WTF is Maskne? Why Do I Have it? How Do I Fight it?
Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. Updated February, 2021
WTF is happening? Why do we have to deal with this right now too?
Here’s the scenario: you had to begin wearing a mask all day as part of the “new normal” and you are noticing skin irritation now. Sound familiar? Blame COVID.
This is new to most people who do not wear masks as part of their profession. It’s been deemed “MASKNE”. Wearing a mask of any material on your face causes friction and even the slightest friction will cause tiny abrasions on your face which in turn is a breeding ground for bacteria. Pair that with the hot breath that is stuck up under your mask too and you have a bacteria frat party on your face. I’ve researched products to fight acne, which I am using, and I’ve compiled them for your convenience. I have seen significant improvement in just a few days. And it’s more affordable than you think!
First and foremost:
WASH YOUR MASK AFTER EACH USE
Don’t put your mask on surfaces. Keep in your pocket or a plastic bag and sanitize surfaces around you regularly.
Developing and sticking to a skincare regimen is very important in the fight against maskne and everyday dirt and grime.
Skincare
- Face wash – Neutrogena Hydro Boost keeps skin hydrated and less chance of bacteria butting in!
- Hyaluronic acid products – The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid helps also keep your skin hydrated and supple. It can also speed wound healing so if you have any existing skin conditions, it is said to help.
- Lip balm – Physician’s Formula Organic Wear (they even have tinted balms).
- Black head eraser – Garnier Blackhead Eliminating Scrub exfoliating daily should decrease pore size and even out your complexion.
- Makeup remover – Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water – gently removes dirt and makeup, even waterproof mascara!
- Lightweight moisturizer with SPF – Too Faced Hangover Good to Go – This moisturizer smells good and works well for sensitive skin.
Extras
Eye makeup – To wear make up or not to wear makeup? That is the question. I have been on a roller coaster with the do-I-wear-makeup-or-not ride and I’ve gone weeks in this masked-up pandemic without it and I’ve tried to stick with it. I do not put makeup on the mask-covered portion of my face in an effort to limit the amount of build-up and bacteria that rests on it, but I have landed in the realm of doing my eye makeup so I feel a bit more “put-together” still. But that is just for me and is completely unnecessary.
Makeup brushes – if you’re using makeup, you might as well get some new brushes and get some brush cleaners to clean them with each week.
What products am I missing out on? Are there any other miracle products out there that I haven’t mentioned and therefore don’t know about?
