Maskne is real- even the American Academy of Dermatology said so. Breathing under a mask all day, especially when sweating on a hot day, can lead to skin problems even if you don’t suffer from acne normally. I normally have a few breakouts but I’ve been changing around my products and routine since the start of the pandemic and wanted to share a few products that have been working well for me.
1. Face wash with Benzoyl Peroxide
My dermatologist told me that the best product to use for acne is some type of cleanser with Benzoyl Peroxide. I personally use PanOxyl foaming face wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, which is the highest amount you can get without a prescription but if you’re sensitive to that particular ingredient there are versions with a smaller percentage!
2. Salicylic Acid serum
I discovered Derma-E products last year and fell in love. I’ve been using their blemish control serum once a day and it works wonders! The only downside is that it can dry your skin out a bit, which is why I only use it once a day but if you follow with a moisturizer you should be fine! This brand also has a scar gel that works wonders!
3. Spot treatment
For any bigger breakouts or more painful spots, which is a lot of what my maskne tends to be, a spot treatment is the way to go. I’ve been using Neutrogena On-The-Spot acne treatment about twice a day and by the next day they’re practically gone. If you’re looking for something a little more ~high end~, Mario Badescu’s drying lotion is also great for any pesky pimples.
4. Oil absorbing moisturizer
Regardless of what your skin type is, moisturizing is a must in your skincare routine. I personally have oily skin, which tends to get even worse when I’m wearing a mask for a while. My go-to moisturizer is Differn Oil Absorbing Moisturizer because it moisturizes my skin without making it feel more oily or adding any extra shine. It also has sun protection as well!
5. Mask (the skincare kind, not the COVID kind)
I’ve tried a LOT of face masks in the past two years but Mask of Magnaminty from Lush has been one of the few I keep coming back to. This is my favorite mask from Lush and one of my favorites in general. It smells great, it works wonders on my skin and is not tested on animals! It can be used all over your face or as a spot mask depending on what issues your skin has.
Wear your mask, take care of your skin and stay healthy!