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Prevent Breaking Out After Wearing a Face Mask

Byjiesie

Mixed race African American teenager teen girl young woman wearing a face mask outside during the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic

How to Prevent Breaking Out After Wearing a Face Mask

Wearing a face mask is essential for preventing the spread of COVID-19. However, frequently wearing a mask can cause an unpleasant side effect – breakouts. It is common to experience clogged pores and pimples in areas that the mask touches or rubs against your face throughout the day, such as around the mouth. However, this isn’t something that you have to endure as there are steps you can take to lessen your skin issues. 

Wash Your Face Mask Every Day One of the most important things you can do to prevent breakouts is washing your face mask after every use. Your mask collects oils and dirt from your skin throughout the day. This can cause your pores to get clogged and bacteria can grow. Additionally, washing your mask after every use is a safe practice to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus. 

Cleanse Your Skin and Avoid Makeup Washing your face twice a day is a good general practice to prevent breakouts, but especially when one has to wear a face mask. We recommend washing your face with a gentle cleanser once in the morning and once at night. This practice will remove the buildup of oil and other grime from your face that can cause breakouts. We also recommend not wearing makeup underneath your mask. The combination of makeup and high humidity underneath your mask can be a contributing factor for breakouts. 

Moisturize and Use Spot Treatments It is important to not let your skin become too dry as this can worsen breakouts. Dry skin can lead to cracks which can become an entry point for bacteria. Therefore, after using your facial cleanser we recommend using a moisturizer to keep your skin healthy. Use a spot treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide to treat any current breakouts. 

Stay Home To Give Your Skin a Break Staying home gives your skin a break from your face covering. While it is necessary to wear a mask in public to lessen the spread of COVID-19, you can limit your usage by staying home as often as possible. When you do leave the house, give your skin a chance to breathe by taking off your face covering when it is safe to do so, such as when you are alone in your car – your skin will thank you for it.