Help! How to Get Rid of This Maskne?

Since the past year, wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has become a part of life for us. Who knew, even a year back, that face masks would become an integral part of our apparel, to be donned whenever we venture out of home? And that face masks would give us a hitherto unheard-of skin problem – “Maskne”? 

Yup, that’s what it is called, the little brown and red eruptions that have appeared on your face where your mask is worn. The lower cheeks, nose and chin skin are prone to erupting in red breakouts, owing to wearing masks for extended periods of time.

“Maskne” (or acne due to wearing masks), is a common side effect of using a mask. It results in pimples and skin issues like redness, bumpiness, and irritation.

But though masks have become a part of life for us, “maskne” needn’t be. Learn how to prevent and get rid of this skin problem with the use of the best skincare products in this article.

What does Maskne look like?

Maskne generally occurs due to a pile up of dead skin, oil and bacteria on the surface that block the skin pores, and remain trapped due to the mask. A mask also traps sweat and humidity for long periods of time. The material of the face mask rubs against your skin to cause irritation and chafing. Your skin may also react to the detergent in which the mask is washed. These are the common reasons for the breakout that is called Maskne.

Maskne can show up in different skin conditions on your face. Common forms of maskne are acne, rosacea, contact dermatitis or folliculitis. 

It may show up as:

• Pimples

• Whiteheads or blackheads

• Red rash

• Infection of hair follicles

• Bumps and blisters

Now, we must keep on wearing masks to avoid getting infected with coronavirus, but how can we deal with this problem of maskne?

Read on to know the best acne treatment that will help you keep your skin blemish free.

How do I get rid of Maskne fast? 

It goes without saying that maskne should not be an excuse for not wearing face masks that are absolutely vital to keep COVID infection away. It makes sense to devise a healthy skincare routine during the pandemic, and stick to it to keep maskne away.

The following habits will help:

• Always wear a clean cotton mask. Synthetic material can irritate the skin.

• Never reuse disposable masks. Throw after use.

• Whenever you remove the mask, wash it with water and an unscented detergent. Dry the mask properly in sunlight.

• Remove your mask for fifteen minutes every four hours, after sanitizing your hands, and ensuring physical distancing.

• Wash your face after removing the mask, with a mild, alcohol-free face cleanser that contains Salicylic Acid - a beta-hydroxy acid that helps refine skin texture and reduce acne and blemishes. It works on cleaning your skin pores and keeping blackheads, whiteheads and other blemishes away. Ginger root extract in this best face wash for acne helps absorb excess oil, while Frankincense helps control sebum production. 

• Bacteria builds up inside the mask when you wear it for long hours. Use a topical antibiotic cream before putting on the face mask.

• An acne spot treatment solution with Salicylic Acid targets the problem areas that have maskne, and clears blackheads, whiteheads, and other blemishes. This dermatologist tested safe spot solution works on oily, acne-prone skin. 

• Don’t skip moisturizing your face, despite maskne. Invest in a blemish control facial lotion that has Salicylic Acid, along with Vitamin B3 or Niacinamide that helps balance your skin’s tone and brighten it. This is the best moisturizer for acne prone skin as it also has Aloe Vera, an excellent hydrating and soothing agent. This facial lotion is extremely helpful in diminishing blemishes, and in giving clearer and even skin tone.

Trust the clinically demonstrated, proven-effective skincare solutions from the world of Kiehl’s to help you deal with the problem of maskne. After all, they have been long known for making the best skincare products that have stood the test of time. Acne treatment solutions from Kiehl’s are world-renowned for efficacy.

Put your best face forward, minus the maskne!