HOW TO PREVENT MASKNE (MASK ACNE) - SKIN CARE WHILE WEARING A COVID-19 MASK

Cellphone? Check. Wallet? Check. Keys? Check. Facemask? Oh shoot!

Who would have thought facemarks would become as important as your housekeys in 2020. In many countries, including South Africa, mask wearing is now a part of everyday life and something completely normal. But while they're an awesome barrier to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, they also have other unfortunate consequences. One such consequence being that the friction of the mask against our skin as well as the bacteria that can collect on the inside of the mask, can lead to our skin getting irritated and breakouts occurring more frequently.

"Maskne" is the term for acne that results from wearing a mask, dermatologically known as mask mechanica. This type of acne is commonly triggered by sweat, friction, and pressure on the skin and causes inflammation, unpleasant red rashes and tiny clusters of pimples around the nose and mouth specifically.

This post is a compilation of tips from gentle skincare brand Cetaphil as well as my own tips from what I've experienced personally during this mask-wearing age.

How to care for your skin while wearing a mask 

• Firstly, choose your mask carefully. Your mask should be made of a soft and breathable material. Opt for a 3 layer fabric mask (As N19 masks should be reserved for health workers due to them being in low supply, high demand). Make sure the mask fits snugly but is still comfortable enough that it doesn't bruise your skin

• Wash your mask properly. You can find guidelines for washing your fabric mask here. Remember to wash both sides of your mask properly. 

• Don't touch your face after touching the outside of your mask. Make sure you don't mistakenly touch your face after taking out your mask. The outside of your mask has been exposed to bacteria and touching your face could spread that bacteria (Or worse). Wash your hands with soap after taking out your mask or touching the outside of your mask.

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. It's also a good idea to wash your face after taking out your mask for the day so that any bacteria that collected during the day can be washed away as soon as possible. The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a great cleanser for even the most sensitive skin.

• Wearing foundation under your mask can cause your pores to get clogged. Also, half your face is covered anyway so why waste your Fenty foundation!

• Apply a light moisturiser that's not too greasy. Applying a moisturiser that's too heavy or greasy can also clog your pores. The Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Location is a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid that provides instant hydration, maintaining the skins protective barrier, and helps to protect skin from dryness.

• Don't forget SPF! I think by now we should know how important incorporating sunscreen into our skin care routine is, but somethings even I can be a bit lazy. Even though half our face is covered, SPF is still crucial. Ideally, choose a sunscreen that's mineral based and lightweight so as to not clog your pores.

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