Keep Your Mask. Ditch Your Acne. Tips for Combating Mask Acne
By Karina, Luera, DO PGY-1 Heuser Family Medicine Center
Is your mask causing acne breakouts? Wearing masks can trap heat, sweat, and bacteria on your face, making it an ideal place for skin breakouts. Even though we must continue to wear masks to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities, there are still plenty of ways to keep your skin happy and healthy.
- Drink water and eat healthily.
That’s right, the first tip to healthy skin starts within. Make sure you and your skin stay hydrated by drinking a minimum of 64 ounces of water a day. Also, make sure to eat a well-balanced diet that contains the vitamins and nutrients your skin needs to thrive.
- Wash your face every day.
You should have a daily habit of cleaning your face with a gentle cleanser. If your acne is not improving with this regimen, you may need a medicated cleanser, so talk with your doctor about finding the correct regimen for you.
- Don’t forget to moisturize.
Living in a dry and dusty desert can take a toll on your skin, so be sure to keep your skin hydrated on the outside too by applying a daily moisturizing cream.
- Catch those Z’s.
When we rest, our skin is actively repairing itself, so don’t skimp on sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to give your skin plenty of time to rejuvenate.
- Shield from the sun.
Too much sun exposure can be irritating to your skin. Your daily moisturizer should contain sunscreen to protect you from those harmful UV rays. Also, when you spend time outdoors, wear a hat to shade your face from the sun.
- Hands off.
Although it is tempting, you should never pick at your pimples. Touching your face spreads bacteria and causes more irritation, which will make your breakouts worse.
- Wash that mask.
If you’re using fabric masks, then they need to be routinely washed to get rid of the bacteria on them. If possible, wear a clean mask every day.
Masks will continue to be an important part of our community effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, but acne doesn’t have to come along with mask-wearing. Follow these tips and if you’re still struggling to control your breakouts, come see us at the NOAH Heuser Family Medicine Clinic. We are happy to help you find a personalized skincare regimen that will keep you healthy, inside and out!
