This has been a tough season all around.  Wearing a protective mask everyday is hard to get used to, but one problem I am seeing a lot of lately is mask-induced breakouts, or mask-ne.  

How are masks causing breakouts?

There is a certain type of acne called acne mechanica which is caused by friction.  When something is rubbing against your skin for extended periods of time, the combination of friction, pressure, and heat can trigger breakouts.  

I see a lot of acne mechanica with athletes who wear protective pads and people who workout a lot in synthetic fabrics.  And now I am seeing it more and more because of daily mask use, especially in those who have to wear them for very long periods of time. 

The environment under the mask is also a breeding ground for bacteria due to the moisture and heat that gets trapped underneath.  Saliva contains 6 billion bacteria so talking and breathing through the mask builds up bacteria on the face.  Gross, I know. 

How to prevent acne caused by face masks

The goal is to create the healthiest environment under the mask.  

• Do not wear any makeup under the mask.
• Wash your face as soon as you get home.
• Bring an acne toner and some cotton pads with you and use once or twice a day.  This is easier and more convienient than washing your face while at school or work.  If you have dry or normal skin I recommend Calming Toner.  If you have oilier skin, go with Beta C Toner
• Regularly wash your mask with a free & clear detergent and never use fabric softener on it.
• Add in an Acne Mask a few times a week at night. Clays in the mask will absorb excess oil and impurities trapped in the pores and sulfur is a very effective antibacterial and antimicrobial ingredient.  Apply to clean, dry skin and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off.
• Use a serum with salicylic acid two or three nights a week.  Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that is able to cut through oil buildup in the skin and clear out the pores.  Pore + Wrinkle Serum is great option because it also contains a blend of gentle alpha hydroxy acids for exfoliation and retinyl palmitate, a gentle form of retinol for skin regeneration.  

What if my skin is irritated from the mask but not breaking out?

This is also caused by the friction from wearing the mask resulting in red, bumpy, or rashy skin.  In this case Nourish Recovery Spray is an absolute must.  Spritz this on your skin generously before putting the mask on and as often as needed throughout the day.  I also recommend a few sprays to the mask itself before wearing it to really create a healthy environment under the mask. A few other tips for irritated skin:

• Avoid over-exfoliation and scubs.  This could potentially irritate the skin even further.  Stick with gentle daily cleansing with Botanical Cleansing Gel.
• Consider adding a hydrating gel under your normal moisturizer.  Gels tend to be very soothing and calming and help boost hydration.  I recommend Hydration Balance.
• Give your skin a revitalizing treatment a few times a week with Oxygen Bomb.  Bacteria can't live in the presence of oxygen so this mask will help control bacterial growth on the skin while delivering amazing nutrients deep into the skin.  This one is a personal favorite because it only takes a few minutes to work.  Apply it to clean, dry skin and let it bubble up.  After 3-5 minutes the bubbles will start to disappear and you can genlty remove with a damp wash cloth.  Oxygen Bomb can be used as often as needed.

I hope these tips are helpful if you are struggling with wearing a mask.  Here's hoping they won't be necessary much longer.  Wishing you all good health!  Be Blessed!