Whichever the culprit, here’s a breakdown of what you can do to address the skin problems caused by face masks.

Skincare

Less is more when it comes to daytime skincare. Cleanse your skin with a product suited to your skin type, and follow up with the most basic skincare routine sufficient to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. Ideally, a serum followed by a moisturiser to lock in the hydration, or – if it’s moisturising enough for your skin – an SPF to serve as both sunscreen and moisturiser.

Either way, sun protection is non-negotiable, even during periods when we aren’t masked up, and should always be the last step in your day skincare routine. Try to use an occlusive (thick in consistency) moisturiser or SPF to create a barrier between your skin and the mask, and exfoliate once or twice a week to reduce build-up and clogged pores.

The ingredients in your daily routine matter. Consider including chemical exfoliants AHA/BHA (alpha hydroxy acids, and beta hydroxy acids) in toner form for a good and gentle option that also helps to resurface the skin. Other ingredients like peptides and ceramides can help strengthen your skin barrier against the friction from the mask. You may also want to look into soothing ingredients such as niacinamide, aloe vera, calendula and blue tansy that can all help to calm irritated skin. 

Treatments aren’t essential but they sure can do a lot to help skin stay happy when battling irritation. Consider treatments as a tune-up your skin needs now and then. Invest in one mask that detoxifies and another that hydrates and nourishes, and do each once a week. Also, look for a spot treatment that works for you. A benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid ointment from the pharmacy can do wonders, but be careful it’s not so strong or it will cause your skin more irritation. Try applying it over your moisturiser overnight first, and if you handle it, move it closer to your skin.

Make-up

Like skincare, make-up under a face mask is better off following the less is more philosophy. The humid environment under a mask is breeding grounds for bacteria, and the more layers of skincare or cosmetics you wear, the more opportunity there is for bacteria to grow. If you can get away with zero complexion make-up, rock a bare face! If you do need a little something though, consider using foundation or concealer only where you need it instead of all over your face. Add a little tinted lip balm and a glowy blush, and you’re good to go!

Best to lay down an eyeshadow primer first though, and remember a little goes a long way, before setting it with shadow or a translucent powder. It’ll help your eye products stay in place and not smudge. If any of that feels too much, even just a tinted brow gel to give your brows a bit more structure and definition can pack a punch above a mask.

Most importantly, you must – read: must – remove your make-up properly at the end of the day. And no, a make-up wipe won’t do the job. It just moves product around. Gently massage your face with an oil or balm cleanser, and rinse it off. Follow up with a second cleanse using a mild cleanser or one that suits your skin type, and immediately apply your nighttime skincare routine afterwards to avoid transepidermal water loss.

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Masks

After a full year of the world dealing with Covid-19, there are more masks on the market than ever. If you can, try and get your hands on ones that have more structure to them, and are designed to sit away from your skin. Even so, make sure to stay on top of your skincare. Every bit of effort to keep maskne at bay counts!

To be kinder to the environment and your face, invest in a few reusable cloth masks, and avoid fabrics that are rough on the skin. Cotton is more breathable, which reduces the moisture and humidity under your mask, and is softer on skin. If you’re willing to splash out though, according to a laboratory-based research from the University of Cincinnati, a silk mask will best protect you and your skin.

It probably goes without saying, but keep your masks clean! If you’re using disposable ones, have a clean spot or holder for them when you take your mask off (if you’re somewhere that allows dining, for example). If you’re using cloth masks, wash them after each use immediately when you get home with soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly to make sure there isn’t any soap residue, which can irritate your skin. You should be changing your masks as often as your undies, and if that’s not daily … well, that’s a whole other conversation.

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