Don’t mask it [p

DON’TMASKIT

THEnew normal has called for us to diligently wear face masks. But these can have a downside. ‘Maskne’ or mask-related acne is an umbrella of skincare problems, caused by wearing a mask. The impurities on the face beneath the mask slowly build-up, as we breathe in and out of the confined area, creating problems, predominantly that of acne, redness, clogged pores, irritation and so much more.

Here are a few suggestions one must follow to prevent the reoccurrence of maskne. MINIMAL SKINCARE ROUTINE: Sometimes less is more, even when it comes to curating a skincare routine. Using too many products can cause the skin woes to aggravate. To prevent and cure the new issue of maskne, following a simple daily routine of cleanse, tone, mask, sunscreen and moisturise, is always advisable. DAILY CLEANSING: It is essential to wash your face regularly, especially once you return from the daily grind of the day. Using a mild, fragrance-free cleanser is highly recommended when tackling issues like acne. Mild cleansers help maintain the moisture of your skin while removing the built-up impurities. HYDRATE — DON’T STRIP: Select the right formula to treat ‘maskne’ while keeping the skin hydrated to minimise the chances of further breakouts. Choose niacinamide-infused serum, as it effectively treats issues like acne. It also helps unclog the pores and gives your skin an instant boost of rejuvenation. MOISTURISE AND NOURISH: Alongside the natural oils that the face produces, the skin also requires a protective layer of hydration and nourishment. It is best advised to use mattifying or gel-based moisturisers for acne-prone skin. FOCUS ON MINIMAL MAKE-UP: While choosing your desired make-up look, focus on bringing the limelight to your eyes. Steer away from applying excessive face make-up within the mask area, as breathing in and out within the restrictive area causes chemicals from the make-up products to seep into the pores of the skin. This in turn causes massive breakouts on the face, leading to a severe case of maskne. AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE: As the emphasis on not touching our faces due to COVID remains stringent, an added reason to abstain from doing so would be to minimise the chances of additional bacteria sustaining on the face. This would further prevent breakouts, itchiness and redness caused by the impurities present on our skin, further leading to our main concern. SWITCH YOUR MASKS: One of the main reasons for maskne to remain persistent is that we seldom change our masks. When we wear a mask, the area underneath the fabric becomes moist and warm, further contributing to blemish forming. Ensure that you do not compromise on changing your masks every week, or as and when you step out.

Considered essential nowadays, this barrier against infection has resulted in the eruption of a unique skin problem — maskne. Here are some tips to keep it at bay