The most common face mask used today is cloth mask. Despite its reusability, people often neglect cleaning cloth masks daily. Washing your cloth masks with detergent and properly sanitising them can help reduce the likelihood of maskne. It will not only protect you from the virus but also remove dead skin and dirt that can cause skin irritation.

It is also ideal to always bring an extra mask in case your mask gets soaked in sweat.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends not to put any makeup on the affected area of your face until your skin heals. Cosmetics can worsen a mask induced skin problem. However, if you really need to apply makeup, an oil-free product like mineral-based makeup is recommended.

While maintaining a balanced diet is crucial in boosting your immune system during the pandemic, it is also the key to maintain healthy skin. Managing what you eat is very important in dealing with acne. Eat a wholesome, low glycemic diet. Make sure you enjoy balanced meals containing fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy protein sources, and whole grains.

Face masks aside, stress is a contributing factor to acne development. When you’re stressed, your skin and immune system take a blow. The cells in the body that produce sebum have receptors for stress hormones. Thus, properly managing stress can not only make your body stay in tip-top health but also prevent acne and other skin irritation.

Since masks create a harsh condition for your skin, using a gentle soap-free cleanser gives it a break from harsh chemicals and lets your skin breathe. Mild cleansers effectively remove excess sebum and dirt build-up without stressing your skin.

Use a mild, non-drying, and alcohol-free cleanser when washing your face twice daily. It is also best to choose a soap-free cleanser that has a similar pH to the skin and contains alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which is effective in stimulating skin renewal and removing cutaneous sebum, dead skin cells and impurities.

Additionally, a cleanser formulated with prebiotics create a healthy environment for the skin microbiome. Prebiotics, the nutrients for bacteria that help to stimulate production of antimicrobial peptides, can help promote the skin’s ecosystem and natural defences to combat C. acnes. This effectively addresses the root causes of acne.

Dry skin is a common problem with face masks. Applying moisturizer before and after using face masks gives your skin an additional protective layer that reduces friction and dryness.

However, be careful in choosing a moisturizer. Some might just aggravate your Maskne. Stay away from greasy moisturizing creams as these can worsen your skin condition. Choose moisturizers that are oil-free and fragrance-free to hydrate your skin while preventing acne. Choose a non-comedogenic, lightweight bland formulation, which can come in the forms of gel, water-based, or oil-in-water emulsions.

Wearing a face mask doesn’t spare your face from the damaging rays of the sun. Applying a generous amount of sunscreen before using your mask is a great way to ensure your skin won’t suffer from UV damage. Minimising unnecessary skin damage will help reduce the chances of developing Maskne. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and PA +++ above.

Unfortunately, for some, simple steps aren’t enough to prevent Maskne. This is especially true for people who have ongoing skin conditions or have sensitive skin. In case of severe Maskne, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for expert advice and treatment.