The pandemic has unexpected and far-reaching consequences than we have initially thought. As we diligently comply with the compulsory face mask wearing rule whenever we step out of the house, many have discovered extra and most unwelcome pimples on their cheeks, bridge of the nose and chin. Dermatologists have a term for this dreaded condition: maskne or acne mechanica.
Maskne is a type of breakout that occurs when wearing face masks for an extended period of time. The sweat, heat and friction cause facial irritation that leads to acne. It doesn’t help that the humidity created by breathing for hours with the mask on makes it an ideal breeding ground for acne. The friction of the mask can also cause blocked pores and blackheads.
Check out these 5 tips on how to prevent maskne from invading your life!
- Wear a Clean Mask Every Time
Though some may be tempted to reuse their masks for whatever reason be it to save money or not wanting to do extra laundry (in the case of reusable masks), wearing dirty masks is a big no-no. Not only does it defeat its purpose, but it is also the leading cause of maskne.
So use a brand new mask every time and bring a few extra ones with you when you go out. If you are using reusable masks, be sure to wash them properly in hot water and let them air dry in direct sunlight for at least an hour so that the germs can be killed by the sun’s UV rays.
- Take Necessary (and Legal) Mask Breaks
Since 1 August, wearing your mask out in public spaces is compulsory especially when you are in the midst of others. However, you should remember to give your face a much-needed break from the mask every now and then. You can take it off when you are away from other people i.e., at home (if you are not taking care of unwell family members) and when driving your car.
- Relieve Stress & Sleep Well
The pandemic has unleashed a lot of stress in many people and this has led to sleepless nights. Those two factors are bad news when it comes to causing breakouts and other skin issues.
Hence, it is vital to take the time for self-care and being kind to yourself during these difficult times. Remember to take deep cleansing breaths throughout the day and give yourself the space to process the deluge of information that you keep getting bombarded with. A healthy diet and good sleep habits will also go a long way to alleviate stress.
- Cleanse Your Face before Wearing the Mask
With the right skincare products such as JF Skincare Soap, you can easily prevent and cure maskne! A quality product by JF Skin Solutions, JF Skincare Soap is formulated from pure pharmaceutical grade sulphur. Sulphur is renowned as a natural, safe and effective ingredient in acne skincare products thanks to its unique function to prevent and eradicate acne. The presence of sulphur in this gentle soap will help relieve your skin from acne breakouts as well as blackheads and clogged pores. Use it daily to cleanse your face and also on the chest area and back of the body where acne is present.
- Use an Effective Acne Spot Treatment
For existing maskne, it is recommended to follow up your cleansing regime with a good acne spot treatment like JF Acne Relief Sulfur Spot Cream. It helps nip acne at the bud by exfoliating dead skin cells, prevent pores from clogging and stop blemishes from forming. JF Acne Relief Sulfur Spot Cream is safe to use in the long-term as it is formulated with sulphur of high pharmaceutical grade purity. Best of all, it is hardly visible upon application, making it ideal for on-the-go use.
As the entire world is going through the pandemic together, let’s do our part to keep stress and maskne at bay until this stressful period passes. Until then, remember to use a clean mask every day, take necessary mask-free breaks, have adequate sleep, practice a good skincare routine and stay safe!
For more information on JF Skin Solutions products, visit their Facebook page (JF Sulfur Malaysia).