Although it protects us from surrounding viruses, repeated mask-wearing can have catastrophic effects on our skin. This discomfort has a name: maskne (mask and acne). How can you get beautiful skin despite wearing a mask? We'll share some helpful tips.

Covid 19 has disrupted many habits. Impacted physically and psychologically, wearing a mask 24/7 has also had its consequences on our beauty routine. An inconvenience that is certainly small compared to the disastrous consequences of the virus in the world, but which is still worth being treated. Just to feel (if only) a little better, in relation to all that. Many women (and some men) have complained since the obligation to wear a mask 24/7 in enclosed spaces (and sometimes even outdoors), of the appearance of problem skin that they did not have before. Enough to titillate the minds of those who had nevertheless managed to get rid of this damn blemish-prone skin after high school… Fortunately, there is no need to panic (too much), there is always a solution to overcome any problem.  

Why does the mask highlight our imperfections?

Mask imperfections are recognizable. They obviously appear at the bottom of the face, where the mask sits all day long… These are completely normal reactions following irritation caused by surgical or fabric masks. This is a problem initially known to caregivers and the medical profession, who must wear these masks all day as part of their work. Now, it's a public affair! So public, that the phenomenon even has its own name: maskne. A logical contraction of the word "mask" and the word "acne."  

The effects of masks on the skin:  

• it increases moisture on the skin's surface  
• it increases sebum production
• it increases the skin's natural pH  
• it increases the skin temperature
• it causes irritations (skin inflammations)

All these conditions combined create the ideal breeding ground for bacteria that can form in peace... The skin easily becomes oily and encourages the appearance of comedones, which, linked to bacteria, inevitably create spots.

Who is primarily prone to maskne?

Maskne doesn't discriminate. But it will inevitably attack people who already suffer from maskne more easily.  fragile, oily, acne-prone skin. If this is the case for you, then you'll need to take extra care of your beauty routine and particularly pamper your skin during these difficult times. This also involves a suitable diet!  

• Please note that maskne should not be confused with other skin problems such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis or folliculitis, which are skin reactions (which can be exacerbated by masks) that require completely different care. To be sure of being correctly diagnosed, do not hesitate to consult a specialist.

How to treat maskne?

Treating maskne is not complicated; you just need to adopt the right actions and be diligent in your daily routine.  

Avoid comedogenic cosmetics  

Generally speaking, it's best to choose non-comedogenic cosmetics. Brands are increasingly careful to produce skincare and makeup products that respect the skin. But just in case, it's always best to check that the label of your foundation, cream, or whatever product in question says "non-comedogenic."

Include hydrosols in your beauty routine  

Purifying your skin is important. Even more so right now with the mask-wearing process. Hydrosols (or floral waters) are powerful active ingredients for naturally purified skin! The best for problem skin are witch hazel water, geranium water, tea tree water, linden water, lemon balm water, or orange blossom water.  

• How to use hydrosol? In a spray container, spray the hydrosol over the entire surface of the face morning and evening after washing it. If you don't have a spray container, you can also soak the hydrosol on a makeup remover wipe and dab it over the entire surface of the face, to ensure the lotion is fully absorbed.

Remove makeup with micellar water  

When it comes to makeup removal, micellar water is a friend to problem skin. It freshens and, above all, effectively removes excess sebum! This is the makeup remover we recommend for oily skin. When you have oily skin, you tend to overdo it and scrub your skin a little too much. Be careful, oily skin is particularly fragile, so go easy. Soak a makeup remover wipe in micellar water and gently apply it in circular motions over your face. No need to rub!  

Opt for light complexion makeup

It's hard to say goodbye to foundation and other makeup when you love going out! Unfortunately (or fortunately) with regular mask-wearing, makeup is a bit of a no-go. Especially if you want to protect your skin as much as possible! Foundation, highlighter, and contouring are a no-go. Instead, opt for a CC cream, a light tinted cream that won't clog pores further and will allow the skin to breathe a little while revitalizing the complexion. For a healthy glow, you can add a touch of blush to your cheeks and finish with a repairing lip balm.

Drink plenty of water for optimal hydration  

This is a tip we shouldn't even be promoting anymore, as it's such a big part of our daily lives. But it's always worth remembering. Nothing (or almost nothing) can happen to properly hydrated skin! In addition to taking great care of it with the right creams and serums, we help our bodies fight imperfections with regular hydration. 1 liter of water a day can work wonders.

Wash your hands regularly  

A gesture that we inevitably ended up adopting regularly (if it wasn't already the case before). In addition to eliminating the potential trace of viruses on our hands, washing our hands also helps reduce the risk of skin infections! We don't always realize it, but our hands come into contact very regularly with the skin on our face, which we unconsciously like to touch... It is therefore important that they are clean! We favor washing with soap rather than antibacterial gel.

Remove the mask as soon as possible  

As soon as you find yourself alone or in a sufficiently ventilated outdoor area, it's a good idea to be able to remove your mask to let your skin breathe. These small, intermittent breaks will significantly reduce the risk of skin infections and, therefore, the infamous maskne.

Do not touch the buttons  

We avoid it as much as possible. It's not always easy to keep our hands away from our face when we spot a blemish... And yet, if we don't touch it and make sure we have a good skincare routine, it will eventually go away on its own, without leaving a trace! Magic.

Wash your mask or change it every 4 hours  

This is an essential point that can be easily overlooked. When wearing a fabric mask, it's important to wash it every night! It's best to change it every day or even use two during the day, one in the morning and a different one in the afternoon. For surgical masks, it's strongly recommended to change them every four hours.