Mask Era Skincare

What a fun and sexy topic, right?

I am on a veritable crusade against maskne. (Such a cutesy name for the current bane of my existence.) Until recently, my epidermal situation was largely under control, so I'm unsure what changed. Warmer weather? More outings, i.e. prolonged mask-wearing? A combination of complacency and laziness -- to switch up my mask every hour, to wash my face when I get home? Probably all the above.

Whatever the reason, the reality is that I had clearer skin in high school. Points of contact (where mask and skin actually touch) are the worst: cheeks, jawline, under my chin. 

So, I've taken a stubbornly offensive approach to the problem since mid-March, and am finding seeing improvements to my complexion. Here's the routine, in case someone out there might find it helpful :)

  

1. A dime-sized amount of The Inkey List salicylic acid cleanser, used right after my regular face wash, (ideally) morning and night. 

2. Swiping my face with a cotton round soaked in Bioderma Sensibio H2O, both pre- and post- masking up.* The strategy is to prevent bacteria from (shudder) getting trapped inside the mask, thereby building up on your skin.

*Similarly, brushing your teeth before donning a face mask is helpful. 

3. Tea tree oil for spot-treating blemishes -- especially (more shuddering) those extra-painful, cystic-y bumps that lurk just below the surface of your skin in an angry, reddish way. I've used The Body Shop's oil for years, but suspect any generic version will work just as well.

4. Keep skin hydrated! Having a bold action plan for banishing maskne means you risk stripping your skin of necessary moisture, which would just cause a whole other dermatological headache. I'm still using my regular serums, moisturizers, and oils, depending on what my skin seems to be asking for.

5. DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE. Not only does it help stop Covid transmission (the pandemic isn't over just because you're over it), it also prevents zits!

Reminder: This quasi-compulsive routine works for me, but might not work for everyone. You know your skin best -- treat it accordingly... and lovingly :)

Image credit: Stylist