Since the new normal began, the newest essential accessory in everyone’s wardrobe is undoubtedly a face mask. Considering it’s compulsory to wear it while leaving your home and on the go, chances are that you are likely to be wearing one a lot more in the coming weeks and months, so you better get used to it. But just as we are fast (or slowly) adjusting to the new way of life in this COVID era, our skin is also adjusting to life behind a mask and struggling with Maskne skin irritation.

Whilst necessary for our protection, masks do not come without their own problems like maskne skin irritation, which is on the rise. Some fabrics can cause your skin to dry out and if they fit poorly, can cause skin irritation. Looking after your skin is more important than ever and prevention is better than cure.

The skincare experts from Skin Republic HQ stepped into The Beautiful Lifestyle Online to share their top tips on how to tackle “Maskne” and all the problems face coverings can bring.

How to Tackle Maskne Skin Irritation

Cleansing

Wearing a close-fitting fabric to your face can spread any bacteria which is already on your skin. It is important to keep both your skin and your face covering clean. We recommend changing your face covering daily (if it’s reusable) and washing it in a gentle detergent that will not cause skin irritation. Also, give your face a deep cleanse to get rid of all the impurities, sweat and bacteria of the day.

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Hydrating

Some fabrics can absorb the natural oils our skin produces leaving skin feeling dry. Added humidity can also leave our skin dehydrated so it’s important to remove or change your face covering when it becomes damp as this is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. After wearing a face covering, invest a little time into your skin with a 15-minute hydrating face sheet mask such as this Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen Face Mask. Hyaluronic Acid is a hydration hero and will help lock in moisture back into dry skin.

Existing Maskne

If you have an existing maskne skin irritation breakout or have broken out since wearing your mask, it is important to tackle this and not let it worsen by recovering your face. Only wear your face covering when needed and let your skin breathe as much as possible. Treat the skin with blemish-fighting ingredients. This Spots + Blemish Face Mask is packed with Tea Tree, Witch hazel and Salicylic acid. Salicylic Acid’s antimicrobial properties make it extremely effective at treating breakouts. It has the ability to penetrate into the pore lining and exfoliate inside the pore as well as on the surface of the skin, which makes it effective for reducing breakouts.

Protect yourself

Finally, protection from the virus is key so a correctly fitting medical-grade mask or face covering is essential, but you can help protect your skin whilst wearing your face covering. You want to create a barrier between your skin and mask to reduce friction. You can do this by keeping your skin moisturised. This Prime & Refine Face Mask contains antioxidant-rich pomegranate which protects the skin and brightens. Its hydro blur technology helps reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines in just 3 minutes, leaving you the perfect base for make-up or brighter flawless skin if you want to ditch the make-up for the day!