Maskne - Face Mask Breakouts

If you’re like me, your face mask has become an indefinite accessory whenever you leave your home.  Although, I do not mind wearing a mask to keep myself and others safe, I am not a fan of the effects this has been causing my skin.  I know I’m not the only one experiencing this, I’ve heard this from so many others.  What I recently discovered is there is a new medical term for this unpleasant skin condition: MASKNE.

Face masks, when properly worn create a steam room effect, there is an increase in temperature and humidity around your jaw, nose, cheeks and mouth area which could start causing issues and a build up of bacteria.  The constant pressure from the mask, heat, and sweat breakdown the structure of the skin, causing irritation, and swelling to the skin, which can cause acne along the jaw line, around the mouth, and on the nose.

I reached out to my friends at The Wild Plum Holistic Spa & Yoga Center for their take on what do to prevent and treat this un-welcomed Maskne.  Here’s what they had to say.  

PREVENT

1. Ditch the makeup under your mask (if you can) or keep it as light as possible.  The trapped makeup can clog your pores and cause breakouts.  If you will be wearing a mask for a long period of time, focus the makeup on your eyes and brows and try to keep the rest of your face clean. 

2. Avoid lipstick - no one will be able to see it anyway.  The pores around your mouth will clog and you will start to notice possible breakouts and blackheads start to appear around the lip area.  Use lip balms or less petroleum jelly based products instead.  

3. Clean the face throughout the day with everyday wipes.  Choose ones that are hydrating or aloe vera based.  When cleaning the face use a dabbing motion instead of a wiping motion.  Be gentle with the wipes as your face is already taking a beating from the low levels of air flow.

   Recommendations - Burt’s Bees or Honest Beauty wipes.

4. Keep your skin hydrated throughout the day by misting it with a toner.  We like to create our own by mixing the following in a 2oz bottle:

   - 1/3 witch hazel

   - 1/3 distilled water

   - 1/3 Jojoba Oil

   - 3 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil

   - 3 drops of Lavender Essential Oil  

5. Add additional hydration to your skin care routine by incorporating Hyaluronic Acid.  The added hydration will act like a barrier to your skin and will seal the products. 

   Recommendations - The Ordinary’s “Buffet”, this product is full of peptides and so hydrating. 

6. Wash your mask regularly and wear a clean mask as much as possible.  The mask builds up bacteria every time you put it on and take it off.  If you can spray your mask in between with a disinfectant solution.  Make sure you let it air dry before putting it back on. 

   We like to make our own by mixing the following in a 2oz bottle:

- 1/3 Witch Hazel

- 1/3 99% Alcohol

- 1/3 distilled water

- 3 drops of Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil

- 3 drops of Lemon Essential Oil  

TREAT

To treat those pesky breakouts you are already dealing with, add a spot treatment to your night time skin care routine.  Use a clay mask or benzoyl peroxide not stronger than 5%.  

For sensitive skin - dab the benzoyl peroxide on the affected areas using a cotton swab.  Do not apply all over the face, only in the areas you need to treat.  Sleep with it on.

If you have cystic acne - dab the benzoyl peroxide on the affected areas using a cotton swab.  Over the peroxide, apply a dab of the clay mask and sleep with it on.  The clay will dry and won’t stain your sheets.  With this combination, your acne will be significantly reduced in the morning or completely gone.  

When you wake up the next day, wash your face to remove the treatment and follow it with your morning skin routine.  Don’t forget to use SPF.  

As masks continue to be required and we move forward with every day life, the right skin care routine can help lessen mask related breakouts and skin issues.  Seek a dermatologist should you continue to experience skin conditions that do not respond to your at-home treatments.

And if you live in the Los Angeles County, visit The Wild Plum Holistic Spa & Yoga Center.  They currently offer outdoor yoga classes and spa services.

Stay safe, healthy and acne-free.

Xoxo - G