Tips And Tricks To Keep Maskne — Acne Caused By Masks — Under Control

Ahhh, acne… what a nightmare it can be. While we’re 100 percent #skinpositive over here, we know keeping acne under control can take a toll on us and sometimes our self-esteem, reason why understanding how our skin works and what it needs is a must to keep it at bay. But what happens when a new factor enters the chat? Something we didn’t see coming as a possible contributor in the future? Yep, I’m talking about masks, and how our new routines involve wearing them every time we go out (why yes, you should be wearing them every time you leave your house!), which can lead to the newest skincare struggle to join the list: maskne, AKA, acne caused by the use of masks.

The thing is, even if your skin is non-prone to it, none of us are truly in the clear when talking about acne. The new normal requires masks to be worn regularly and for longer periods of time due to COVID, and that can affect our skin in brand new ways. When we breathe or talk, our masks tend to trap in lots of hot air, which creates a warm, humid environment… In other words, the perfect setting for yeast, bacteria, and other flora to set foot and grow. These bacterial imbalances and friction from your mask can promote acne and rosacea flare-ups as well as something called perioral dermatitis. This, my friends, is when fine pimples and pustules appear around the nose and mouth.

Thankfully, there are ways to try and keep maskne under control, and today we’ll share some of those tips with you!

• Don’t quit on your skincare routine! Masks can’t protect you from the environment or UV rays, so make sure to still wear sunscreen every day.
• Wear minimal or no makeup under your mask.
• Keep your mask clean!
• Cleanse and moisturize your skin immediately after you remove the mask
• Touch the mask with your hands as little as possible.

Now, what about your skincare routine itself? Here are some products that can help out

Neogen – Real Foam Green Tea Foam Cleanser

This unique foam cleanser is a must-try for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. The star ingredient in this cleanser is fermented green tea extract, which brightens, calms, and hydrates skin. Plus, it can help keep acne-causing bacteria under control.

The Ordinary – Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

This is a godsend for maskne, just so you know. This mask enhances the appearance of a smooth and clear complexion while leaving the skin feeling refreshed. Charcoal and clays are ingredients renowned for their deep cleansing abilities, as they aid the removal of facial impurities that would otherwise remain on the skin’s surface and clog pores.

Versed – Day Maker Microcrystal Exfoliator

World, meet your new superhero. This creamy pore polish detoxes pores and gently buffs away dead, dull skin cells. It’s formulated with superfine microcrystalline, a 100 percent plant-based, biodegradable alternative to microbeads, and an antioxidant-rich blend of black currant and raspberry leaf extract, which keeps oil production and inflammation at bay.

Hylamide – Pore Flush Mist

A minimal, simple way to clearer skin. This plant- and marine-based mist formula helps visibly reduce pore size and sebum overactivity, two of the factors that can lead to acne.

Glow Recipe – Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner

Hydrate your skin while tightening your pores all at once with the ultra-gentle Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner for supple, smooth skin. This innovative formula contains a balance of hydrating ingredients and pore-tightening actives to equally minimize the look of pores and hydrate skin.

Cosrx – One Step Original Clear Pad

The pads that will solve all of your maskne problems. Wipeout excess dirt with these soft cotton pads pre-soaked in an essence formulated to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum. In other words, acne-fighting powers in the palm of your hand!

Medicube – Super Cica Ampoule

Battling maskne while also dealing with sensitive skin? We got you covered. This ampoule provides your skin with long-lasting soothing effects, AKA, gentle soothing care with hypoallergenic ingredients.

Aprilskin – Calendula Foam Cleanser

Bring in the calendula! This foam cleanser features one of nature’s most amazing ingredients: calendula oil, which has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that might make it useful in healing wounds, soothing eczema, and acne scars!

How are you keeping Maskne away, Soompiers? Let us know in the comments below!

Caromalis is a K-pop, K-fashion, and K-beauty obsessed content creator and writer. You can find her interviewing some of your (and her) favorite groups when they visit NYC, trying the latest K-beauty trends or testing idols’ skincare routines. Say hi to Caro on Instagram and Twitter!