With the state of the economy, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and day-to-day stress and pressure, the last thing South Africans want to worry about is the state of their skin!
But the thing is, the maskne topic is on everyone’s lips… and face. And people who have never struggled with skin issues before are now experiencing breakouts like crazy as a result of having to wear face masks every day.
So maskne, or mask acne doesn’t only cause pimples but it may also include irritation, redness and itchy bumps.
According to healthline, oil, bacteria and dead skin cells are already on your skin, but when you wear a mask, substances can rapidly build up and clog your pores. Wearing face masks can also trap humidity while you breathe or sweat, which increases the risk of acne.
Here are ways to take care of your skin and make the mandatory process of wearing a mask more bearable:
Cleanse and moisturise your skin
Cleansing your skin daily with a gentle cleanser can do wonders to remove oil and bacteria. Be sure to wash your hands, and then face, before and after wearing your mask to remove any excess dirt. Once your face feels fresh and clean, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser.
Select the right mask
Find a mask that has a snug fit on your face, making sure that it doesn’t slip off your nose and stays in place on your chin. Wearing a mask with adjustable ear straps can also help relieve irritation behind your ears. Generally, more people are opting for cotton masks that are softer on the skin. If your job requires you to wear a specific mask, then try wearing a cloth mask when you’re grocery shopping or out on weekends instead.
Avoid make-up
Although make-up is a hot favourite with the smokey-eye and winged eyeliner, it can increase irritation and dampen your mask. It’s more likely to clog your pores which can eventually result in a breakout on your face.
Mask hygiene
Having a clean mask every day can help to keep your skin healthy. Avoid reusing disposable masks and give cloth masks a good scrub after use, and leave it to dry. The use of dirty masks can cause the process of cleansing your skin to be futile. Also, make sure to wash masks before wearing them for the first time.
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