to treat your skin, go a step further and indulge in a pure silk face mask. This lightweight, natural and breathable fabric doesn’t trap as much hot air as thicker, multi-layer materials. Though they come with a heftier price tag, silk masks are a worthwhile splurge for sensitive or problematic skin that is most susceptible to maskne. Plus, they look pretty chic which is always a welcome bonus.
Maskne may sound like a first world problem to some. And nobody is disputing that it is a small price to pay in exchange for the protection of ourselves and others. Regardless, skin issues can really affect our confidence, not to mention the physical discomfort of painful spots or inflammation. Luckily, with the right care, you can drastically reduce the effects of maskne. Practice basic hygiene, streamline your skincare and don’t skimp on your face mask. Just another day of learning to live with covid, eh?