Now that more businesses have opened their doors, many of us have fallen victim to breakouts on the bottom half of our face (aka mask acne, mascne, or maskne). I, for one, remember feeling very helpless when I first realized that I had developed pesky bumps all over my face.
Reduced air circulation, increased humidity and dirt trapped within – these are pretty much a recipe for disaster. But fret not, because we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves!
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise
Does your skin appear red after removing your mask? If so, you’ve experienced chafing. A mask that doesn’t fit well winds up brushing against your skin, resulting in irritated skin and eventually, acne. To avoid this, always apply a moisturiser and wait till it’s completely absorbed into your skin before putting your mask on.
Moisturisers create a protective barrier to reduce the amount of friction between your skin and the mask. This means less agitation – which is what we’re after. That said, don’t go overboard with the moisturiser as you may end up with clogged pores.
For those with dry skin, the Glowing Apricot Cleanser from St. Ives could be your knight in shining armour. Formulated with 100% natural apricot extract, this daily cleanser will leave you with glowy, moisturised and clean skin.
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Start and end the day with a clean face
Whether you like it or not, dirt accumulates on our face throughout the day. For that reason, cleansing is essential to dislodge and remove all the build-up.
With irritated skin, it’s best to simplify your skincare routine and use products that are gentle, hydrating and soothing to calm irritated skin. If you’re unsure of where to start, the St. Ives Soothing Chamomile Face Wash ticks all the right boxes.
Chamomile contains antioxidants and is widely-known in the beauty community for its anti-inflammatory properties. Health benefits aside, this super herb reduces redness and has calming benefits, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin. See the difference today!
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On the other hand if you have acne-prone or oily skin, incorporating Tea Tree and Salicylic Acid into your skincare routine (in low percentages) could be an option.
Our skin regenerates once every 27 days, and Salicylic Acid helps to gently speed up the process while removing dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. This minimizes the appearance of bumpy textures which is a plus point. Tea tree oil contains both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, ideal for killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing redness.
Say hello to clean and clear skin with these 2 power ingredients today! Try the Blemish Care Tea Tree Cleanser from St. Ives for FREE and share your review to be rewarded!
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Give silk masks a shot
Masks come in different variations and while disposable masks are the easy way out, they take a toll on the environment. We’ve been given a number of reusable masks from the Government, but unfortunately, cotton masks are not for everyone.
Image: @lianmeiting
If you have sensitive, oily or acne-prone skin in particular, experts suggest investing in a silk mask. Silk is not only cooling, but it’s also naturally hypoallergenic, and generally absorbs less moisture than cotton, so it won't leave your skin feeling dry and itchy. Many stores have started selling them online, and while they are not the cheapest, we think they’re worth the investment if they do the job. Better yet, if they complement your outfit, right?
Regardless of the material, it’s important to wash reusable masks well. Clean ‘em well with water and gentle laundry detergent or soap, before leaving them to dry.
Avoid full coverage makeup
This last tip is a no-brainer but we can’t stress it enough! If you find it hard to breathe with a mask on, imagine how much more your skin is suffering under the thick layer of makeup. Going out with the bare minimum – sunscreen and moisturiser – is undoubtedly the best way out.
But hey, we understand the need to look presentable too. Our solution? Switch up your full coverage makeup for something lighter like a tinted moisturiser or sunscreen. Alternatively, it may very well be the best time to try makeup products with skincare benefits such as these. For a wallet-friendly alternative, Medicube is a popular Dermocosmetic brand from Korea.
The fight against mascne may take some time, but know that you are not alone. We hope you found these tips helpful and remember to share your new-found knowledge with your girlfriends!
Until then, stay safe and mask up!
