Maskne is the New Acne, and Here's what Is Causing 
Let's be real: For those of us currently working from home, a full face of makeup has been deemed unnecessary — but despite giving our skin a much-needed breather right now, acne can still be an issue (hello, stress breakouts!).

It's not just the added anxiety of COVID that might be making you break out a little more than usual right now. If you've been  wearing your reusable or disposable face mask in public, you may have noticed few extra pimples . While this protective barrier helps shield you and others around you from the deadly virus, using these masks frequently can take a toll on your skin's natural barrier—often causing irritation and breakouts on your chin or around your mouth and nose—thanks to trapped sweat, dirt as well as heat and moisture from your breath.

Although mask-wearing isn't going anywhere anytime soon, there are a few tips that you can integrate into your daily routine to effectively prevent and treat maskne. 
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  • Wash your Face Regularly: if you're dealing with maskne, stick to a simple skincare routine and gentle products. When washing your face, use lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing your skin as this may cause irritation​. Tip: do it once in the morning, once at night, before going to bed and after sweating or wearing a mask
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  • Take a Break from Makeup: skip wearing heavy makeup under your mask as it can worsen your pores which can lead to more breakouts. Tip: try to use noncomedogenic products,  if makeup is necessary.
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  • Wash your mask: try washing your face mask daily to get rid of the dirt, sweat and bacteria collected in the mask. Tip: try to wash the masks in hot water unless the instructions say otherwise, and use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic laundry detergent where possible. If your wearing disposable mask, throw it away after each use. 
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  • Try to take mask breaks, if possible: The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends removing your mask for 15 minutes every 4 hours. Of course, only remove your mask when it’s safe to do so and after washing your hands. 
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  • Don't pick at the zits: you're dealing with maskne, stick to a simple skincare routine and gentle products, And don't pick at, scratch or squeeze the acne as this can worsen the inflammation and lead to scarring
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  • Make sure your mask isn't too tight:  wearing a mask that's too tight puts more pressure on the skin and leads to skin barrier breakdown. So, always choose a mask that offers a snug but comfortable fit. Tip: Avoid masks made of synthetic fabrics, such as nylon or rayon. These materials can irritate the skin.​
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​Finally, don't forget to wear sunscreen. With an increased inflammation of the skin, there is a higher likelihood of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Applying sunscreen can lower the chance of that happening. Some more prevention tips from Healthline include treating specific conditions.
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Photo by Good Skin Club on Unsplash