Adding to the list of things that are, to put it lightly, unpleasant about dealing with Covid-19, there is maskne.
On the scale of things that matter, this is very low on the list, but it sucks that my skin is punishing me for doing my part and wearing a mask when I’m out and about. I’ve started going back into the office three times a week, and even though I’m the usually the only one there, I wear my mask while walking to and from my car, through the building… basically anywhere that isn’t my own desk.
Palm beach walking tiger cloth face mask||CLINIQUE Face Soap||Natural Glow Healthy Complexion Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 20||raydiate vitamin c elixir||avocado + aloe double shot||Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil||Even Skin Mineral Powder Foundation Refill SPF 15||Water Rose Micellar Cleansing Water||Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera Formula||Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear
The result is that I have a line of really heinous cystic acne that won’t go away along and underneath my jaw line. I have friend with this issue around their noses.
In an attempt to battle, or at least curb the breakouts, I’ve essentially stopped wearing makeup, opting for just a little mascara on my top lashes, but after doing some research (mostly this article), I’ve found some tips for how to deal.
- Don’t wear a dirty mask! At this point, I have enough that I can toss my used masks in my hamper and wear a fresh one every day. Kelly-Lynne had a great roundup of masks earlier this week, which included my own collection.
- Avoid skin scrubs. I hate this one because I LOVE using gentle scrubs in the shower. This one is my favorite, but I’ll be switching to using only a gentle cleanser in and out of the shower.
- Be hands-on with your skin-but only when you’re washing it! I’ve been using a washcloth instead of face wipes for a year, but for now, I’m just going to use my (clean) hands. Otherwise, remember, hands off!
- Wait 15 minutes after applying moisturizer or sunscreen before you put your mask on, 30 minutes if you are wearing an N95 mask.
- Be gentle. Products like alpha hydroxy acids, chemical peels or Retin A will further damage the fragile skin barrier, making it more sensitive to the mask’s irritating effects. I was going to start using a Retinol Serum at night for its anti-aging properties, but decided to go with Fourth Ray’s raydiate vitamin c elixir for the morning (Vitamin C, Camu Camu, and Turmeric) and avocado + aloe double shot (avocado oil, aloe, and cucumber water) for nighttime.
- Skip makeup, if you can. I’ve been using only Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Illuminating Argan Oil and mascara, rather than my usual makeup routine. However, if you can’t bear to be bare, mineral makeup is a better choice.
- Before you cleanse your skin, I recommend using a gentle makeup remover, even if you weren’t wearing makeup, to get off any extra oils and dirt you’ve pick up during the day. My favorite is Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water with Rose Water.
- After I cleanse, I make sure to use a toner (Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera Formula) to get any residual soap or any impurities before I moisturize.
- Wash your mask! If you’re like me and toss them in the laundry, use fragrance free detergent, like this one.
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