Many people have reported having issues with maskne – an acne that is created from wearing facial masks.
Over the last couple of weeks with the stricter local laws, I’ve personally noticed an increase in facial breakouts and cracked lips.
Frequently wearing a mask means you are trapping in your breathe, carbon dioxide, perspiration, and your beauty products. Remember: breathing is a natural form of detoxification.
Wearing a mask is the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive in and breakouts to occur. The moisture and heat is trapped in. Unfortunately, the increased humidity under your mask is the perfect breeding ground for acne bacteria, which loves a warm and moist environment.
You might also notice an increase in oil production, irritation and friction on the face.
Here are some tips on how to avoid maskne:
- Limit makeup while wearing a mask
- Avoid wearing lipsticks and lip glosses
- Regularly switch over your masks and wash reusable ones
- Wash them with a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free detergent
- Consider trying a different material – switch from a disposable or low-thread cotton mask to a silk one
- Only wear a mask when required to by law
- Double cleanse at the end of the day
- Use oil blotting paper
I’ve grown to detest wearing a mask for a number of reasons. I’m constantly forgetting them, so I have backups in the car and my handbag. They are horrible to wear in a humid subtropical climate with all the sweat and trapped heat.
Unfortunately, masks can muffle your voice and block your facial expressions. Did you know that 80% of communication can be non-verbal? As a result, mask-wearing can lead to miscommunication.
Some people have admitted to me that they take a long time to eat their meal in an effort to delay having to put a mask back on while at their desk. Others have mentioned that they have been snacking and emotional eating.
Whenever I wear a mask, the facial recognition feature on my mobile phone no longer works.
I long for the day when I can pack my reusable masks up in the spare room cupboard. Where they will be soon forgotten about it.
P.S. Don’t forget to cut off the straps of any disposable masks, to ensure they don’t enter the waterways and become entangled around wildlife.