I know I can’t be the only one who breaks a sweat trying to climb Burlington’s famous hill to campus. This unnecessary sweating could be brought on by the hill, or the mask, or maybe I’m just really out of shape. I do know one thing though; my sweaty mask is not exactly doing my skin any favors. Luckily for you, I have put together some must haves to battle “maskne” and to get the skin of your dreams.
*Important to note that these are just my ideas and what has worked for my skin. If you tend to have sensitive skin, consult with a dermatologist first.
First and foremost, a cleanser is definitely going to be your best friend post sweaty incline walk. Many people usually jump first to witch hazel when they think of a quick cleanser. However, witch hazel actually creates irritation and makes blemishes worse rather than better. Witch hazel tends to contain traces of alcohol which can kill cells and even compromise your skin barrier. I suggest trying easy-to-use cleansing wipes to get rid of any dirt and sweat, preventing them from clogging up your pores. I recommend the Burt’s Bees Micellar Cleansing Towelettes and the Neutrogena Fragrance Free Makeup Wipes. I don’t usually use makeup wipes, but these are super quick, easy, and can fit right into your backpack. I especially like the Neutrogena fragrance free wipes as they tend to be more gentle and work well for sensitive skin.
I also really love micellar water as another alternative to witch hazel as it is something extra you can do to really clean your face after a long day of wearing a mask. I really love the La-Roche Posay Micellar Cleansing water as it deeply cleans your pores and has some of the best reviews on Sephora. A cheaper alternative may be the Garnier Skinactive Micellar Cleansing Water which cleans your skin but also gives your skin a beautiful glow, thanks to the added vitamin C.
For cleansing, I recommend using some kind of silicone cleansing brush to get into the pores of your skin. The Foreo Luna Mini 2 is a great product, but it gets to be a little pricey. I found a great dupe at Walmart called the Lex mini port facial cleansing brush. I definitely recommend using a brush in general because it reduces the need for you to touch your face and add any unnecessary oil to your face. However, I highly recommend using a silicone brush as bacteria can easily get trapped in the head of a traditional brush. Despite silicone brushes being more hygienic, it is always —and I emphasize ALWAYS— important to clean it regularly.
Okay, so I have just shared the holy grail on dealing with “maskne”, and I hope it works for you as well as it has been working for me. And of course, please remember that you are all queens whether you are sporting a forehead pimple or not.
And as always, if you see me with acne cream on my face in a public setting, mind your business.
With love,
Emily Day
*Edited 9/27 by Carolyn D’Auria