How to Avoid Maskne: Skin Problems From Wearing Masks 

2020 brought us the pandemic, lockdowns, and maskne. The dreaded skin irritations and various types of rashes experienced by mask-wearers became so common that a new term was coined to describe them. 

With face coverings becoming the new normal, even people with perfect complexions started to notice that their skin was suffering. More than 18 months later, we’re all used to wearing masks. But many of us are still battling with the bad skin that comes with them.  

Fortunately, there are measures you can take to prevent and treat skin complaints connected to wearing a mask. We’ve delved a little deeper into what you can do to keep your skin healthy. 

How to Avoid Maskne: Skin Problems While Wearing a Mask
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Check Whether You’re Allergic To Your Mask 

Disposable or single use masks are more likely to trigger an allergic reaction than their cloth counterparts. They might be convenient but are often treated with chemicals like formaldehyde, which are not healthy for your skin.  

Masks made of synthetic materials are also more likely to set off rashes, due to the constant friction against the dermis. For best results in terms of skincare, choose a mask in a fabric that is soft and non-allergenic, such as cotton, bamboo material, linen, or even silk.  

If you do have an allergy or sensitivity to certain materials, continuing to wear one of the same kinds won’t desensitize you, it will just make things worse.  

Keep Your Masks Clean 

This one is a no-brainer but can easily get overlooked in the hustle and bustle of a busy day.   Disposable masks aren’t meant to get washed—another good reason to stick with the material kind.  Facemasks can retain a lot of oils and residue, which can contribute to maskne as well.

When you’ve worn your mask for one day, you need to wash it, either in a machine or by hand, depending on the fabric type. Use the hottest water possible and make sure you rinse it out properly. Washing powder or softener residue can cause irritation too. 

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Make Sure Your Mask Fits Correctly 

To be effective, a mask needs to fit your face quite snugly. That doesn’t mean you should have to hold your breath the entire day. But it’s important to avoid wide gaps between your skin and the borders of the mask.  

It shouldn’t put uncomfortable pressure on any part of your face, but be careful not to go too far in the opposite direction. A mask that is loose can cause chafing from rubbing up and down on your skin. If you can, go for a mask with adjustable straps. This can also help with pain and irritation behind your ears.  

Cleanse And Moisturize Daily – Before And After Wearing A Mask 

When you’re wearing a mask for 8 hours a day, your skin needs a care routine that is gentle and soothing. There is no practical purpose for wearing lipstick or other similar makeup under your mask, and skipping those cosmetics will allow your skin to breathe.  

Get into a routine of cleansing your face both before and after wearing your mask. Steer clear of heavily scented cleansers or soaps, and find a moisturizer that is light and hypoallergenic. It isn’t necessary to scrub your face, but it’s important that you clean it gently to soothe irritated skin, as well as to wash away the grime of the day.  

We might not be aware of it, but our skin constantly generates oil and sheds dead cells, which causes irritation if you don’t wash often enough.  

Protect Your Lips 

Dry lips are a common problem, even without the added factor of a close-fitting mask. Instead of lipstick, opt for something like petroleum jelly, which softens the skin and prevents painful cracks and bleeding. You can do this before you don your mask as well as when you remove it at the end of the day.  

If you apply petroleum jelly in the morning, you should only do so after you wash your face, as it can trap dirt underneath it.  

Take Mask Breaks (if its safe to do so) 

Wearing a mask is essential in many situations, but when you are by yourself or in your own home, taking it off will give your skin a welcome break. In certain professions, such as healthcare workers or other customer-facing roles, removing your mask is unfortunately much more difficult.  

When your job demands a mask throughout the day, try to take short breaks if and when you can. It’s recommended that you remove your mask and let your skin breathe for about 15 minutes every 4 hours.  

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Be Mindful Of What Skin Products You Use 

When your skin gets inflamed or irritated, some people experience the urge to attack the problem head-on with copious amounts of ointment, moisturizer or facemasks. If you are experiencing maskne or any kind of skin discomfort, a conservative approach is best. There are certain products more likely to irritate the skin even more, including those that contain salicylic acid, retinoid, and various kinds of aftershave.  

This is especially applicable to those who wouldn’t normally use a lot of skin care products. Applying a new chemical compound to your skin isn’t advisable when it’s already under strain.  

Keep Your Skin In Great Condition From The Inside 

Nutrition and hydration play a major role in skincare. Make sure that you eat healthy foods that support your skin health, rather than harm it. Fatty foods, refined sugars, fast food, and food that’s high in salt can all cause bad skin aside from maskne.  

If you’re concerned that you’re not getting enough nutrients or that your body isn’t actively benefiting from the food you eat, you can always consider a supplement. Vitamins, zinc, and NAD boosts your skin from the inside. Don’t forget to stay hydrated too, as dehydrated skin is dry and flaky, which makes it more susceptible to irritation.  

When In Doubt, Call A Doctor 

The vast majority of people wearing masks don’t suffer serious side effects. Some minor skin irritation, although annoying, isn’t an alarming sign if it remains under control. However, when rashes won’t go away or there is a sign of infection it might be time to seek medical advice. If raw skin gets infected there is a possibility of it becoming systemic, which often requires prescribed medication to heal properly.  

Say Goodbye to Maskne 

Life today is chaotic and the pandemic has made it even more so. While most things are beyond your control, avoiding the dreaded maskne is achievable if you spend a little time looking after your skin each day.  


Author Bio

Lara Garcia is a freelance writer covering variety of topics in the health & wellness, mindfulness space. When she’s not writing, you can find her volunteering at her local animal shelter or at the dog park with her two rescues, Boris & Bogart.

The Pregnancy and Postpartum Skin Care Guide for Glowing Skin

Pregnancy and postpartum skin care is an important topic for many new and expecting moms.  Pregnancy can bring about many changes in your body, both physically and emotionally. Oftentimes, this calls for changes in your daily routine, too, like stopping yourself from having that glass of your favorite wine or avoiding your usual cup of Joe.

However, some changes you experience while you’re expecting are skin-deep, literally. From stretch marks to acne, these skin changes can eventually take a toll on your confidence.  Postpartum hormones can also play a role in affecting your skin.  Use this pregnancy and postpartum skin care guide to help you reclaim your glowing skin after having a baby.

The Pregnancy and Postpartum Skin Care Guide for Glowing Skin
*This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that we only recommend products that we love from companies that we trust.

Skin Changes During Pregnancy 

Acne 

Breakouts are common during and after pregnancy, especially during the first and second trimester. This is because of an increase in androgens, commonly known as “male hormones,” but this isn’t necessarily correct. Androgens are hormones that help with reproduction and growth in both men and women. The difference, however, lies in the number of androgens produced, as men produce more of the hormone compared to women. 

Melasma 

Becoming a mother is stressful, and this stress can make itself known through hyperpigmentation or melasma. While several factors can cause this, hormones are one of the main reasons for bodily changes during pregnancy. For instance, excess progesterone and estrogen can affect the pigmentation of your skin. This can cause dark patches or spots to develop on your skin. Excessive or constant sun exposure can also aggravate this skin condition, affecting your face, arms, legs, and even underarms. While these don’t have any adverse effects on your health, they can be annoying to see on your skin. 

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Stretch Marks 

Pregnant women often experience weight fluctuation, and when you’re gaining and losing weight rapidly, your body mass puts pressure on your skin to stretch and allow more space. This sudden weight gain and weight loss can leave scar-like marks on the skin, which some find unsightly and can affect your self-esteem. Some may disappear over time, but others may not. 

Puffy Eyes 

Whether or not you’re experiencing any lack of sleep, puffy eyes and dark circles are often a result of hormonal changes during your pregnancy. This is especially true after delivery, as your body expresses the exhaustion you feel through your eyes. Once you start taking care of your baby after delivery, you’ll find yourself going through a lot of sleepless nights too. 

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Getting Healthy and Glowing Skin Back After Giving Birth 

Fortunately, these changes aren’t irreversible. Contrary to popular belief, you can enjoy mom hood while getting your pre-pregnancy glow back. 

Stick to a Healthy Diet 

A lot of skin problems are usually caused by a bad diet, and while you’re finally free from your diet restrictions, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should start stuffing yourself with all the bad food you missed out on while you were pregnant. You can have it from time to time, but controlling your intake of unhealthy food and sticking to a healthier diet can make taking care of your skin easier. 

Ensure to include some leafy greens in your diet, like broccoli, spinach, cabbage, etc. Vegetables have a good amount of nutrients and antioxidants that help protect the skin and keep it healthy. Processed foods and refined sugar, on the other hand, can have adverse effects on your skin. 

Don’t Forget to Cleanse 

Getting good skin isn’t easy- you have to work for it. One of the simplest ways to help your skin get back to its pre-pregnancy glow is to keep it clean. Whatever your skincare routine may have been before your pregnancy, it’s important to slowly shift back into it after delivering your baby. Start by cleansing your skin at least twice a day using a mild cleanser, as your skin still may be sensitive due to pregnancy hormones. Doing this will clean any excess dirt and oil off your skin and avoid acne breakouts. 

Stay Hydrated 

Keeping yourself hydrated is not only good for your general well-being, but it also helps your skin stay moisturized from the inside. Some skin issues are also sometimes caused by dehydration, so you must drink your 8 glasses of water daily to keep your skin healthy. 

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Exfoliate 

Dead skin can accumulate and block your pores, so it’s important to eliminate this dead skin by exfoliating with a gentle scrub that you can use once or twice a week. Try to avoid chemical exfoliants and consider investing in a good herbal scrub. Not only can exfoliating your skin help make it smoother, but it also improves your blood circulation. 

Use Lightening Creams 

After your pregnancy, you may find that some scars, dark patches, or dark spots take some time to disappear. Fortunately, you can help reduce any hyperpigmentation with skincare that has lightening ingredients. For instance, if you start to feel conscious about dark patches on your underarms, consider going for products that can effectively lighten your underarms. On the other hand, if you’re feeling bothered by dark spots on your skin, they are many over-the-counter skin creams and spot treatments that can help reduce their appearance. 

Get Your Beauty Sleep 

Whether it’s before, during, or after pregnancy, sleep is essential to maintain your skin and general well-being. When you’re sleeping, your body enters a “self-repair” state, allowing your body to regenerate skin cells, repair muscles, and rejuvenate your body to prepare you for the morning. And while it’s difficult to get those 8 hours when you’re taking care of your baby 24/7, lack of sleep can lead to more health problems and skin issues in the long run. Remember to get as much sleep as you can– your future self will thank you for it.

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It’s entirely possible to establish a pregnancy and postpartum skin care routine as a new mom.  While you’re bound to get busy with taking care of your newborn, it’s important to remember that you need just as much care as your bundle of joy does. Remember to take care of your skin and your general well-being after having your baby get that pre-pregnancy glow back on track. 

Reclaim Your Natural Glow: Tips for Post-Pregnancy Skin Care

The first few months of your newborn’s life are among the most hectic and exciting times you’ll experience. As you rush to get them settled into your home, your mind is solely focused on them—as it should be. However, it’s easy to let your own self-care needs fall by the wayside during this time, which can leave you looking just as tired as you feel. Use these tips for post-pregnancy skin care to bring back your youthful glow and fit some “me time” into your day while you’re at it.

*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that I only work with companies and individuals that I trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

The sun is the leading cause of many skin issues—and this includes those that develop postpartum. In fact, pregnancy-specific skin conditions such as melasma and dark, irregular patches on the face can worsen with heightened sun exposure. So, make sure you’re protecting yourself by wearing an SPF-30 sunscreen and sticking to the shade as much as possible.

Thoroughly Cleanse and Moisturize

It’s also important that you regularly wash your face and apply a moisturizer afterwards. At the end of a long day, new moms often skip this part of their routines in exchange for a few more precious minutes of sleep. However, this leaves harmful bacteria on their skin, which can quickly clog their pores and turn into acne. Stop this battle before it starts by washing your face twice a day and keeping it hydrated.

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Exfoliate Regularly

Another crucial tip for post-pregnancy skin care is to fit an exfoliation step into your routine. Exfoliation allows you to gently buff away all the oil, dirt, and dead skin cells that are making your complexion appear dull. It also works to dissolve any debris clogging your pores and, as a result, prevent future breakouts. Best of all, there are a couple different types of exfoliation products for you to choose from, so it’s always possible to find a product that fits your specific needs.

Get Enough Rest

Most importantly, make sure you’re always getting enough sleep. We know this is easier said than done when your baby frequently needs you in the middle of the night. But sleep is what allows the skin to repair itself and reenergize its cells. Without it, your skin is at risk for premature drooping and sagging. Because of this, getting a little extra sleep when you can is vital.


Author Bio:

Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.