Maskne

How to Treat &
Prevent “Maskne”

We asked our skin experts to help us tackle this new challenge. Keep reading to discover the best maskne solutions that work harmoniously with your skin’s own biology.

Wondering how to prevent mask acne? Flare-ups and irritation around the nose, cheeks, mouth & chin are commonly caused by mask usage nowadays due to the constant friction and sweat that clog our pores. However, the solution is simpler than you might think, and it all starts with getting back to basics.

How to prevent Maskne

HOW TO PREVENT MASK ACNE

Prevention is always better than a cure. Adhering to the following steps should help ensure that you keep maskne at bay:

  • Find a mask that fits your face properly and provides your nose and mouth with adequate protection. This will help avoid chafing the very delicate skin around your nose, mouth and chin.
  • Ensure that you change your mask at least twice a day. This will reduce the amount of oil that comes into contact with your face.
  • Wash your face twice a day, preferably before you put your mask on and right after you take it off. Use water and a gentle, oil-free cleanser and follow up with a face moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated. It is important that you do this, because the combination of heat and friction causes your face to dry out and produce more sebum (natural oil).
  • Avoid touching your mask: the act of constantly adjusting and touching the mask has the effect of transferring oil, dirt and other irritants to the skin on your face.
  • Remove your mask when you have the chance to do so; it is important that you give your skin adequate exposure to fresh air.
  • Resist the temptation to wear make-up if you know that you’ll be wearing a mask for long periods of time. Wearing make-up will clog up your pores, which increases the risk of maskne breakouts.
Prevent maskne

If you have sensitive skin, you may find the following helpful:

  • Use sensitive skincare products like NIVEA Soothing Day Cream SPF 15 for all-day moisture that helps reduce tightness + redness due to dry skin.
  • Choose a mask made from organic natural fibres. Cotton and silk are better for your skin than synthetic materials like polyester and rayon. This will allow your skin to breathe, helping prevent skin irritation and maskne breakouts. If you do decide to wear a reusable mask, be sure to wash it after a full day of wear.
HOW TO TREAT IT

THE BEST MASKNE SOLUTIONS

Maskne solution

So, you’ve followed our advice to the letter, but maskne has still made a very unwelcome appearance. Don’t worry — there’s still some simple maskne solutions you can try:

  • Resist the urge to squeeze and pick at your pimples, as this will only make them worse and can lead to further breakouts.
  • Wash your spots with lukewarm water and a mild soap or cleanser, such as NIVEA Gentle Toner or NIVEA Gentle Cleansing Cream. This will remove excess sebum, dirt and sweat from the surface of your skin.
  • Follow up by applying a sensitive skin-friendly moisturizer like NIVEA Soothing Day Cream or Q10 Sensitive Fragrance-Free to gently hydrate and nourish your skin without clogging up your pores.
  • Be careful to avoid excessive washing, however, as this can cause your skin to produce lots of sebum. This is the last thing you need when you’re trying to get your acne under control.
  • Use a scrub like a NIVEA Glow Rice Scrub to exfoliate your skin every few days. This softens your skin and clears the way for a fresh new layer of skin cells to emerge.
  • Avoid wearing make-up during breakouts, as this will only clog up your pores. If you do decide to wear make-up, ensure that you remove it with our Biodegradable Pure & Natural Cleansing Wipes, and wash your face before you go to bed. This will allow your skin to breathe without leaving behind a greasy residue, and washing your face afterwards will remove excess oils and dead skin cells that could contribute to further maskne breakouts.
  • Eat healthily and take plenty of exercise.

3 EASY STEPS TO HEALTHY SKIN WHILE MASKING

Cleanse

1 CLEANSE WITH A FACE WASH

Wash your face regularly. Wash your face twice a day, before and after wearing a mask. Make sure to pat dry your skin perfectly.
exfoliating

2 OCCASIONAL EXFOLIATING WITH A SCRUB

In addition to your twice-daily washing, an exfoliating scrub will get rid of dead skin cells gently. Don't forget to choose the right one according to your skin type. Usage: 2/3 times a week.
Moisturize

3 MOISTURIZE WITH A FACE CREAM

Moisturizing before you mask will help reduce friction and prevent skin from drying out. If you have a sensitive complexion, try a lightweight option like NIVEA Essentials Soothing Day Cream — or NIVEA Q10 Sensitive Fragrance-Free, which also targets fine lines and wrinkles.