How to Treat & Prevent "Maskne" in the Age of Coronavirus

In the age of Coronavirus, it's safe to say we're all being faced with a handful of new challenges. On the beauty front, a growing number of women are reporting acne as the result of wearing a mask.

Thankfully, we can all take some steps to prevent and treat mask-wearing acne — aka Maskne'.

7 Ways to Prevent Mask-Wearing Acne

I've done a bit of research on the subject and discovered the following tips and tricks that can make a huge difference.

#1 - Wash your face often!

Pick a clarifying,  yet gentle cleanser that will help treat breakouts. I've been using Skincare Ormedic Balancing Organic Cleanser and it's been working beautifully.

#2 - Exfoliate.

Exfoliating your skin regularly will help remove dead skin cells, which will help prevent clogged pores. Sometimes when we wear our masks for long periods of time it creates a hot, moist environment that can cause build-up. Dead skin cells and oils clog pores, so it's important to clear them away with a scrub or face polish. My favorite is Dr. Lancer Polish for Normal to Combination Skin.

#3 - Use a balancing toner once your skin is clean.

After cleansing and exfoliating, I always use a toner, as they are great for any left-over makeup, dirt, oils, and dead skin cells that the cleansing and exfoliation processes miss. Toners also help close and tighten pores, which helps the penetration of bacteria and contaminants from entering the skin. In this case, toners do wonders for preventing the spread of acne. I switched from using PCA Skin Hydrating Toner to Glowbiotics Probiotic Instant Resurfacing Pads because they seem to be a bit more effective for my current needs.

#4 - Apply a nutrient-rich, hydrating serum.

I love using serums to create a barrier on my skin. Serums help lock in hydration and keep the skin's pH levels balanced. I love iS Clinical Pro Heal Serum and iS Clinical Active Serum because they both have healing properties and offer antioxidant-rich protection. Antioxidants help the skin repair itself by reducing inflammation.

#5- Pamper your skin with an ultra-hydrating lotion and balm.

SkinBetter Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment does wonders to hydrate skin, lock in serums, and create a barrier to lessen the irritation of the mask. This lotion always brings hydration back to my skin when it's feeling dry and dull. I also use an amazing hydrating balm when my skin is feeling extra dry and inflamed. I love the Blue Butterfly Balm — a rich blam that melts in my fingers before I apply it to my skin. it both seals in moisture and protects the skin from irritants.

#6- Spot treat your skin.

Spot treating pimples and impurities is important — whatever you do don't pick at them! Repeat after me, "I WILL NOT PICK! If I have a blemish, I will immediately apply a spot treatment instead of picking. My go-to is Epionce's Purifying Spot Gel. It's a very very strong formula that goes a long way, so don't put it all over your face — only spot treat.

#7 - Treat with Blue Light Therapy

This is a new treatment for me, but I'm loving it so far. Blue light therapy is great for preventing acne because it kills any acne-causing bacteria on the skin and eliminates bacteria found in our oil glands to prevent breakouts. Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment works so well! I highly recommend it.

Last Words

As we move forward through this uncertain time in history, I think it's so important that we find solutions for living healthier lives. This includes taking care of our skin, putting the right nutrients in our bodies, assuring the safety/health of those around us. Wearing masks is definitely a part of the equation for now. Yes, I know it can be frustrating, but we'll get through this together!