Like it or loathe it (and in the heat of summer, it tends to be the latter), wearing a mask is the new normal. While wearing a mask to protect oneself has long been a common practice in some countries, it’s a new way of life for people living in the U.S. And we’re still adjusting to it! But it doesn’t have to be such a grim dynamic.
The plus side of wearing a mask is that it protects us from spreading viruses. The downside is that it might not be easy for our skin to adjust. We encourage you to follow the CDC’s guidance and wear your mask whenever required, of course. But in the spirit of skin care, here are some recommendations to help make sure your skin looks great beneath the mask.
Below, learn all about how maskne (that’s mask-induced acne for the lucky uninitiated) occurs and brush up some of our pro tips to avoid maskne and keep your skin clear by switching up your skin care regimen in a few key ways.
What Happens to Your Skin When You Wear A Mask Daily?
First, let’s talk about what goes on underneath your mask. When you wear a mask daily outside or inside, especially during the hot summer months, your skin is privy to a lot of conditions. Namely, these include humidity, irritation from the mask being close to skin, and possible rubbing of the skin —specifically on the nose, cheeks and chin.
What might you see on your skin after wearing a mask? It’s common to see sweat, dirt, oil and makeup —even remnants of your skincare, such as sunscreen or moisturizer. One thing to note is that maskne doesn’t just refer to acne, though that’s the most common result of all-day mask wearing. Maskne can also refer to skin redness and skin irritation.
How To Avoid Maskne
Wash Your Mask
A good rule of thumb when it comes to avoiding maskne is that your mask should be washed after each wear. It’s safer for you from a health perspective AND from a skincare standpoint. Masks get dirty super easily. Makeup, sweat, SPF and skincare products can get on your mask. Not to mention the various elements (pollen, dirt, pollution, etc)you encounter outside.
To be safe, hand wash your mask in the sink after you remove it. Let it air dry and have another washable mask in your rotation to wear in the meantime. Using amild, fragrance-free detergent to wash your mask is best if you want to avoid acne, skin irritation, or skin redness.
Keep Your Face Clean
You already know the importance of keeping your hands clean and washing them often (for at least 20 seconds) during this time. In addition to hand sanitizer, you may want to keep face wipes on you when you’re about and about. Wipes are key to keeping your skin as clean as possible when you take off your mask. Just like using hand sanitizer is great in a pinch when you’re not near a sink, using a face wipe helps keep your skin clean when you can’t use face wash.
“Use a face wipe when you remove your mask, and then use a gentle facial cleanser for sensitive, red or irritated skin, like SOOTHE Gentle Cream Wash if you have any irritation,” says Rodan + Fields Vice President of Product Development Dr. Sumita Butani. “Do a weekly UNBLEMISH Clarifying Mask or UNBLEMISH Refining Acne Wash three to four times a week for acne prevention. Then if you get a breakout, switch to the UNBLEMISH Regimen that works to clear adult acne and prevent future breakouts,” she advises.
Want a wipe recommendation? ESSENTIALS Instant Makeup Remover Wipes are perfect for cleaning your skin after a day of running errands or going to and from work in your mask. They’re ultra-soft and gently remove even long-wearing makeup, well as dirt and oil in just a few swipes. The wipes are formulated to prepare skin for your R+F Regimen and work well even for sensitive skin.
If you’re home and you won’t be going out the rest of the day or evening, it’s a good idea to wash your face with a facial cleanser. If you want to address acne, lathering up with UNBLEMISH Refining Acne Wash will help clear clogged pores, in addition to removing excess oil, makeup and impurities thanks to its Salicylic Acid + Colloidal Sulfur-infused formula.
How to Treat Your Maskne
Now that you know how to avoid getting maskne (no thank you, maskne), let’s talk about treating the maskne you have. Whether you’re dealing with acne, skin irritation or skin redness, there’s a course of action you can take to treat your skin immediately.
Acne
Let’s all pause and acknowledge this one simple fact: Acne can be frustrating. To take care of your acne-prone skin, try washing with SOOTHE Gentle Cream Wash and following that up with the UNBLEMISH Regimen. The lineup includes four products that are formulated to work together to clear adult acne and visibly improve signs of aging. Use the UNBLEMISH Clarifying Mask at least once a week. This treatment contains the maximum concentration of purifying Sulfur to treat existing acne and prevent new breakouts.
Skin Irritation
If it’s skin irritation you’re dealing with, the first thing to note is to be gentle on your skin. A good skin care lineup to use is the SOOTHE Regimen. These are designed for those with visible redness or dry, sensitive skin. This product line calms, nurtures, moisturizes and protects skin instantly —and over time. Be gentle with your skin.
Skin Redness
To help calm skin down and take down inflammation, a soothing, moisturizing mask is key. Try an application of the SOOTHE Rescue Mask while you binge watch your favorite show. All it takes is just 10 minutes and visible redness is reduced. This calming green mask boasts moisture-attracting Glycerin to help skin feel softer and more comfortable. Plus, Calamine calms skin and neutralizes irritants to relieve stressed skin.
