4 Tips To Treat And Prevent Mask-Related Acne Breakouts

Wearing a mask in public has become our new normal to reduce the spread of COVID-19. But a new skin problem has arisen – wearing a mask comes with some side effects, from rashes to pimples and acne that pop up around the mouth, cheeks and jawline.

What is ‘maskne’ and why does it happen?

Known as mask acne, maskne occurs when sweat, bacteria and skin oils are trapped on the skin while you are wearing your mask. The friction between your mask and your skin also causes this condition called acne mechanica, where skin issues are caused by friction, pressure and rubbing.

Face masks can cause irritation when they physically rub against the skin, causing inflammation and irritation that can lead to clogged pores. Furthermore, bacteria thrives in a moist, warm environment – which includes the insides of your mask that traps your breath and sweat next to your skin.

This friction can also damage the skin’s protective barrier and make it harder to maintain hydration inside the skin. Thus, it can cause problems in people with dry or sensitive skin and also make maskne worse.

How you can treat maskne

Mask wearing stays essential, but you can also incorporate these steps to treat the blemishes you have and help prevent more pimples from forming.

1. Choose the right mask material

Resuable masks are not only good for the environment, it can also be kind to your skin and help to keep that sauna-like environment to a minimum. Browse for lightweight, breathable fabrics that do not create as much friction against your skin, such as cotton and linen. Wash it after every use to get rid of the lingering dirt and bacteria.

2. Exfoliate and hydrate

In addition to the daily face cleansing, an exfoliating cleanser is also essential to get rid of the dead skin cells, keep the pores clean and promote cellular turnover to reveal healthy skin. Plus, you should protect your skin’s moisture barrier for lasting hydration and minimise the mask rubbing effects.

Our Peel for Body and Face Exfoliation provides gentle exfoliation with a refined texture that is non-abrasive to the skin. Infused with marine minerals, it supports natural cell turnover and boosts your skin’s clarity. It is formulated with Alpha-Arbutin and Atelocollagen to brighten the skin by reducing melanin production and hydrate the skin for a smooth and supple complexion.

Pair this with our oil-free Hudor Gel which contains Yuzu Extract and Evening Primrose Oil to lock your skin’s moisture barrier and maintain hydration.

3. Spot-treat

Mask-related pimples can be annoying to deal with. Use a spot treatment that contains zinc, sulfur, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to unclog pores and zap those spots away. However, it may be a good idea to use them only at night so the mask you’re wearing won’t rub the solution away.

You can also try a hydrocolloid pimple patch instead underneath your mask. They can provide protection against the friction and help suck out the moisture and impurities in the inflamed area to reduce the bump.

As an added treat, do a weekly mask to clear out congested pores and remove excess sebum on your skin. Our Aikne Masque contains Diatomaceous Earth, Kaolin and Ichthammol which have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties to detoxify your skin. By removing all the dead skin cells, it will stimulate new tissue growth and keep the skin in great shape.

4. Ask for help

If you aren’t seeing any improvement in your acne, it’s time to seek help with professional facial services which should also be a staple of your beauty routine.

Through a deep cleansing facial, you can gain a good understanding of what your skin needs and address your concerns with the right treatments. These facials typically include a skin cleansing step, extractions and a treatment mask to tackle problem areas and restore a healthy glow.

Our Auras Oxy Facial has gained numerous raves from customers for its numerous benefits such as skin detoxification, a boost in blood circulation, clearing of congested pores and improvement in fine lines and wrinkles. This oxygen facial is packed with vitamins, nutrients and botanical extracts to nourish and energise your skin.

Whether you have acne or suffer from dry skin, our aestheticians with go through a Skin Analysis with you to determine a customised set of treatment-used products. New customers can try this affordable facial at $480 (after 7% GST) for 8 sessions!

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