Maskne – when your skin reacts to wearing a mask

We wear our masks an average of three hours a day and this prolonged contact with the cloth isn’t great for our skin. Read on and learn more about “maskne” and how you can fight back.

What is “maskne”?

This new word, a blend of mask and acne, is used to describe the skin condition that appears in the area under our face masks. It’s caused by a combination of factors:

  1. The heat and humidity create a “microclimate” conducive to the proliferation of microbes and bacteria.
  2. Poor oxygenation causes the skin to create more sebum, which blocks pores.
  3. The friction of the cloth against the skin creates irritation and inflammation. 

The result? Redness, pimples, blackheads and other lesions can appear, even in people who don’t usually experience acne.

Maskne

How to control it?

To limit the effects of maskne, you need a two-pronged approach: 

1. Focus on an anti-imperfection care routine.

  • Wash your face thoroughly morning and night with a product adapted to your particular skin type. If you have oily skin, choose an oil-free formula; if it’s dry, choose a product with nourishing ingredients to balance out the production of natural oils. In either case, choose a gentle cleanser; your skin doesn’t need extra irritation.
Mascné

You might also want to give your face a little extra TLC every time you wear your mask for prolonged periods of time.

  • Moisturize after every cleansing using a non-comedogenic product.
  • Exfoliate once or twice a week with a non-abrasive peel to unclog your pores and remove dead cells that build up on the surface of your skin.
  • Remember to apply a purifying mask once a week to boost the effectiveness of your other treatments!

 

2. Manage your mask

  • Choose your mask carefully. Choose a reusable mask made of 100% cotton.
  • Maintain it properly. If it’s a cloth mask, wash it after every use. If it’s a surgical mask, replace it every time it gets wet or dirty.
  • Adjust it properly. Make sure it covers your mouth and nose completely, hugging the contours of your face well, without exerting too much pressure on your skin. 
  • Don’t wear it any longer than you have to. For example, take it off when you’re in the car by yourself or when you exit a store, school, workplace, daycare, etc. You want to let your skin breathe as often as possible!

Our suggestions

Black Matcha Micellar Cleansing Jelly, 150 ml
Teaology Tea Infusion Skincare

Black Matcha Micellar Cleansing Jelly, 150 ml

Micellar Cleansing Jelly

Acnex Purifying Solution, 200 ml
Reversa

Acnex Purifying Solution, 200 ml

For the treatment and/or management of acne. Unclogs pores, dries and helps clear up acne pimples. Reduces their number and/or severity and allows skin to heal. Helps prevent new acne pimples from forming. Reversa Acnex purifying solution combines 2% salicylic acid with 10% glycolic acid for the most effective anti-acne exfoliating action, as much on the surface of the skin as deep within the pores. This alcohol-free solution won't strip skin of its natural moisture and is suitable for people of all ages struggling with acne.

Cleanance Comedomed anti-blemishes concentrate, 30 ml
Avène

Cleanance Comedomed anti-blemishes concentrate, 30 ml

Concentrated care with fast and durable anti-imperfections effectiveness. New approach: Fights buttons and limits recurrence by acting at the root. Proven effectiveness as early as 7 days.

Hyséac Bi-Stick Anti-Imperfection Stick, 3 ml
Uriage

Hyséac Bi-Stick Anti-Imperfection Stick, 3 ml

Quick and easy to use, Hyséac bi-stick is a clever double skincare formula thanks to 2 complementary actions. A must-have, take-everywhere treatment for flawless skin

Normaderm 3-in-1 Mask, 125 ml
Vichy

Normaderm 3-in-1 Mask, 125 ml

For men and women of all ages with combination to oily skin who want to target recurring imperfections.

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Maskne – when your skin reacts to wearing a mask

We wear our masks an average of three hours a day and this prolonged contact with the cloth isn’t great for our skin. Read on and learn more about “maskne” and how you can fight back.
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