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cover photo from @alysilverio on Instagram
In today’s climate, wearing a mask has become our new normal. Whether going to the grocery store or taking a stroll in the park, putting on a mask is a part of our everyday routine. We love to see all the new masks everyone has been rocking this year. However, if you’re like us, you may have started to notice unwanted breakouts caused by wearing masks all day long. Don’t worry, though, we’ve got your back: we’re here with our best tips & tricks to keep your face glowing, even under your mask.
The term “mask-ne” is relatively new in pop-culture, created as a mix of mask and acne. Mask-ne is used to specifically define the pimples that pop up as a direct result of wearing a mask, as opposed to more general or hormonal acne. When wearing a mask, you’re more prone to sweating in one concentrated area, i.e. under the mask. This sweat and oil causes an increase in clogged pores and bacteria build-up, which ultimately leads to more cases of acne flare ups and irritation. While this is definitely not ideal, it isn’t impossible to treat and can be prevented with the simple steps explored below!
First things first, you still need to wash your face everyday. Cleansing your skin works to remove excess bacteria, dirt, oils, and makeup from the night or day before. Starting with a clean base is essential to preventing any unwanted pimples. Be sure to use a cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin. Here are a few of our favorite gentle cleansers at the moment: Glossier Milky Jelly and OSEA Ocean Cleanser. You also want to maintain a good skincare routine overall, which will help calm current breakouts and prevent future acne flares. Check out our article on the proper way to layer skincare for more ideas!
(photos from @erikatxylor and @paradox on Instagram)
Incorporating a blemish patch both during the day or overnight will help to rapidly heal acne. We recommend using Paradox Lucky Star Blemish Patches. Not only are they stylish to wear, but they contain natural, antimicrobial ingredients like hydrocolloid, calendula, and tea tree oil. Read more about how our stars work here. (Paradox Tip: wear your Lucky Star Blemish Patches under your mask!)
One of the best ways to prevent mask-ne is to wash your mask(s) regularly. If you use a cloth mask, be sure to throw it in the washer when doing your laundry or hand wash it in the sink with soap and water. Just like our skin, masks can accumulate dirt, oil, and makeup. We know if we wear a full face of makeup, we tend to see a nice stain of foundation and lipstick staring back at us when we take our mask off. Just like you wouldn’t want to go to bed in your makeup, you don't want to rewear the same mask you wore on top of that makeup the next day. You should treat your mask as you would your skin: wash it! If you can skip makeup altogether, we would recommend that first. Bonus tip: if you can’t wash your mask regularly, be sure to always have a couple of extra clean ones on hand!
Third, be sure you choose a mask that is right for you. When you wear a mask, you want it to sit comfortably on your face. We recommend choosing a fabric that is both soft and breathable. Look for masks made out of cotton rather than synthetic material; this will help to reduce irritation when your mask moves around. It will also give you less reason to touch your face for mask adjustments, thus preventing the transfer of bacteria and dirt from your hands to your skin. If you’re currently in the market for a new mask, we highly recommend masks from Athleta and Everlane; they're both stylish and practical - the perfect duo!
(photos from @weworewhat and @paradox on Instagram)
We recommend using a natural face mist throughout the day. This will help promote skin moisture and hydration, bringing your skin back to life when it needs it most. Our personal favorite spray is, of course, the Paradox 2-in-1 Probiotic Facial Mist. This mist is non-toxic and natural, which leaves the skin feeling refreshed with a dewy finish. Incorporating this into your everyday routine will keep your skin feeling clean and revitalized, even after long hours of wearing a mask. Shop our Paradox 2-in1 Probiotic Facial Mist here.
Let us know your favorite tip below! For more beauty and skincare inspiration, join the #paradoxmafia and follow us on Instagram and Pinterest! Be sure to check out our article “How to Eat Your Way to Healthy Hair, Skin, and Nails” (here) and more in our skincare section, too (here).
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