In the last couple of years, Covid-19 has become more of a lifestyle rather than a pandemic. Most of us have all accepted the fact that it has altered our lives. While masks were the most important weapon we had against the spread of the deadly virus, they did come with their own challenges – maskne being one.

Maskne is an amalgam of two words: mask and acne. This refers to acne or breakouts caused by wearing a mask. Maskne is something that most men and women can relate to.

The main cause of maskne is the accumulation of bacteria on our face due to poor ventilation because of the constant usage of a facemask. Our hot and humid breaths get trapped under the mask causing sweating. This provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. When combined, these factors contribute to the dreaded maskne.

Maskne can be stubborn and difficult to treat. Although masks are here to stay – here are some ways by which you can get rid of maskne.

Cleansing

The first step in controlling maskne is to religiously cleanse your face. 

Double cleansing works really well when it comes to maskne. Use a gentle cleanser that isn’t too harsh on the skin yet still manages to remove sweat, bacteria, and grime. If you wear makeup, make sure you remove it completely. Let’s just say – clogged pores and masks don’t go well together.

Moisturizer and Sunscreen

It might sound counterintuitive, however, moisturizing is a key step towards healing maskne. 

Chose a lightweight moisturizer according to your skin type. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides are two ingredients that are proven to repair the skin barrier while keeping irritation at bay. 

The moisturizer and sunscreen together form a barrier against the skin and the mask. Hence, there is less friction and smaller transfer of bacteria and germs.

Makeup

While we love using makeup, layering on base products is a recipe for disaster when you’re trying to heal maskne. Under the mask, makeup can clog pores and aggravate acne.

If you really want to wear makeup, opt for a tinted moisturizer or the spot concealing method. Powder it well to make it sweatproof. Also, ensure that the products you are using are non-comedogenic.

Choose the Right Mask

With tons of masks available in the market, it is important to choose the correct one. Make sure that the mask you use has a comfortable, snug fit. It should be tight around your nose to prevent any infectious particles from entering or leaving.

As much as cloth masks help relieve acne, they aren’t effective against Covid-19. Hence, make sure that you use a mask that protects from virus and also prevents acne. The best way to do is is to use a double-layered mask. The inner layer should be soft breathable fabric that rests against your skin and does not irritate it. The outer layer can be synthetic or any other material which is effective at keeping the virus out.

Also, change your masks once or twice a day depending upon your outdoor activities. Masks accumulate bacteria and germs, therefore it is also important to dispose of them properly.

Keep Your Hands Clean

It is always a good practice to wash your hands before touching your face. While this is essential for limiting the virus, it is also important for preventing maskne. 

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