Seven tips on how to avoid ‘Maskne’
Wearing a mask for long periods of time can definitely have an impact on your skin, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic has transcended seasons.
CAPE TOWN, March 13 (ANA) – We are just about one year into the Covid-19 pandemic, which means that it has been one year of wearing masks.
After it emerged that wearing a mask drastically reduces your chances of catching the virus through droplets passed on from other people, governments around the world made wearing masks mandatory, with some even making it punishable with a fine if citizens are caught without a mask in public.
Wearing a mask for long periods of time can definitely have an impact on your skin, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic has transcended seasons.
‘Maskne’ is real. Many people have said that they experience acne breakouts because of wearing a mask.
According to the SanfordHealth.org website, Joanne Montgomery, a dermatologist for Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota, says wearing a mask “provides a perfect place for bacteria to grow.”
So what can you do to avoid getting maskne?
SanfordHealth.org suggests washing your face twice a day by starting with a gentle skin cleanser twice daily, and using a mild moisturiser. You can also use sunscreen every day.
Another way of avoiding maskne is limiting the amount of make-up you wear under your mask, as this could also lead to irritation and cause acne.
If you wear cloth masks, it’s important to wash them after every use. If you prefer wearing disposable surgical masks, don’t wear them more than once.
On the topic of cloth masks, perhaps opt for different fabric cloth masks, like silk. According to Elle.com, you want a material that creates as little friction as possible on your skin. Silk would be the most gentle
Don’t touch your face unnecessarily. This does sound pretty basic, but our hands carry a lot of bacteria, and it’s very easy to transfer this bacteria onto your face without even knowing.
According to the website hopkinsmedicine.org, ensuring that your mask fits properly also assists in breakouts. To help avoid chafing, your face mask shouldn’t gap excessively, but it shouldn’t be too tight either.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends removing your mask for 15 minutes every four hours. This will help give your skin a break, according to the website healthline.com
– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Naomi Mackay
