Photo: Courtesy of Shani Darden
By now, we’ve all experienced maskne, which is acne and other types of skin irritation that occurs when we wear our face masks. Medical professionals and people who live in countries where it’s common to wear face coverings in public (such as China and South Korea) are already well-versed in acne caused by mask-wearing.
The rest of us? Well, we’ve got a lot to learn when it comes to taking care of maskne. The CDC suggests wearing non-medical face masks in public settings to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus. (So yes, you absolutely should be doing this.)
Dealing with acne is a small price to pay for safety, and there are ways to prevent and treat this pesky skin condition. That’s why we’ve reached out to celebrity-beloved aesthetician Shani Darden, who’s known for tending to the famous faces of Jessica Alba, Shay Mitchell, January Jones, and many stylish mamas. (Darden has two kids of her own, too!)
So what causes maskne, anyway? “The masks we wear can trap sweat and create a humid environment. This can exacerbate skin issues such as acne or skin sensitivity,” Darden tells us. “You’re also touching your face more frequently, which leads to more opportunities to transfer bacteria.”
Here, Darden (who recently added a now sold-out Facial Sculpting Wand to her lineup) shares her top maskne prevention tips, as well as her favorite products for treating and avoiding mask-related acne. Keep reading to see all of her expert advice, shop her cult-favorite skincare line here, and scroll down below to see a few more of the best anti-maskne products inspired by Darden’s pro pointers.
What skincare products and routines do you recommend for fighting maskne?
My number one piece of advice when it comes to preventing maskne is making sure your skin underneath the mask is clean. Avoid wearing makeup or heavy moisturizers underneath the mask because they can cause congestion along with the build-up of sweat and oil.
A couple of products that can help reduce maskne are my Retinol Reform, iS Clinincal’s Active Serum, and the Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads. When used together on alternating nights, they can all help to remove dead skin on the surface and clear out any congestion in the pores, leading to fewer breakouts.
Another important factor is to make sure you’re wearing clean masks! I love to keep a couple with me so I can change them out. They should only be used once before washing again to prevent acne.
Are there certain mask fabrics that are better than others to avoid maskne?
Silk is great for the skin in general and such a good option for a mask. They’re soft on the skin and don’t cause any friction.
Now that we’re heading into winter, are there other environmental concerns that might affect maskne?
The number one complaint I hear from clients in the winter is that their skin is dry. Dry skin can cause flare-ups of existing conditions like psoriasis or eczema, and can just make maskne worse overall. Keeping skin hydrated and comfortable is key. If you can, I recommend sleeping with a humidifier in your room. It will help to add much-needed moisture back into the air and help skin hold on to it.
I always recommend adding in a hyaluronic acid serum before your sunscreen in the morning and before moisturizer at night to deeply hydrate the skin. Additionally, make sure you’re using the right moisturizer for your skin type. If you have dry skin, you may need to switch to something a bit heavier in the winter.
