We're halfway through the year 2020 and the Coronavirus pandemic has sunk in deeper than ever. Face masks are a necessity and there’s definitely no way around that.
Wearing masks has resulted in a new skin nasty that you might just be facing yourself. No, that’s not your regular acne. It’s mask-acne a.k.a maskne.
Complaints about pimples, blackheads, rashes, and other skin issues have reached a fever pitch and much of it could be connected to wearing a mask. You don’t even have to wear a mask for hours every day to start noticing maskne, though how long you wear one could play a role. Nevertheless, just putting on a mask to run to the grocery store or walk your dog could still have an impact on your skin.
Here’s what you need to know.
HOW IS MASKNE CAUSED
There are three broad causes:
#1 RUBBING
This is when the mask constantly brushes against your skin resulting in continuous friction for prolonged periods. This leads to surface inflammation.
#2 IRRITATION
Your skin is highly sensitive at this point. Under a mask, it is quite likely for your skin to be irritated and bruised.
#3 OCCLUSION
The pores of your skin are clogged to the point where there is excess oil production and dirt that accumulates under the mask which leads to clogged pores and results in breakouts.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT MASKNE
Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
#1 Use a cotton fabric mask and wash it after every use
Use a 100% pure cotton fabric mask. It's the best for your skin. It is breathable and can be washed. That being said, we highly recommend washing your mask after each and every use.
#2 Wash your face using a gentle, soap-free cleanser
Washing your face before and after each use of the mask with a soap-free cleanser is extremely important.
Vya Naturals Vitamin C Face Wash keeps your skin fresh, free of dirt and oil. It regulates the pH of your skin and does not strip the skin of it’s natural oils.
#3 Opt for gentle skincare products
Your skin needs the love! Using gentle skincare products should be your priority, especially right now. Products with parabens, sulphates, drying alcohol and toxic chemicals are a sure NO.
#4 Use protective and hydrating skincare products
Applying serums and creams which will protect your skin as well as keep your skin hydrated is what you need.
Vya Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a go-to product to keep your skin hydrated under that mask. Another serum with skin-loving ingredients is Vya Naturals Niacinamide Serum. Niacinamide is a skin barrier saviour. It’s about time you add it to your cart!
#5 Streamline your skincare routine
Using fewer, effective skincare products is a much better option than hoarding your dressing cabinet with an excess of unnecessary products.
You know how the saying goes, “less is more”. This couldn’t be truer when it comes to maskne.
#6 Put the new skincare regimen on hold
Watched or read an excellent review of a new launch in the skincare market? Hold on, now is not the time to experiment. Stick to the basics and the routine you already follow. Your skin nasties would thrive on a new product and that’s something you definitely don’t want!
#7 Avoid makeup
Makeup is just another product that will certainly clog your already-clogged pores further. Breakup with that makeup especially if you use the face mask for a long period of time everyday and give your skin time to breathe.
Mask-ne can be tough to deal with since living without a mask is not the answer given the situation we’re all stuck in. Prevention is better than cure! Using the above pointers should be helpful but you must know when it’s time to visit a dermatologist.