Of course, the positives of face masks far outweigh any negatives but if wearing a face mask daily has taken its toll on your skin, you aren’t alone. Previously an issue faced mainly by healthcare professionals, prolonged contact with personal protective equipment (PPE) can lead to various skin bugbears, says consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. These include contact dermatitis or eczema, itchiness and, most commonly it seems, an exacerbation of acne, which experts have coined ‘maskne’.
“These issues occur for a variety of reasons,” writes Dr Mahto on Instagram. “Acne can be driven by the hot, humid microclimate created in facial areas covered by the mask alongside occlusion of the oil producing ducts due to local pressure on the skin.”
So what can you do? Your first port of call is to avoid any products which can clog pores, such as balms, facial oils, thick moisturiser and heavy makeup, like foundation. If you don’t want to avoid makeup, opt for products which are oil-free and non-comedogenic, which means they are less likely to cause breakouts.
Tweaking your skincare routine can also make a world of difference to your skin when wearing a face covering for prolonged periods of time. “For acne flare-ups, use a face wash with salicylic acid, a targeted spot treatment or a salicylic acid toner after cleansing, and apply a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturiser,” which is less likely to clog your skin, says Dr Mahto.
Ahead, find four beauty editor-approved skincare products, including toners, spot treatments and moisturisers, which’ll help prevent maskne.
Salicylic acid is the star ingredient in this gel-to-foam cleanser, which can be used both morning and evening. It exfoliates deeply but gently, breaking up oil, dirt and dead skin cells which could eventually lead to spots and blackheads. Dr Mahto also rates Medik8 Clarifying Foam, £21, which boasts salicylic acid and tea tree oil to keep breakouts at bay.
Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser, $, available at BeautyBay.com
To complement its Salicylic Acid Cleanser, The Inkey List launched Beta Hydroxy Acid: a liquid salicylic acid toner meets exfoliating serum which is designed to be swiped onto skin after cleansing to maximise pore unclogging. If you want something even lighter, Dr Mahto likes Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, £28. Both exfoliate on a deeper level without stinging or irritating skin. They can be used in either the morning or evening but be sure to follow up with an oil-free SPF in the daytime, as acids can make skin sensitive to sunlight.
The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid, $, available at Cult Beauty
Glossier’s new fragrance-free moisturiser is a gel-creme hybrid that floods thirsty skin with moisture without leaving a trace on the surface, so your mask won’t get stuck to your skin. The main ingredient is niacinamide, which experts champion for controlling excess oil and minimising pores instantly and over time. If you want options, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+], £17, is very similar in texture and contains salicylic acid and zinc, both proven spot-fighting ingredients.
Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance, $, available at Glossier
For spots which are inflamed or have a whitehead, invest in this targeted treatment. There’s a reason why it’s sold out at Boots already: it works fast to minimise spots without overly drying skin or making it tight or flaky. If you prefer more of a gel consistency, try Medik8 Blemish SOS, £19, which features salicylic acid to reduce redness or Dr Mahto’s favourite, Murad Rapid Relief Spot Treatment, £17, which shrinks spots quickly. The trick is to dab the product directly onto your spot, rather than all over your face, especially if you’re using an exfoliating toner.
Vichy Normaderm SOS Anti-Blemish Sulphur Paste, $, available at LookFantastic
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