Have Maskne? We Got You Covered

By Shammi Mondal 

Understanding maskne 

Maskne is acne, skin irritation, redness, or bumps caused by wearing a mask. It usually occurs in the lower half of your face, exactly where your mask sits.  

Humidity, friction, dirt, and bacteria are the main causes of maskne. We know that’s uncomfortable, especially in the hot and humid months, but does that mean you stop wearing a mask? Of course not. 

Here are effective solutions that’ll help you keep those unwanted bumps and breakouts at bay.

#1 Cleanse well and often 

We cannot emphasise the importance of cleansing your face enough. This washes away oil, grime, sweat and dead cells from your skin. Cleanse before and after wearing your mask. If you have oily skin, use an active-based cleanser for deep cleansing.

#2 Don’t give up on hydration 

The fear of having oilier skin might tempt you to skip your moisturiser, but this will only irritate your skin further. The friction between your mask and dry skin can damage its natural barrier and cause inflammation. Choose an oil-free lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser and apply it gently before wearing your mask.

#3 Choose simple makeup and skincare  

Due to the increased humidity, multiple layers of makeup or skincare can melt and clog your skin’s pores, increasing chances of a breakout. Go easy on your skincare and makeup routine, let it dry down before you wear a mask.

#4 Team up with niacinamide  

Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties, i.e. it soothes and calms your skin irritations, regulates sebum secretion and reduces oiliness. It also helps in unclogging your pores. Include a niacinamide serum in your night-time skincare routine to support your skin health.

#5 Don’t hate, exfoliate 

Exfoliating will help unclog the pores of your skin and improve its texture. If you have oily or normal skin, you can safely exfoliate twice a week. For dry and sensitive skin, exfoliating once a week is sufficient.