How to Treat Mascne
Mascne...How To Combat Our Newest Enemy
It’s safe to say that this pandemic has brought us all many ups and downs. Like any other situation in life, there have been positives and negatives, but as time goes on it feels like new issues surface every day. It’s time we talk about one of those issues… MASCNE.
What is “mascne”? Acne that is caused by the longtime wear of a mask. It’s caused by a combination of dirt, friction, bacteria, and moisture retention that are a result of wearing masks for long periods of time. Why does protecting yourself and others have to come with such nasty consequences?!
As if these times haven’t been challenging enough, the last thing we want is to be battling breakouts and blemishes. In the case of mascne, you can run, but you certainly cannot hide…. Wearing a mask is mandatory in most public areas now and it’s our social responsibility to help slow the spread. Luckily, we’ve done some research and compiled tips and tricks on how to treat mascne so you can keep your skin clear AND keep everyone safe! Follow our suggestions below to tackle the uncharted territory of MASCNE.
1. Wash and change out your mask frequently
If you’re wearing a disposable 3-ply mask, you should technically be switching it out after every use. If you opt for a cotton or cloth mask, then you should wash it after every use if possible. This will not only keep you safe but also keep you from exposing your skin to the bacteria that harbors in the fabric of your mask.
2. Strengthen Your Skin Barrier
Hydrating, using antioxidant rich products like Image Skincare’s Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum, Vital C ACE Antioxidant Serum, or Vital C Repair Cream and applying a daily sunscreen like Image Prevention+ SPF 32 Matte or Prevention+ SPF 50 are just a few ways to strengthen your skin. This will prepare it to block bacteria that’s being stored in your mask. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, so treat it with some respect!
3. Steer Clear of Sugar
As most of you may know, excess sugar in your diet is no friend to your skin! Sugar is very inflammatory and can cause acne flare ups when regularly consumed in large amounts. Therefore, when trying to prevent or get rid of mascne, consuming lots of sugar will not do you any favors. Sugar also weakens the skin barrier which makes you more susceptible to breakouts, especially when wearing a mask for hours every day. Try eating more nutrient dense foods and healthy fats to keep that skin of yours strong!
4. Use Products That Contain Salicylic Acid
Knowing how to treat mascne means understanding which products to use to help keep your pores clean. Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliator and is also known for keeping pores clear. Using products that contain salicylic acid like Image Skincare’s Clear Cell Acne Masque or Salicylic Cleanser have been shown to clear breakouts and keep them away. This could be especially helpful when dealing with tough mascne. You need something strong to get rid of the bumps and blemishes, and salicylic acid may do the trick.
5. Try to Wear Less Makeup
Like mentioned before, cloth masks trap heat, dirt, oils, and other gross particles around our face. Your skin is already having trouble breathing when wearing the mask, so imagine what it’s like to have a thick layer of full coverage makeup on too! Try letting your skin breathe a bit and lay low with the makeup on days you’ll be wearing a mask for a long time. And, if you do have to wear makeup, be sure to wash your face thoroughly at the end of the day so your skin can rejuvenate overnight!
6. Keep Facial Cleansing Wipes Close
If you feel like you’ve tried everything but mascne is still winning the fight, this may be your solution. Taking the time to quickly cleanse your face after each wear of your mask could solve your mascne problem. Keep facial wipes (like Image Skincare’s IBEAUTY wipes) in your purse or car, so they’re easily accessible! Then, get in the habit of using them every time you take your mask off. This will allow you to quickly freshen up your skin and rid it of any oils, dirt, or other harmful particles that can cause a mascne flare up!
Unfortunately, it may be a while before we can take off our masks for good… Until then, we have to learn how to treat mascne so we can focus on what matters most – keeping ourselves, our loved ones, and our community safe!
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MADISON LANDER
Madison will be a junior at the University of Tennessee Knoxville this fall studying Public Relations and Business Administration. She is originally from Illinois, just about an hour south of Chicago. In her spare time she enjoys doing yoga, cooking, & spending time with family.
