6 Ways to Treat Breakout Under the Mask

Masks have become part of our daily routine. Maskne – a skin condition caused by prolonged mask-wearing has therefore become a more popular term these days. We’ve noticed that our patients who have sensitive skin experience more skin irritation such as, clogged pores, and acne breakouts. Our skin experts recommend 6 convenient tips to limit breakouts and treat maskne. While the condition is an inconvenience, there are small steps you can take to limit breakouts. Why wearing masks cause skin problems A mask imposes heat, friction and occlusion on the skin. When combined with a moist environment from breathing, talking or sweating, the skin becomes dry and itchy. You might notice the appearance of breakout, redness and pimples after wearing a mask for a period of time. How to prevent maskne or breakouts 1. Wash your face – Always make sure to put your mask on over a clean face. Dirt and oil being trapped on your skin can cause a breakout. Avoid harsh products like exfoliants. Instead, use a gentle cleanser that is fragrance-free and oil-free. Rinse with lukewarm water, not hot. 2. Apply a moisturizer – Moisturizer keeps the skin hydrated and acts as a protective layer to reduce dryness and friction. Choose a moisturizer that is free of fragrance and oil. We recommend products that have protective ingredients like ceramide and hyaluronic acid. Avoid using heavy products that can clog your skin. It’s highly recommended to apply moisturizer on a cleansed face to maximize the effect of moisturizer. Tips: To avoid a moisturizer-related breakout, choose one that is formulated for your skin type. Oily or acne-prone: gel moisturizer Normal to combination skin: lotion Dry skin: cream 3. Stop wearing makeup – Don’t wear makeup underneath your mask. The mask act like an occlusive barrier, so trapped makeup can cause clogged pores and breakouts. 4. Wear a clean mask – If you’re wearing a reusable mask, wash it after each use as its surface contains oil and dirt. The unclean mask can contain bacteria in the nose and mouth area. When washing the mask, choose fragrance-free detergent and skip the fabric softener. Fragrance can irritate your skin so you would want to avoid it. If you don’t have time for laundry, consider wearing a disposable mask. Remember, a disposable mask is intended for one-time use, so you need to throw them away after each usage. 5. Avoid harsh products – products that contain benzoyl peroxide, retinol and salicylic acid might be irritating to the skin under the mask. Consult a skin expert about which products to use and how much you should use. 6. Use specialized medical-grade skincare to help soothe your skin. At Lazaderm, we carry multiple lines of skin care that are medical grade to help calm irritated skin. We understand that each person’s skin is different, so we offer a free consultation for every patient. Our skin experts will take the time to examine your skin condition and offer the best solution to your skin needs based on your goals. How to treat common skin issues caused by mask-wearing If your skin is already irritated by the face mask, here is what you can do to treat or relieve the problem: Acne Treatment – Use suitable moisturizer before and after wearing a mask. Hydrating your skin further with a gentle serum. If breakouts, redness, or swelling is persistent, we advise seeking medical advice from one of our providers. Dry skin – A good combination together with a gentle cleanser can help you combat skin dryness. Drink more water during the day. Redness/swelling: If you have redness or swelling after wearing a mask, use icing cubes to help relieve the irritation. We always recommend that you should consult a skin expert for any products you use. Having the right skincare routine and the right product line can help you save time, money and lessen skin irritation caused by the mask. At our Medspa in Chandler, AZ, we offer a wide range of non-invasive treatments and medical-grade skincare products that can help you combat the effect of mask wearing. Book a free consultation with our skin professionals in AZ to learn more about your skin conditions and skin routines.