Wearing a mask is an important way to keep yourself and those around you safe, but is there a way to avoid “maskne” (mask acne) at the same time? 

“Maskne” is an acne breakout that is typically found along the mask-resting region of your face, caused by wearing a mask for a prolonged period of time. As the mask sits on your skin, dirt, sweat, and debris can clog your pores and irritate the skin, resulting in a breakout. 

Fear not, beauties! You can still maintain the health and radiance of your skin while wearing a mask regularly. The trick to maintaining healthy skin with your new masked-up lifestyle is a great skincare routine.  

We put together our top three tips you need to know to maintain the health of your skin when frequently wearing a mask: 

1. Exfoliate Daily 

During the summer months, excess humidity and sweat can often cause an increase in breakouts. The vapour under your mask from breathing and talking will increase the humidity surrounding your skin, resulting in a potential for acne to occur. Wearing a mask is important to stop the spread of COVID-19. But as dirt and moisture have a greater chance of getting trapped in your skin, it’s important to take the right skincare steps to avoid additional breakouts. Exfoliation is key! Exfoliating works to remove dirt and dead skin from the surface of your skin while deeply cleansing your pores. A deep clean will help keep your skin fresh and clear. Exfoliating also helps to increase circulation, promoting your skin’s natural healing process. For daily exfoliation, we recommend using a gentle, natural-based product that won’t irritate your skin.   

2. Turn down the temperature in the shower

Hot water can strip your skin and hair of their natural protective oils, resulting in dryness, dullness, and breakouts. It’s important to preserve your skin’s natural protective oils as much as possible, especially when wearing a face covering such as a mask. By using cooler water in the shower, you can maintain the integrity of your skin’s natural oils and help lock in moisture. Remember, hydrated skin is happy skin!

Eco-conscious bonus: Using cooler water will result in less energy consumption, helping the planet and your wallet! 

3. Change your mask 

Choosing to wear a cotton mask (when applicable) may help prevent maskne. A lot of people may not realize the amount of bacteria that accumulates on your mask throughout the day. Keep yourself safe and your skin clear by properly changing your mask about three-five times per day. Remember - be sure to properly wash and/or sanitize your hands before and after applying and removing your mask to avoid transmitting the virus. If you are choosing to wear a reusable mask, store your used mask in a plastic bag after use and properly wash it as soon as you are able. Do not reuse masks that have not been properly cleaned. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly each time you come in contact with the mask.

4. Use the right moisturizer 

As we said, hydration is key to maintaining beautiful looking skin. Since your skin may be covered a little more than usual these days, it’s important to find a moisturizer that will provide hydration without clogging your pores. A common misconception is that adding moisture, specifically moisture from facial oils, will cause your skin to breakout. This is not true! In fact, skin that lacks moisture will overproduce sebum in an attempt to balance your moisture levels. This can make your skin become oily and break out. To restore moisture, we recommend using a natural-based moisturizer that will compliment your skin type. 

I’ve been experiencing “maskne” and I want to use the right moisturizer for my skin type, but I’m not sure which product will be best for me. Does Oh My Garden! make facial oils specifically for each skin type?

Oh My Garden! believes in the power of skincare because we believe in the power of self-love.  

“Beauty is more than maintaining good looks. It’s about self-care, it’s a ritual of self-love. It’s about staying healthy and saying ‘thank you’ to our bodies,” says Togzhan Jumagulova, the founder of Oh My Garden! 

Now more than ever, it’s important we make time to practice self-care. As the pandemic continues to change and disrupt our lives, it is essential to take a bit of time each day to focus on yourself, your needs, and your self-love. 

Maintaining the integrity of your skin is a great way to feel beautiful and confident (even under a mask) while focusing on that crucial bit of “me time” each day. 

We suggest our Balancing Facial Oil for oily skin types and our Nourishing Facial Oil for dry skin types. 

“I love how your products are eco friendly but yet so effective in maintaining a woman's natural beauty. Thank you.”

-Lorra, Facebook Review