With nearly two months before 2020 ends, we all have probably learned how to live with COVID-19 just lingering around the corner. Social distancing, frequent handwashing and sanitizing, taking daily vitamins, and wearing face masks - these are only some of the most basic health protocols that we incorporate into our daily lives to avoid contracting the virus.

And while these precautionary measures are a good shield against COVID, for some, wearing face masks may keep the coronavirus at bay but may not exactly bring joy in return. The reason? “Maskne.”

What exactly is “maskne” and what causes the skin condition?

“Maskne” is a catchall term that refers to any form of acne or skin breakouts that are generally caused by face masks, face shields, and other forms of face covering, hence the coined term. This skin condition has increasingly gained notoriety lately as we are all encouraged to wear our face masks and face shields for extended periods, especially when we are out in public. 

Maskne happens when the skin is in close contact with face coverings (for longer, extended periods) which urges the circulation of moist (usually warm) air (from breathing), trapped sweating, and friction. As a result, irritation happens, and more often than not, red rashes, pimples, bumps, acne-like imperfections, scaling, and even flaking start to appear on the dermis.

Looking for the ultimate maskne fix? Here’s what you can do!

Maskne, just like the usual acne and breaking out, can be both annoying and embarrassing. And we can’t just take away the idea that people who suffer from the condition tend to think that ditching the face mask is the only way to get rid of the irritation completely. 

However,maskne prevention is not that hard. Below are a few things you can do to keep it at bay and (eventually) treat the condition.

Ditch the makeup if at all possible

First things first, if you wear makeup on a daily basis and notice that things aren’t going well with your skin and face mask, then perhaps it’s time to ditch the cosmetics. Foundations, concealers, and other makeup products are designed to cover up your skin. And while it’s a practical way to achieve a flawless look, these products can clog your pores and even cause more damage and further irritation to your skin underneath a mask. And the result? You guessed it: maskne.

If at all possible, you may want to skip wearing the makeup - after all, a face mask is designed to cover half of your face so you may want to let your skin breathe freely underneath the fabric. Or, if you really can’t ditch the cosmetics completely, opt for products that are formulated to be "Non-Comedogenic" and are free from oils as they are generally more skin-friendly and minimizes the chances of skin breakouts.

Don’t forget to moisturize and apply sunscreen

We all know the importance of moisturizing our skin and applying sunscreen. Combined, these skincare routines keep our skin supple and protected from the harmful UV rays of the sun. And if you happen to suffer from maskne, then it’s an even bigger reason to stick to your moisturizer and sunscreen. 

Do keep in mind that dry skin is more prone to flaking and other irritations, and not applying sunscreen increases the risks associated with UV exposure. As a rule of thumb, layer both your moisturizer and sunscreen thinly, even on days that are not that sunny. Doing so will keep your skin hydrated underneath those masks which can prevent the development of maskne.

Never neglect your daily or nightly skincare routine

Last but not the least, never ever neglect skincare. It should be a no-brainer that a healthy, clean, moisturized skin is less susceptible to all sorts of irritation, maskne included. And if you are required to wear a face mask for longer periods, you may want to take your skincare routine even more seriously.

Essentially, you may want to opt for Organic Skincare Products. That way, you rest assured that the products you apply onto your skin free from harsh, over-exfoliating chemicals which can urge the development of maskne.

We highly recommend products like Retinol Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Rejuvenating Night Serum in restoring healthy skin and amplifying cell regeneration. Combined, these products work well in keeping the skin in its best shape, preventing maskne from happening even if you wear your face mask all day.

Looking to step up your skincare routine and combat maskne? Discover the wonders of Zone 365 Beauty!

Zone 365 Beauty is a brand of breakthrough skincare products that are formulated only from all-natural, organic, and highly-effective ingredients. Engineered to keep the skin rejuvenated, healthy, and young-looking, these products are also ethically formulated, boasting a cruelty-free formula that is also backed by science.

From usual breakouts, the tell-all signs of aging, and even down to maskne - Zone 365 Beauty products are intricately crafted to bring affordable and effective solutions to your skin problems.

The Final Takeaway: A Good Skincare Routine Is Crucial To Keeping Maskne At Bay

We live in a time wherein wearing face masks has suddenly become a vital part of lives and while it is nearly a foolproof way to keep ourselves from the risk of COVID-19, it does have its downsides. One of these cons is developing maskne, which is not only uncomfortable, it can also be embarrassing.

But the good news is, just like the coronavirus, maskne isn’t meant to last forever. There are several tips you can follow to keep the conditioning from worsening and eventually get rid of it.

From opting not to wear makeup to applying your moisturizer and sunscreen, keeping maskne at bay shouldn’t be that complicated. And if all else fails, remember that a good skincare routine is always key to healthy, flawless skin.

Looking for the best arsenal of products for your daily skincare? Check out Zone 365 Beauty and be a step closer to a healthier, younger-looking, maskne-free skin today!