We wear our masks an average of three hours a day and this prolonged contact with the cloth isn’t great for our skin. Read on and learn more about “maskne” and how you can fight back.

How to control it?

To limit the effects of maskne, you need a two-pronged approach: 

1. Focus on an anti-imperfection care routine.

• Wash your face thoroughly morning and night with a product adapted to your particular skin type. If you have oily skin, choose an oil-free formula; if it’s dry, choose a product with nourishing ingredients to balance out the production of natural oils. In either case, choose a gentle cleanser; your skin doesn’t need extra irritation.

• Moisturize after every cleansing using a non-comedogenic product.
• Exfoliate once or twice a week with a non-abrasive peel to unclog your pores and remove dead cells that build up on the surface of your skin.
• Remember to apply a purifying mask once a week to boost the effectiveness of your other treatments!

2. Manage your mask

• Choose your mask carefully. Choose a reusable mask made of 100% cotton.
• Maintain it properly. If it’s a cloth mask, wash it after every use. If it’s a surgical mask, replace it every time it gets wet or dirty.
• Adjust it properly. Make sure it covers your mouth and nose completely, hugging the contours of your face well, without exerting too much pressure on your skin. 
• Don’t wear it any longer than you have to. For example, take it off when you’re in the car by yourself or when you exit a store, school, workplace, daycare, etc. You want to let your skin breathe as often as possible!