It's literally so easy.
If I had a dollar for every friend who's frantically texted me about their "maskne" over the last couple months, I'd be writing this from a remote tropical island instead of my sweaty, cockroach-infested apartment. In all seriousness, though, mask acne (aka the inevitable zits, bumps, and breakouts that can pop up after wearing a cloth face mask) is very real—and even though wearing a face mask is a small, nonnegotiable step towards helping protect you and those around you from the spread of COVID-19, it's still frustrating as hell to feel like your skin is out of control.
The good news? I've basically perfected my maskne-fighting routine, and it's shockingly simple. Like, sure, I still get a couple breakouts every now and then, but I've noticed a major difference in my skin ever since I picked up this quick, very easy, 30-second trick: actually washing my face. *Cue shock and awe.*
Yes, it sound's a little extremely obvious, but I've found that quickly rinsing my face with a creamy cleanser right after I get home from running errands has completely cleared up my breakouts. That means no scrolling on IG for a couple hours or watching a quick episode of The Office while all that sweat and oil marinates on my face—I legit unlock my door, de-mask, clean my hands, and wash my face. Allow me walk you through it.
A quick history lesson on mask acne—or, as dermatologist Joyce I. Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD, owner of Vibrant Dermatology and Skin Bar MD in Boston, calls it: acne mechanica. "The main cause of mask acne is mechanical friction, which, before COVID, we'd typically see in people who wear a lot of gear on their face—like hockey or lacrosse players," she says. While face masks obviously aren't as heavy or bulky as sports equipment, they still allow for a decent amount of friction when they rub up against your skin.
"Face masks also create a little bit of humidity, which can irritate your skin even more," Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip says. The result is basically a breeding ground for zits (cute) especially if your skin is already sensitive, oily, and/or prone to acne. (which, uh, hello, have we met). According to Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip, one of the easiest ways you can treat maskne is by washing your face (and moisturizing!) twice a day—once in the morning, and once in the evening. Or, if you're like me, right when you get home from the outside world.
Yes, washing your face. Hear me out:
It sounds basic, but you'd be surprised by how many people skip out on face wash or only use it in the morning. "I find that a lot of people don't have the habit of washing their face, period," says Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip. "They'll just splash water on their face when they're in the shower, not realizing that the face in particular needs a little bit of extra TLC." There is a fine line, though, she says, as over-washing your face—or washing your face without moisturizing—can be just as damaging as not washing it at all (think: anything more than twice a day and you run the risk of stripping your skin of its natural moisture).
According to dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, another key to treating maskne is using a gentle face wash. "You'll want to look for a non-soap cleanser that maintains the skin barrier—something that can help wash away that mixture of spit, sweat, and breath that looms under your mask." That means passing on any medicated cleansers and instead opting for something lightweight and hydrating. (BTW: If washing your face directly after wearing your mask isn't an option, Dr. Gohara suggests investing in a pack of salicylic acid pads for quick touchups when your face is feeling a little grimy.)
The final word
K, before you say anything, do me a favor and test this bb out. The next time you get home from a sweaty trip to the grocery store, kick off your skincare routine a little early by washing your face ASAP. I promise it'll help zap up all that sweat and soothe any irritation—and it will legit take you 30 seconds max. Just make sure you follow up with a lightweight moisturizer (I'm a fan of Renee Rouleau Skin Recovery Cream and CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion), and then slide into my DMs with your full review. I'll be waiting.
Source: cosmopolitan.com
