Top 5 Tips On How To Prevent Mask Acne or 'Maskne'

Right now everybody’s talking about mask acne or ‘maskne’. It's one of the biggest skincare problems we are facing this year... 

It’s affecting people everywhere so in today's blog post we've taken a look at what it is, how it’s caused, and how to effectively treat 'maskne' or face acne from face coverings.

What is ‘Maskne’?

As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic many of us are now wearing face masks on a daily basis when we use public transport, go to the shops and while at work. The result of continual mask use may be ‘maskne’, a visible skin irritation on the lower part of the face where the mask is worn, usually causing spots and inflammation.

Throughout the day, a host of different bacteria, oils and moisture harbour underneath our masks, affecting the skin’s barrier and cultivating an environment for irritation and skin disruption. Maskne falls into the category of acne mechanica, because it is a type of acne that is exclusively triggered by external factors such as friction, contrasting from more common acne caused by hormones.

Our Top 5 Tips To Avoid and Minimise Maskne

These are some helpful and sensible steps that you can take in order to prevent or cut down the risk of troubled skin and maskne inflammations for happier, healthier skin.

1). Wear a cotton or silk face mask

Cotton is one of the more comfortable and breathable fabrics around and is a good choice in the summer months particularly for those with sensitive skin. Silk face masks are also gentle on the skin causing less irritation. Other synthetic materials may upset the skin and also promote more bacterial growth as there is less air flowing through the fabric.

2). Wash your mask after each use

There has been a lot of mixed messaging regarding how to wash face coverings and how often. Several skin care specialists have advised washing masks after every use. Keeping up with this routine will help to eliminate lingering germs, makeup and sweat that could potentially make your skin more prone to acne.

3). Wash your face regularly

Cleansing the skin regularly is vital to avoiding bacterial build up and transfer whilst using masks. We recommend incorporating double-cleansing into your skin routine if it’s not something that you are already practicing.

Using products such as cleansing balms helps to eliminate impurities that lie deep within the pores of your skin, leaving it clean and refreshed. Clean skin is the foundation that allows the rest of your skincare products to really do their job!

Nunaïa’s Superfood Cleansing Balm is able to gently break down dirt and impurities on the skin with antioxidant rich ingredients that aid in protecting the skin from pollutants, keeping it nourished. You can follow up with our award-winning Nourishing Radiance Serum, to allow your skin to regenerate overnight after a long day of excessive mask use.

4). Use non-comedogenic skin products

Comedogenic products are pore-clogging. Heavy layers of makeup and face creams can create build-up while using a mask, so you’ll want to avoid this. While wearing a mask try and use lighter products which will also work to protect the skin barrier from the constant rubbing of a face covering.

5). Avoid stress

As passionate believers in self-care, looking after ourselves and keeping healthy is vital to keeping our stress levels at bay.

Stress can work as a trigger or a further irritant to acne. When we are stressed our bodies can naturally increase signals that cause us to itch. This side effect can make acne worse as it tempts you to then touch the affected area. Try to minimise stressful thoughts and situations. Practice small acts of self-care throughout your day whether that be five minutes of deep breathing or a mindful walk outside in the fresh air to help keep those stress levels at bay.

Nunaïa Maskne Skincare Tip:

• Deep cleanse your face with our Superfood Cleansing Balm. Then apply a thin layer of the balm on the face and leave for 20 minutes as a soothing mask to reduce inflammation and redness and deeply hydrate. Learn more here.