The Fabric Blend of Your Face Mask Might Be Causing Your Acne
Face masks are necessary for the safety and wellbeing of the general population. They're proven to drastically reduce the spread of COVID and let's be real – they make a pretty chic accessory (you can even buy styles with attached chains). But they cause one major annoyance that cannot be ignored: swamp face.
You get back from a socially-distanced walk around the block and take off your mask to reveal a face of sweat, oil, and though you can't see it, bacteria. It's a nasty combination that can cause even the clearest skin to break out in a sea of blackheads and pimples. Yup, we're talkin' maskne.
Like the pimples on your back or your butt, Dr. Michelle Henry, MD FAAD, a board-certified (and Instagram famous) dermatologist, says maskne is caused by all that funk that lives underneath your protective mask. It's a very specific form of acne called, acne mechanica, which is caused by the rubbing of dirty or sweaty clothes or surfaces on the skin.
"In medical terms, maskne is what we call acne mechanica. You irritate the skin, you get clogging of the pores, and then you get sebum and bacteria that proliferate under the skin," Dr. Henry explained. "Wearing a mask can also trap dirt and oil in your pores, causing breakouts, or worsening pre-existing skin issues."
You can't just skip out on a mask, because of a few breakouts. But Dr. Henry says you can prevent them from happening. Here are all her best tips for treating and preventing acne caused by face masks.
Yes, Mask Choice Matters
Different fabric blends affect your skin in different ways, which is why Dr. Henry recommends shopping for breathable, natural fabrics. This will help to reduce the dampness that fosters bacteria growth.
"Choosing a more breathable fabric, like one made of 100% cotton, will help prevent maskne. Cotton is gentle on your skin, and since it's breathable, it will create a less humid environment (breakouts thrive in humidity)," she says. "Also consider paper masks that are disposable or silk masks that cause less friction."
Doctors recommend changing out your mask every time you wear it, to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, but a clean mask is also necessary for preventing maskne, Dr. Henry says.
"If possible, it would be ideal to wash your face mask after every use, with a gentle, fragrance-free laundry detergent. If you buy a pack of 3, or 6 masks, it should be easy to rotate them after each use into the laundry basket," she advises.
Skip Your Glam Routine
I don't know about the rest of y'all, but I haven't worn makeup since last March. If you're still out here rocking a full face, though, that could be the cause of your breakouts. Dr. Henry says that mixing a faceful of foundation with a sweaty mask is "a recipe for disaster."
"Absolutely avoid wearing makeup underneath your mask. The oil in your makeup can contribute to clogged pores and painful acne breakouts," she continued. "The combination of mask friction, the humid environment created by the mask, and heavy makeup or comedogenic products can cause acne, rashes and irritation. Consider a tinted moisturizer or sunscreen and avoid an oily foundation."
Don't Pile On the Products
If you're rocking a 9-step skincare routine, you might want to pare it down, just for the time being. Weed out oil-based products if you can – like heavy foundation, they sit under your face mask and clog your pores. Skip thick moisturizers during the day and opt for gentle, more lightweight formulas, instead.
Dr. Henry also advises against using products with retinol or glycolic acid during the daytime. "If you’re using products like retinol, or glycolic acid, that encourage turnover of the skin, try to only use these at night (not under your mask)," she says.
To help keep oil at bay, you might also want to use cleansing wipes to refresh throughout the day.
"Since teenagers generally have more oily skin, carrying around some oil-free wipes, like Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes. These convenient, pre-moistened soft facial cleansing wipes thoroughly cleanse skin of bacteria, dirt, and oil," Dr. Henry says.
Double Cleanse – ALWAYS
Ok, you should be doing this all the time, but if you're not, now is the absolute best time to add a nighttime cleanse to your daily skincare ritual. Washing your face twice a day is super important for healthy skin, especially now that you're spending 99% of your day covering it with a germ-infested piece of fabric.
"Cleanse skin twice daily with a gentle cleanser that does not strip one’s moisture barrier. Consider a gentle acne cleanser like Neutrogena's Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser with salicylic acid to unclog pores and help prevent acne," Dr. Henry advises. "This facial cleanser uses maximum strength 2% salicylic acid and naturally derived grapefruit extract and Vitamin C, to eliminate oil and dirt."
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