How to Treat and Prevent Face Mask Acne, Aka ‘Maskne,’ Best Maskne-Preventing Practices

Living in the COVID-19 pandemic means constantly learning and unlearning information as we learn the best practices to protect ourselves and others. Among the many changes we’ve endured, one constant call to wear face masks. As quarantine life continues there’s an elevated effort from business big and small to make wearing face masks easier. From the different types of mask coverings and now accessories for face masks, my favorite being face mask chains especially those from the Pretty Connected Shop, masks are now a part of our culture. While most people are okay with face masks staying, one thing we don’t want to linger is the face mask acne, aka maskne, that’s come from wearing face coverings.

As both a proud mask-wearing citizen and skincare enthusiast, I made this post in the hopes of helping those also wearing mask coverings to help, “flatten the curve” but may be suffering from maskne. Face mask acne, colloquially named maskne, and technically called ‘acne mechanica,’ is a newer skincare topic blowing up in skincare videos, lifestyle blogs, and Google Trends. Since I wrote my where to buy stylish face masks and face mask chain accessory posts, this has been a topic that I’ve been interested in addressing. After doing some research online and in looking at my current skincare routine and mask collection I feel ready to share my best maske-preventing practices.​

While face mask acne might be stressing you, the good news is that like all skincare ailments there are plenty of acne treatments. Below are my recommendations on how to treat and prevent maskne from wearing face masks when in public.

How to Treat & Prevent Face Mask Acne: Best Maskne-Preventing Masks, Cleansers, Tips

Prevent Maskne By Buying Different Face Mask Options

Experts advise that N-95 face masks are the best at filtering the highest number of airborne particles. But it’s also known that these masks are short in supply and in high demand by first responders and high-risk individuals. The good news is that reusable face masks and disposable face masks are widely available in our efforts to protect others. (Reminder that the CDC has stated that wearing face coverings is a preventive measure and that social distancing should still be practiced.)

As mentioned in my face-mask blog, "Stylish Face Masks and Where To Buy Them" face masks are now commonly being sold in different materials. The best face masks for preventing maskne in my experience have been silk face coverings. My personal favorite silk face masks are the SLIP coverings. However, another option besides silk face masks is stocking up on disposable face masks. Because of disposable face coverings light weight material, these masks are better at preventing sweat and trapping heat.  

Treat Maskne by Using Gentle Face Cleansers

​As someone with oily-combination skin using gentle cleansers has treated my primary skin concerns and also served as a great maskne-preventing practice. Using gentle cleansers has been a staple in my skincare routine because I practice double cleansing using an oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle option. Double cleansing helped me maintain clear skin when washing my face after workouts, in my night-time routine, and now when I cleanse after wearing face masks. 

Don’t worry if you maybe aren’t ready to adjust to double cleanses on the daily (I highly recommend though). For now, stick to find a gentle cleanser that you enjoy using daily. The gentle cleansers in my skincare routine currently are the Summer Fridays Super Amino Gel Cleanser and the Drunk Elephant Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser. 

Picture of the Summer Fridays Super Amino Gel Cleanser from SummerFridays.com

Prevent Maskne By Using a Lighter Moisturizer

​Looking at my maskne-preventing recommendations this one I believe depends more on your skincare concerns and your skin type. Because I have oily combination, I sometimes do need heavier moisturizers. However, when I know I’m likely to wear a face mask in public I use a lighter moisturizer. And when I mean a lighter moisturizer, I mean a cream that is quite literally lighter in its formula and texture. My current moisturizer is the LUSH Cosmetics Vanishing Cream. 
 
These lighter creams help prevent maskne because they do not clog your pores as much as heavier moisturizers that could clog your pores. Especially in these summer months, your masks are hot enough and add on a thick moisturizer and your skin becomes a breeding ground for acne. Prevent that face mask acne from getting worse by using a lighter moisturizer, preferably one rich in antioxidants to help protect your skin from free radicals and air pollutants.

​Treat and Prevent Maskne By Using Skincare Face Masks

​If you know me, you know I love face masks. My skincare fridge is full of different face masks for the different skincare concerns that I want to address. From hydrating face treatments to exfoliating masks, I have about as many maskne-preventing masks as I do ones for social distancing.
 
Using face masks, like some of my favorites from LUSH Cosmetics that I wrote about here, are a great way of both treating and preventing face mask acne. Skincare masks do an amazing job at just overall improving your skincare’s complexion. Now if you dealing with maskne then getting a nice exfoliating face mask like a Cup O’ Coffee by LUSH or Overtime by Summer Fridays can offer a great solution and some overdue self-care time.

LUSH Face Mask Post

​Prevent-Maskne by Keeping Your Face Mask Clean

Cleaning your face masks is a practice in protecting your overall health and another maskne-preventing practice. As someone who uses reusable face masks, I make I make sure that my face coverings are both stored and carried in a clean manner. When in public spaces I found that face mask chains were fashionable and functional. Instead of putting my face mask in my pocket or putting it on some surface, my mask hangs around my neck. These mask-chain accessories elevated the practicability of wearing a face mask when practicing social distance because I didn’t have to worry about where to keep my mask.
 
On the days when I don’t wear my face mask chain, which is rare since again the ones I love from Pretty Connected Shop go with all my outfits, I store my mask in my bag separate from my everyday carry items. In my bag, which is currently the Louis Vuitton Multi Pochette Accesoires, I keep the outside clear for my face mask and sunglasses. Make sure you mask is not touching things like your key, wallet, or phone, because then it’ll be in contact with whatever germs or oils on these items. Thus, prevent that face mask acne by keeping your mask clean and keeping it stored in a clean space.

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Have you heard of maskne, face mask acne, before this post? What tip was your favorite? 

Let me know in the comments below or by tagging me on Instagram/Twitter @ Willsshowem!

Thanks for reading these Words by Will! See you in the next post!

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