How to Prevent Maskne 😷
🌊 Cleanse 2x: This is a given but properly cleansing your skin is important even during quarantine. Dirt and oil can build up in our home environment too. Especially if you are wearing a mask outside and you sweat, you may get something called ‘maskne’ (acne that breaks out due to prolonged mask wear). You can double cleanse with an oil-based makeup remover and then a foaming or hydrating cleanser to make sure all the dirt, makeup, and built up is off your skin. Or you can use your cleanser twice if you do not have a balm or oil remover.
I use the Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. It takes off all the dirt without being overly-stripping.
🔴 Acne Treatment: If you suffer from ‘maskne’ or just regular breakouts, you have many options to treat your acne. Some common acne treatments are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. I suggest using one treatment at a time to see if it works and not overwhelm the skin. As a person of color, my skin is very prone to hyperpigmentation, therefore using something gentle yet effective like a salicylic acid mask can be helpful.
I use the Garnier SkinActive Blackhead Eliminating Scrub. I only use it once a week. Since it has 2% Salicylic Acid and is also a physical scrub, you have to be careful not to over-exfoliate the skin. I take the product, lather it on to my hands, and get it foamy to reduce the effects of the physical scrub then apply it on my skin. I don’t really rub my face with it but apply for 2 – 5 minutes and then wash it off. Because of the Salicylic Acid, it already gently exfoliates your skin while working as an acne treatment.
🧽 Exfoliation: Since my acne treatment already has exfoliating properties, I don’t bother with extra exfoliation. However, I do use a sleeping mask occasionally that gently exfoliates. Chemical exfoliation provides better results than physical. You can start with low percentages of lactic acid , mandelic acid, or other AHA acids. My recommendations would be 2% BHA treatments and 5 – 10% Azelaic Acid for skin of color.
💧 Serum/Treatment: One of the best skincare treatment is niacinamide. Niacinamide is Vitamin B3 that works well for all skin types and tones. It is tolerated well on most skin types and side effects are low to none.
Niacinamide is supposed to help with controlling sebum production, minimizing pores, brightening, and repairing the skin barrier.
I use 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc from The Ordinary. It has been amazing for my skin and I am not breaking out as much as before.
Pro Tip: Introduce one item to your existing skincare routine at a time. If you introduce too many products at once, you wouldn’t know which of them is not working or causing a reaction, if something goes wrong. It is also very important to patch test a new product, either on the back of your neck or hand. Please note that an initial purging period can occur while using a new product so be patient. However, if something burns, itches, or irritates your skin, you should probably stop using that product and seek a dermatologist's advice.
🧴 Moisturize: I think this is a step in your skincare routine that is the most important. Every skin type needs to moisturize, especially if you are using a treatskinment. You have to lock in all the treatments on your skin and prevent water loss.
I use the Cerave Moisturizing Cream. It is a thick moisturizer that glides on the skin very well with ceramides and hyaluronic acid and without any fragrance.
🌞 SPF: Most important part for daytime skincare. SPF is very important so we don’t burn our skin and cause damage. Wear your SPF. Yes! even when you are home. Sunlight can penetrate through your windows so we have to make sure that we protect our skin. If you are suffering from acne, you should especially wear sunscreen to prevent acne marks.
I am currently using Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 55. My recommendation for white-cast free sunscreen is Purito Centella Green Level Unscented Sunscreen.
💧Occasional Treatment: 2 – 3 times a week, I will use a mask for added benefits and for bringing back glow to my skin. This is optional but I think it helps with plumping and brightening my skin. I use the {save} skincare Anti-Pollution Sleeping Mask mixed with their Anti-Pollution Vitamin C Booster.
🦠 Sanitize: Not skincare but I think this one’s very important. I think this has become a staple for most of us. Keep a sanitizer handy whenever you are outside and please wear your mask. Also, wash/sanitize your hands before putting on any skincare. We can protect ourselves and the people around us!
Hope you enjoyed reading this post and I hope I can help in some ways to combat that quarantine acne!
For more content, follow me:
Tasmida at PrismPop
Get our App
