Going mask free? Easy tips for treating maskne.

Are you camp mask off or mask on? Since the new relaxed rules about not having to wear your face mask when you’re outdoors, doesn’t it feel like your face is so much more exposed than before?

For those who love the mask-off rules, you’re not alone. Especially in Singapore’s hot and humid weather, having the option to remove your mask when it gets unbearably warm is a much-cherished respite.  

Since having had to wear masks due to COVID-19, mask acne also known as maskne has been on the rise. One of the possible causes for maskne is the retention of heat and humidity from perspiration and warm exhaled air that’s trapped within the mask.

Read more: Rejuvenate your skin with these beauty treatments!

Now that mask wearing in open spaces is optional, it’s a good time to give your skin some breathing space literally, and to mitigate maskne. At home, here are some other skincare tips you can follow to improve the condition and restore healthy, acne-free skin.

#1 Change your mask frequently

Whether you’re using disposable face masks or reusable cloth masks, it’s a good habit (which your skin will also thank you for!) to change them whenever you get too warm or sweaty. Dirt begets dirt and insisting on keeping on a dirty mask will only worsen any skin conditions.

Read more: Squalane vs Squalene: same same but different

#2 Use the right cleanser

Not all cleansers are created equal. That being said, find one that’s suited for acne-prone skin that can help to keep acne at bay. Skin Laundry III Refresh Sapphire Cleanser contains blue gold extracts and sebum-controlling enzymes to improve complexion by dissolving acne-causing clogs, a definite essential for acne-prone skin.

#3 Spot treatment

Knowing exactly what your skin concerns are and finding a solution that zooms in to fix the problem is a good place to be at if you ask me. Spot treatments do just that. If it’s acne you’re concerned about look for ingredients that are known for treating the problem, such as Nicotinamide. Now available as ampoules, this means you have the option of giving your skin a concentrated dose to intensively calm breakouts while fading acne spots and brightening all the same time.

Read more: Bakuchiol: All you need to know about this natural retinol alternative

#4 Don’t forget to moisturise

Acne-prone skin is usually oily and for the record, oily skin is not the same as hydrated skin. On the contrary, it’s your skin’s way of crying for help when it’s oily. An imbalance in your skin’s hydration levels results in your skin overcompensating its sebum production – an over production leads to clogged pores and acne.

Using moisturisers can help to restore your skin’s hydration levels and restore skin’s health. However it’s crucial that you do not exacerbate the condition by using the wrong type of moisturiser. For oily skin types, a lightweight moisturiser such as Blue Orchid Balancing Moisturiser can help to rebalance skin microbiome with its pre and probiotics and promote healthier, less oily skin.