The Channel 46
TC46 brings you 10 must-know knowledge nuggets about the phenomenon called maskne, how to deal with it effectively and keep your skin happy and healthy. Did You Know? The medical term for ‘maskne’ is acne mechanica, a skin condition brought on by prolonged wear of facial personal protective equipment.
1. Prevention lies in the choice of the fabric Being mindful of your mask’s material should be at the top of your list when looking to prevent maskne. You’ll also want to stay on top of washing your mask consistently and limiting how much makeup you wear when you also wear a mask.
2. Hot summer days will make it worse The enclosed area of the mask against our skin, unfortunately, produces a microenvironment of warm moisture. This super-hydrates the stratum corneum (the outer layer of the skin) and dilates the pores and sweat glands. This increased oil and sweat production clogs your pores, resulting in maskne. 3. Washing your masks as frequently as possible will help Washing your masks is the most vital tip when it comes to preventing maskne. It’s easy to forget to keep up with cleaning our masks, but it makes all of the difference when attempting to keep your skin clear. Wash fabric masks frequently with hot water, and dry them completely.
4. It’s best to skip the heavy makeup when you wear your mask After months of staying home in our cosiest sweatpants, it’s natural to crave getting ready and putting on makeup. Experts recommend that you wear as much eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara as you want, but avoid wearing foundations, powders, and blushes under the mask. Wearing a foundation under your mask clogs your pores and can contribute to breakouts. 5. Prep your skin before and after wearing a mask Having a consistent skincare routine, complete with cleansing and moisturizing, effectively helps treat maskne. The best way to prevent and treat maskne is by washing your face morning and night to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria.
The Channel 46