10 Easy Ways to Avoid and Treat Enemy #1: Maskne

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Mask + Acne = Maskne

If you ask me, ‘maskne’ should’ve been the word of the year for the last 2 years. But maybe that’s because it’s been my biggest foe. If the term ‘maskne’ is new to you allow me to explain, it’s the acne that’s caused by wearing a face mask.

Since the Pandemic started I’ve been wearing my face mask everywhere I go and I, like many others, have had to deal with the unfortunate side effect of maskne. Obviously maskne is a small price to pay for keeping myself and others safe but I reserve the right to hate it.

Put An End to Maskne

It’s been over 2 years now and I’ve had a lot of time to test products and figure out what works for me. So if you’re also struggling with maskne or even just regular acne give some of these tips a try:

1. Salicylic Acid face/body spray– You can spray this directly on your skin or carry it in your purse and spray your mask before you put it on. Salicylic acid is a great acne fighting ingredient! I like this spray from amazon.
2. Face Masks– The other kind of face masks. Detox face masks and hydrating face masks. The detox face mask is to cleanse your pores of all the crap that clogs them. The hydrating face mask is for rehydrating your skin from the sometimes drying acne treatments. I love using The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque, Glam Glow Supermud Mask, and Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay (with apple cider vinegar).
3. Drink water– This is like cardinal rule #1 for clear skin but it’s always worth mentioning. Drink your 64oz., 2L, or whatever your recommended daily intake is. Try an insulated water bottle, a visible measurement water bottle, or one with a straw.
4. Wash your face masks weekly– I would recommend having several face masks and only wearing each once a day before throwing them in the wash. The best way I’ve found to wash face masking is by putting them in a mesh laundry bag and washing them with my regular laundry. This also makes it easier to locate the masks and keep them out of the dryer.
5. Pimple patches– This has been my saving grace. I am obsessed with these things! Pimple patches are amazing at getting rid of whiteheads but they have an added benefit. Wearing a pimple patch when I have a really annoying blemish keeps me from picking at it or touching it with my dirty, oily fingers. I love the Mighty Patch pimple patches. They have small circular patches for single pimples as well as a large rectangular patch for areas like the chin, forehead, or anywhere else on the body. Just recently I found patches specifically for your nose as well.
6. Facial exfoliants– Exfoliating will help to pick up dead skin and sebum, clear clogged pores, and leaving your skin looking brighter. There really is no downside but make sure you’re using a good exfoliate. There are two types chemical and physical. Dr. G Brightening Peeling Gel, Bliss Jelly Glow Peel, and The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution are my top recommendations.
7. Acne Spot Treatments– When it comes to acne spot treatments you are either looking for Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid. You might find that one works better than the other for you. Or like me, you’ll find that you need both for different types of acne. Mario Badescu Anti Acne Serum, Evologie Intensive Blemish Serum are the best ones I’ve tried so far.
8. Face Wash and Moisturizer– Every day, twice a day. This may seem obvious but even if you do have a routine skin care regimen down, are you sure it’s the right one for your skin type? Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, there is a face wash and a moisturizer, or two (AM and PM), for you. Find what works for you. I recommend Biossance Squalane + Tea Tree Cleansing Gel, CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, Clinique Moisture Surge, Supergoop Superscreen Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen.
9. Retinol Serum– You might think retinol serum is for preventing wrinkles and fine lines and you’d be right but it also helps to fade acne marks and prevent breakouts. CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum is my favorite.
10. Silk Face Masks– Silk masks can be cooler and more comfortable to wear than a cotton one. Silk will be kinder to you skin since it’s lighter and doesn’t tug. However, make sure you’re getting a 100% silk mask and that it has more than one layer. I love the face masks from Slip but if those are too expensive, try these from amazon.

Final Thoughts

I’ve always thought of skin care as a delicate balance and it’s a never ending journey. There are always going to be new problems to solve but there will also always be new products to try. You need to find what works for you and keep in mind what works for some won’t work for all. Have you struggled with maskne? Let me know in the comments what you’ve tried for a maskne free face.