As if the normal slew of acne we’re prone to wasn’t enough, the age of COVID-19 ushered in a brand new breed: mask-ne. How exciting for us! Now, not only do we have to plan our skincare around hormonal breakouts and environmental irritants, it seems we must battle mask-ne whenever we leave the house. Let’s be clear, though: wear your masks!! Mask-ne is no reason not to protect yourself and those around you, but it is something you can combat by adding some products to your skincare regimen.

But first, a disclaimer: while we can make our best recommendations based on what we have found effective, we sadly cannot analyze or diagnose your skin problems through the computer screen. We recommend one of our skin consults, as well as a chemical peel to set you up for ultimate skin success. Learn more about our seasonal chemical peels and book one for yourself!

 

Our top picks to help you get rid of mask-ne:

Start with a gentle cleanser. As with any acne-related issue, the first step is to cleanse your skin of all the dirt and toxins it has come in contact with throughout the day. Masks make it all the easier for your pores to clog, so washing your face thoroughly is imperative. Opt for a gentle cleanser so as not to irritate your skin any more than it is by your mask.

Staff Picks:

  • Dermalogica Ultra Calming Cleanser. This one is great for reactive and sensitive skin. It’s pH balanced, and it carefully builds up your skin barrier. 
  • Another of our faves is the Dermalogica Clay Cleanser, which helps break down oil and absorbs impurities to help balance your skin. ICYMI, here’s our in-depth face washing routine!

 

Build up your skin’s barrier protection. Mask-ne comes from the warm, humid environment that your mask creates around your face. This, combined with friction on the skin makes it easy for dirt to settle into your pores. Strengthening the skin barrier can help combat this. 

Staff Picks:

  • Our top pick is the GlymedPlus GM59 Cell Protection Serum. This serum douses your skin with age-fighting agents such as ceramides and antioxidants, and reinforces the skin’s barrier by replenishing lipids that are lost as you age. It’s also great for “daily lifestyle imbalances”… aka all of 2020. 
  • Another of our faves is the GlymedPlus GM9 Amino Acid Epidermal Sealant. A tongue twister, but definitely worth it. This product is formulated to mimic the natural barrier of the skin, and is great for sensitive skin.

 

Treat your problem areas. As with any breakout, it’s helpful to spot treat the problem areas so that you can target them directly. Cleaners get rid of dirt and oils that have built up, and protective serums build up a barrier, but it’s still necessary to treat any existing breakouts.

Staff Picks:

  • For this step, we love the GlymedPlus GM22 Skin Medication No. 5. This is a great topical treatment for mask-ne that’s inflamed, as well as any that’s gone down a bit. It contains benzoyl peroxide, which reduces bacteria and helps prevent breakouts. 
  • Another product we love is the GlymedPlus AHA Accelorator. This treatment option controls breakouts and improves skin texture, which is just what you need to get rid of mask-induced breakouts.

 

We know mask-ne can be frustrating, especially when you’re dealing with other breakouts at the same time. Although it’s probably little consolation, at least this is an issue that comes from what is overall a protective measure – you mask protects those around you, so mask-ne is a small, albeit annoying price to pay. We hope that these products and tips help you on your journey to clear skin!

 

This is not a sponsored article. All opinions are our own, and all mentioned products are ones we have tried and loved.