If you’re being responsible and wearing a mask when you go out, you might be experiencing acne from wearing a mask. This post is especially for all essential workers who have to wear masks for many hours causing acne where the mask sits.

Exfoliate

Acne occurs when the pores of the skin become clogged with dirt, bacteria, dead skin, etc. Exfoliation is an important part of any skincare routine because it sweeps away the dead skin, preventing the pores from becoming/staying clogged. When you wear a mask, the mask absorbs bacteria, dirt, and oil from your face and traps it close to the skin. When you exfoliate, it’s especially important to concentrate your exfoliator of choice around where you’re wearing the mask.

I am currently using the Glow Recipe watermelon glow mask about 2 times a week because it contains AHA’s to gently exfoliate the skin. If you’re using a traditional exfoliator, you should exfoliate 1-2 times a week. I really like the Peter Thomas Roth FirmX peeling gel.

Double Cleanse

Double cleansing is a typical Asian beauty technique where you wash your face twice. The first cleanse, you use an oil cleanser to remove oil based impurities (makeup, sunscreen, etc.). The second cleanse, you use a water based cleanser to remove water based impurities (sweat, dirt, etc.). The double cleansing method works to ensure your skin is truly clean and you can wash away that nasty bacteria that the mask held so close to your face. 

I usually just use a toner in the morning and then I double cleanse at night. You may want to wash your face in the morning and at night if you have oily skin or are noticing more acne from wearing a mask. Make sure you cleanse for at least 60 seconds to truly clean your face! I really like using the Banila Co. oil cleansing balm and the COSRX low pH good morning cleanser to double cleanse at night.

Acne Stickers

My boyfriend has been working during this pandemic and has to wear his mask for long hours. His biggest complaint is that the acne doesn’t go away because the mask sits in the same place all day. The best way to deal with this is by using acne stickers. Acne stickers can be placed on breakouts to treat the acne below AND protect them from external bacteria like a mask or touching your face. COSRX’s pimple patches are really awesome and affordable. I’ve also heard great things about Zitsticka. You can even use acne stickers preventatively to protect the acne prone areas where your mask touches your face closely.

Use a Tissue

My boyfriend’s mom is a doctor and she told me that I can fold a tissue between my mask and my face to keep my mask fresh. This is especially helpful if you have a disposable mask that you are reusing. Simply fold the tissue to fit the area of your mask. It’s surprisingly comfortable.

Don’t Wear Makeup Under Your Mask

I know most people, including myself, are going makeup free most of the time these days, but make sure you aren’t wearing makeup around the area where your mask sits. If you do happen to be wearing concealer or something, use the tissue trick above. 

Use a Charcoal or Mud Mask in Breakout Prone Areas

Charcoal masks are great for absorbing excess oil and debris from congested skin. These types of masks can be used 1-2 times a week depending on your skin type. Since I have dry skin, I don’t leave the mask on very long so it doesn’t dehydrate my skin too much. If you have oily skin or an oily t zone, you would be the ideal candidate for charcoal masks. I like this detox mud treatment from Exuviance because it washes off easily compared to most charcoal masks and has a great herbal spa smell.

Wash Your Mask Frequently

If you have a cloth mask, try to hand wash it every day and let it dry overnight. Obviously, if you have a disposable mask, you won’t be able to wash your mask so just use the tissue trick. Everlane is selling cloth masks in packs of three so it would be great to have these on rotation ensuring that you can have a dry and clean mask when needed.

I really hope these tips are helpful. These are definitely strange times and I’m sure everyone’s skin could get some TLC from wearing masks all the time.

Have you been getting acne from wearing a mask?