Struggling with Maskne?
What is Maskne?! It’s the term for blemishes that are happening to people's skin related to their face coverings. If you are struggling with breakouts since you started wearing a mask, I’ve got some tips how to treat maskne during the pandemic.
Have you been experiencing Maskne?
I’ve been very diligent about wearing mask when I go out in public. I’ve been so lucky to be able to work from home, although occasionally I do venture out to the grocery store and run some other errands that are needed for the week. It took me a little while to get used to even wearing a mask but I now have no problem wearing a mask in public, it does have one downside—maskne (mask + acne = maskne). Masks are becoming a part of everyday life during this pandemic and with the summer heat and humidity in full force; it can be tough to maintain your clear complexion. Masks can trap in humidity, dirt, oil, and sweat, which can wreak havoc on your complexion. If you’ve been diligent about wearing a mask in public then you may be experiencing breakouts too.
Biggest Complaints = Breaking out or extreme dryness
Why it's happening? You are essentially trapping all the dirt that’s underneath the mask.
How to help
Use a material that is non-irritating and breathable
Wash your face before and after wearing a face mask in public By washing your face before and after wearing a mask, you’ll help curb the effects of maskne. I recommend using a cleanser that won’t strip skin of its natural oils but still wipe away dirt and grime. Here are a few cleansers that have worked really well during maskne flare ups.
Use a gentle exfoliant
Like the Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser which is made with wintergreen and rosebay willow, that helps mattify skin, purify pores, and reduce the appearance of redness while keeping skin in balance. The jojoba beads provide gentle physical exfoliation to help remove dead skin cells and the aloe vera helps soothe irrtiated skin. This step is key to preventing mask breakouts from forming in the first place. Adding an exfoliator helps break down dead skin cells and allows for cell turnover so you have a smooth and glowing complexion.
Add a gentle TREAT step
I’ve been using Beautycounter’s Overnight Resurfacing Peel every other night to help treat the acne lesions and inflammation on my face. I’ve been using the peel three times a week (every other night) and notice a difference in my complexion. It’s made with a multi-acid complex, gently enough to leave-on. It improves skin texture and boosts clarity without irritation or over-drying. With glycolic, malic, and botanically derived lactic acid, it clears away dull surface cells, while arginine and essential fatty acids help soothe to reveal a brighter, healthier looking, and renewed complexion. Yes please!
Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer
Avoid moisturizers with a fragrance, especially if you have sensitive skin. This is a MUST! As most companies hide harmful chemicals under the word fragrance which can be super irritating to your skin. In the summer I typically use the Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion. My skin changes with the seasons. In the winter I always gravitate to Countertime because of it’s healing properties and hydration my skin needs and asks for.
Charcoal mask 2x a week
Draw the impurities out, green tea helps with inflammation, kaolin clay soothing on the skin. This is also great to use as a spot treatment and to treat bug or mosquito bites and helps poison ivy! You can get this for FREE and the Overnight Resurfacing Peel if you sign up for our loyalty program, absolutely no gimmicks at all, monthly purchases or auto ships. Ask me how I’d love to help you!
Avoid heavy foundation/makeup
Heavy foundations will only further trap bacteria in your pores under your mask so the best thing is to wear tinted moisturizers or light, breathable makeup formulas so skin can breathe. Remember lipstick? Ha! I’m still wearing lipstick despite all the mask wearing! Aside from wearing a facial daily SPF, I’ve been wearing Skin Twin or Dew Skin, which both of these products are fragrance free and also allow my skin to breathe.
Sending you love,
