skin care with a face mask

The holidays are just around the corner! Many of us have a tradition of traveling home to visit family and friends for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas, or going on vacation during the holidays. The CDC’s public-health advisory continues to recommend that every American wear a cloth face covering in public to curb the spread of COVID-19 and variants.

Maskne Breakouts

As if stress breakouts weren’t bad enough, we now have to deal with ‘maskne’- acne breakouts and skin problems from wearing face masks.  Protecting your face with a mask creates a build-up of moisture from the air inside of the mask since your breathing is being trapped. This can lead to a build-up of sweat and oil on your skin under the mask, which can lead to inflammation, rashes, and even acne breakouts…not to mention the dirt and makeup that can get trapped underneath!

Also, friction from the mask rubbing can cause irritant contact dermatitis. 

Add on the fact that face masks are occlusive [designed to block things] by nature, which is a recipe for skin disaster. 

How to Minimize Your Risks of Getting Maskne Breakouts

The good news is, you can minimize your chances of acquiring ‘maskne’ this holiday season and keep your skin looking and feeling healthy with that ‘holiday glow’ all while wearing a protective face! Here are some tips:

1. Cleanse Your Face Daily

When washing your face, use a quality foaming cleanser like our Sly/Sal 2-2 Foaming Cleanser. Foaming cleansers remove oil more effectively than hydrating oils or balms.

Our cleanser combines the power of an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid with a Beta-Hydroxy Acid. Together, these acids exfoliate the outer most layer of your skin to reduce redness, swelling, and help unclog pores.

If you are struggling with breakouts, texture, oiliness, or enlarged pores, this cleanser is for you!

2. Moisturize Your Face Daily

Next, it’s important to apply a lightweight moisturizer. Since dry skin is a common complaint, you want to make sure your skin barrier is in the best shape possible, which means it’s both balanced and hydrated.

Since dry skin is a common face mask skin problem, applying moisturizer adds a protective layer that can reduce dryness. Our Ultra-Hydrating Serum is great for alleviating dry skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and retaining moisture to create plump, healthy skin.

Suffering from oily skin? Ask us about our other skincare moisturizers that are formulated for your skin type.

3. Skip Makeup When Wearing a Mask

Beneath a mask, makeup is more likely to clog your pores and lead to breakouts. If makeup is necessary, use only products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.”

4. Wear the Right Mask

To reduce skin problems, look for masks that offer the following:

  • A snug, comfortable fit. If the mask feels too tight or slides around on your face, it can irritate your skin. You’re also more likely to adjust a poorly fitting mask. When you touch your mask, you can transfer germs to your mask and your face.
  • Soft, natural, and breathable fabric, such as cotton. Avoid synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, polyester, and rayon on the layer that rests against your skin. These are more likely to irritate your skin and cause breakouts.

5. Take a 15-Minute Mask Break Every 4 Hours

Healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID pandemic have found that this helps save their skin.

Of course, only remove your mask when it’s safe to do so and after washing your hands! Oh, and don’t touch your face!

6. Wash Your Cloth Masks

Don’t forget to give your face covering a daily scrub-down too! Washing it daily to remove oils and skin cells that have collected on the inside prevents a buildup of bacteria on the cloth.

Since a mask rests on your face, harsh chemicals and fragrances in your detergent can cause skin reactions. Use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent.

You can also add a splash of white vinegar, which is a natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agent.

Wash your mask in hot water unless the instructions say otherwise.

7. Treat Breakouts with TLC

If you’ve already experienced a bit of irritation, redness or breakouts, schedule a skincare consultation with us. We have a complete skincare line and services for all skin types.

Although wearing face masks is still part of our reality this holiday season, we want to help you get that ‘holiday glow.’ Schedule your skincare consult today and say goodbye to maskne! (916) 624-4959

Sources: WebMD, American Academy of Dermatology Association