Mask-ne: What is it and how do we treat it?
Suffering from unhappy skin due to wearing a mask constantly? Well first off, kudos to you for protecting yourself and others around you! We know first-hand how annoying it can be to have to wear a mask all day long, even if it means you’re doing your part to help out during the pandemic. But how can we protect both our internal health and our skins health? Keep reading for a few tips and tricks we’ve learned along the way!
Opt for a makeup-free face (if possible/you feel comfortable doing so) as face masks tend to push anything sitting on the skin further into the pores, thus causing congestion. They can also trap bacteria and sweat, which is why it’s important to wash your face as soon as you’re done wearing your mask for the day!
If you do choose to wear makeup, try and opt for something that is lightweight and nourishing to the skin. A tinted moisturizer/sunscreen is a great choice as they offer both protection and ingredients that will help to hydrate and heal the skin. Check-out Suntegrity’s 5 in 1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen for a protective BB cream alternative!
Remove your mask as soon as you get in your car to give your skin a break! Unless you work for a driving company such as Uber or Lyft, you are safe once you enter your car.
The friction from the mask rubbing against your skin can cause redness, irritation, and even acne (or “mask-ne”), so try to focus on using calming, anti-inflammatory products in your skincare routine. Some people have also experienced dermatitis from wearing a mask during this time, which can look similar to acne. If you’re unsure of how exactly your skin is reacting, it’s best to consult your esthetician before trying to treat it on your own.
Now is the time to utilize face masks— the skin care kind. Our favorite ones are:
Botnia’s Soothing Repair Mask, as it contains Goldenseal and Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and heal the skin
Leahlani’s Mermaid Mask contains healing honey and nourishing Spirulina to help calm down any irritation on the skin. It also offers a light exfoliation which will help with any congestion you might be experiencing. (It also smells amazing!)
Pai’s Copaiba AHA Mask is another great choice because it will help to dissolve dead skin and unclog your pores
Lastly, but most importantly, do not pick at your face! We know that it’s always tempting to touch and poke at anything that pops up on our faces, but this can lead to further irritation and possible scarring— and keeping your hands away from your face is more important now than ever! Remember to approach your skin with a loving, healing response.
What does good mask-hygiene look like?
Make sure to clean it every day in order to avoid breathing in bacteria that may have been absorbed throughout the day. Owning at least 2 masks will make this easier, so that you can always have a clean, dry mask ready while one is being washed
If hand washing, make sure to use hot water, not warm or cold, as this will kill off any bacteria, as well as an anti-bacterial soap
Do not use Lysol or Clorox disinfecting sprays on your mask as these contain ingredients that can be harmful when inhaled. Opt for something natural and sans toxins, or just stick to washing it!
If you plan on throwing it in your washer, we recommend letting it air dry to avoid possible shrinkage in the dryer
Of course, a facial is always recommended if you’re having trouble treating any skin concerns on your own. Our esthetician’s are here and ready to help you!
Warmly,
Team Toccare