With restrictions fluctuating from okay to stringent, it seems like along with us, our faces aren't getting the break it needs to breathe. And with the new restrictions in place for NSW that erupted over Christmas, it seems like mask acne has been erupted on our skin as well!
But as we all know being a masked bandit is vital to stoping the spread of the rona, even if it's turning half of us into masked bandZITS.
So how do we prevent it and deal with it?
Or at least on the bottom half of your face, you still walk out with poppin' eyeshadow and lashes, but the smothering of your skin by the mask paired with makeup is a recipe for clogged pores.
The fabric and fit of your mask makes a huge difference to how your skin reacts with it.
Natural fabrics such as cotton or silk are non-absorbent and a soft to touch. They have a high breathability level by being cool in summer and warm in winter, allowing a temperature regulation that works in sync with your skin.
A snug but loose fitting mask also minimises skin irritation as it's not impending on your skins normal state as much as possible.
Found to be helpful by healthcare professionals, taking a mask break in safe areas such as outdoors or in your car can be a major step in preventing mask acne. This stops the build up over the day of the bacterial environment that's being formed and allows the skin to regenerate and recirculate in its normal state.
You should wash your mask after each use. Use fragrance free, hypoallergenic laundry liquid to prevent skin irritation. Doing this removes the oils and skin particles that have collated throughout the use of your mask.
Products with actives such as retinol or peroxides will actually encourage breakouts. The environment created by the mask is counteractive to these products and can result in high irritation.
Regular face cleansing will remove the bacteria built up on your skin. You should wash your face in the morning and a night, but also after you've been sweating in the mask.
If your skin is dry, typically when the weather is colder, apply moisturiser on your face before and after you wear a mask. This will serve as a barrier between your skin and your mask and keep your skin hydrated. Hydration level = Skins ability to repair and restore itself.
Dermatologists suggest apply a topical anti-biotic cream before putting on your mask. This will heavily aid the prevention of bacteria build up caused by mask wearing.
We know the 'mask' part of maskne is the necessary, but maskne isn't a necessary evil. Although your mask is covering a lot of the breakout, it's frustrating and painful. Plus, we want you welcoming the day you don't have to wear a mask so you can show off your beautiful skin.
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