Tips to prevent ‘Maskne’

Tips to prevent ‘Maskne’

Coming home after a long, tiring and stressful day at work, only to take off the mask you’ve been wearing for hours at end, to find a huge pimple, can really take a toll on your mental health.

While the most difficult aspects of Covid-19 were definitely the isolation, lockdown and social distancing, the one thing that took most of us quite a long time to get used to, was having to wear a mask all the time. 

Not only is wearing one extremely uncomfortable, it brings with it the dreaded issue of acne. This downside of wearing a mask, amongst one of the many, is why it has taken so many of us a hard time getting used to. 

If you have suffered from acne caused by wearing a mask, or more commonly known as ‘Maskne’, you are not alone. Most of us have had at least one maskne breakout, and it is nothing short of unpleasant and nasty.  But a few tips and tricks have helped us keep it at bay for the most part. 

So if you are interested in knowing how you can prevent pimples and acne while wearing a mask, read on to find out more.

But what exactly causes Maskne? 

Trapped moisture 

The occlusive and humid environment inside one’s mask especially after wearing it for prolonged periods of time can trap in moisture and irritate the skin. Breathing, talking or sweating inside the mask are all reasons which lead to the skin becoming inflamed and resulting in several skin conditions such as acne, rosacea and dermatitis. 

Friction with skin

The fabric of the mask rubs against the skin constantly, creating friction. This causes the skin to tear a little, allowing bacteria and dirt to enter the skin and cause the pores to get clogged. This results in maskne breakouts. 

But what is one supposed to do in recent times where masks are mandatory in almost all public places and will most likely be for quite a while? Keep scrolling to find out.

Here’s what YOU can do about Maskne:

Experts suggest that being careful about skin care regimes, choosing a suitable mask according to your skin type and refraining from using masks that cause irritation are the main keys to prevent ‘maskne’. 

Use a Gentle Cleanser 

The first step to avoiding maskne is to start with a clean face, free of dirt and impurities. Using a mild and gentle cleanser will help to remove any bacteria and microbes, which would otherwise cause havoc on the skin while being trapped underneath a mask. Also remember to use a cleanser that is fragrance-free which would otherwise irritate the skin and cause acne breakouts. Leovard’s Multicleanser is the perfect example of a gentle yet effective cleanser that helps provide squeaky clean skin without excessively drying or irritating the skin. In addition to that, it has papaya extract and hyaluronic acid which helps to calm inflamed and sensitive skin.

Remember to Tone and Moisturize Your Skin 

Using a toner after cleansing your face helps to shrink pores, preventing bacterial contamination. This reduces the chances of germs on your mask messing up your skin. Another common mistake people make is to skip moisturizing their skin before wearing a mask. This results in excessive friction which can cause irritation and maskne breakouts. Thus, remembering to tone and moisturize your skin before wearing a mask is crucial to avoiding ‘maskne’. 

Give your skin ‘Breathing Time’ 

Skin-care professionals recommend that skin should be allowed to breathe after every three hours. This is for people who have to wear their masks for an extremely long period of time. So don’t forget to give your skin time to breathe. 

The reusable, nylon masks that are easily available at most shops and malls are perhaps the products to blame when it comes to maskne because they’re made of materials which irritate the skin and cause inflammation. When they come in contact with skin for longer periods of time, rashes and minor bumps are caused because the material used to make them prevents proper breathing or circulation of air. This is why airing your skin is a must!

Use Cloth Masks 

The alternative to nylon or disposable surgical masks are pure breathable cotton masks which help ensure that people can maintain healthy skin. These masks are also easily washable, helping to keep them clean and sanitized before each use. 

The Leovard Luxury Cloth Mask, which can be used by both men and women, works brilliantly to prevent ‘maskne’ because of its unique features. It is made up of 100% pure cotton with an exhalation valve for easy breathing and ventilation inside the mask. This feature may seem insignificant but it is the key to preventing ‘maskne’ because it allows for fresh air to enter the mask. Moreover, the mask can be washed and has an easy filter replacement technology where the filters that touch one’s face can be easily replaced when dirty. 

Take Away 

Since Covid-19 doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon, incorporating these tips and tricks in your everyday routine will help to keep maskne at bay, allowing you to enjoy clear and smooth skin.


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