The surge in mask wearing (protective cloth face coverings) brings with it also a whole sleigh of problems: not only fogged up glasses, but also a raise of irritated skin and spots. Here’s what’s helping me deal with breakouts from face coverings.
First things first: this is not a post for medical personnel who’s wearing respirators, surgical masks and face shields and suffering from problems with them. (Lab Muffin has a great post you want to read if you’re a professional having skin problems due to mask wearing.)
Second: I’m an avid mask wearer when I’m outside. Data shows face coverings help spreading Covid-19 and protecting others. Great, right? So this means I’m totally for wearing masks when appropriate, and can’t stand that incessant whining about wearing masks.
The Problem
Under every face mask I’ve tried, air can’t circulate properly, which leads to sweating and moisture build-up, just because you’re breathing regularly. That humid environment can lead to clogged pores, inflammation, and excessive oil production that again may lead to cystic acne. Straps and the mask itself can also rub and irritate the skin, making it vulnerable. (Remember to wash your mask regularly if it’s a re-usable cotton mask.)
Possible solutions to breakouts from face coverings
Washwashwash (but not too much)
This was a game changer for me: If possible, wash your face when you remove your mask. I totally understand that this might often not be possible for everyone, but if you have the chance, do it. It’s important though to use a gentle cleanser and don’t overdo it: washing your face more than three times a day might be harming your skin barrier. (Here’re some cleansers we like.)
Ingredients that may help
If your skin likes acids (mine doesn’t regularly), a product with salicylic acid (like Cerave’s cleanser pictured above) is great to minimise clogged pores and outbreaks. Personally, on those deep and painful cystic acne spots, I love to use Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) that has anti-microbial properties. For my skin though, even using it as a spot treatment once can be a bit much. If your skin is similar, apply it sparingly to the spot and wash it off after 10 to 20 minutes.
Azelaic Acid is ALSO anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory too. It’s getting used in anti-acne and Rosacea treatments, and is something that’s always in my skincare arsenal. I always use it in my evening skincare routine on days when I wore my mask a lot.
Hyaluronic Acid: this one is an ingenious idea that may somewhat help, as well. Hyaluronic Acid is known for its ginormous ability to attract and retain water in your skin. What could be better for that super humid climate wearing a mask will create on your face?!
Treatments
If you want to do a mask to care for your skin, clay masks may help with clogged pores.
Pimple patches are the way to go with stubborn spots – they suck the gunk out of the spot while also protecting it from further inflammation.
Prevention
Strengthen your skin barrier with products that include one or more of the following ingredients might be a good idea. Ceramides, Niacinamide, and panthenol (Vitamin B5) all help your skin barrier to be in top shape. Don’t overdo it on the Niacinamide, though – it CAN dry out your skin if you use a lot of it. I personally also like Centella Asiatica that’s repairing and soothing: I got a sample size of Laneige’s relatively new cica overnight mask and do like it for that.
Also, this might be the time to rethink your routine, especially if you’ve to wear a mask often. Maybe you want to switch to a lighter moisturiser? (Heavy moisturisers are just ugh under a mask.) And if you thought that now is a good opportunity to include some heavy retinoids or super-strength acids into your routine: maaaaaybe you want to wait with that for a bit. No need to stress your skin even further, right?
P.S.
Don’t forget your lips! (They dry out too.) My fave lip treatments are Laneige’s lip sleeping mask, and a heavy cream with loads of panthenol.
And as much as it pains me to say: maybe don’t wear makeup under your mask. It’ll potentially add up on the risk of clogged pores and irritation. Let’s hope for a Covid-19 treatment and vaccine discovery soon.
Please note that this post is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods or money for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
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