Maskne Is Real. Here’s What to Do About It.

The global pandemic has changed everything, from how we make sweatpants fashion and function to how we work and shop. It’s also changed our skin: As we do our part to slow the spread by wearing a face mask or face covering, our skin is literally breaking out as a result: pimples, redness, and irritation now plague our faces, whether we’ve experienced blemishes before or not. The condition is so common, it’s known as maskne. So, what is maskne? And, is there anything you can do about it? “Yes,” says dermatologist and pharmacist Dr. Howard Murad. “There are simple things we can do to every day to prevent maskne and help keep skin clear.” Read on for his tips for how to prevent mask acne (maskne).

What is maskne?
Maskne is the nomenclature given to the side effect of wearing face masks and face coverings. Face masks trap sweat, oil, bacteria, and moisture. They may also cause irritation by physically rubbing against skin.

Preventing maskne tip 1: Wash your mask
If you’ve struggled with blemishes before, you know that changing your pillowcase is popular advice for getting rid of bacteria and oils that build up overnight. Apply this principle to your mask by thinking of mask-wearing as one-and-done: one wear and it goes in the wash.

Preventing maskne tip 2: Cleanse before and after wearing a mask
Use a gentle cleanser to help remove excess oil, debris, and sweat from your face. Dr. Murad recommends Clarifying Cleanser. This rich, creamy cleanser is tough on breakouts and gentle on skin as it treats and prevents blemishes, calms, soothes, and conditions.

Preventing maskne tip 3: Treat breakouts
Rapid Relief Blemish Spot Treatment is the ultimate spot treatment, clinically proven to reduce blemish size and redness in just 4 hours. Keep it in your purse or at your WFH desk for a quick fix to pesky breakouts.

If you develop post-blemish hyperpigmentation, treat with glycolic acid products like Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum. It will help even skin tone and restore radiance.

Preventing maskne tip 4: Go oil-free & don’t skip the moisturiser
Opt for products labeled ‘oil-free’ or ‘non-comedogenic’ to help minimise pore-clogging that can lead to breakouts. And, Dr. Murad says, “Don’t skip moisturiser altogether, even if it seems counter-intuitive to moisturise already oily skin.” Why? Moisturisers help keep fortify a healthy skin barrier, regardless of your skin type. And, a healthy skin barrier has a better chance at keeping breakouts and irritation at bay.

Dr. Murad recommends Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel, our non-comedogenic, water-light hydrator that purifies, refines, and delivers a balanced, non-greasy finish that’s comfortable under a face mask.

Now that you can answer the question, “What is maskne?” it’s time to shop solutions that can help keep skin free and clear of its impact.