Skincare
Maskne & Our Favourite Products In Singapore To Help Combat It
We’ve come a long way since the pandemic. Do you remember the last time you didn’t have to wear a...
By: Cherelle Lim / April 29, 2021
We’ve come a long way since the pandemic. Do you remember the last time you didn’t have to wear a mask in public? Well, looking back at memories, we seem to remember a time where wearing masks were not necessary. Now, our new normal is wearing a mask every time you leave the house. Sanitise your hands. Social distancing. All of these measures were put in place to help us stay safe. But, there are people struggling with a new problem too. Maskne. That’s right, it is the problem caused by wearing masks for too long. Most people are reacting badly to a mask covering half of their face all the time! Therefore, Beauty Insider is here to shed some light on everything you need to know about maskne.
What Is Maskne?
A side effect for some due to wearing face masks is maskne. Otherwise also known as Acne Mechanica, it is caused by friction and heat against the skin. Taking the form of acne, blackheads and whiteheads, the long-term wearing of a mask is irritating the skin. Maskne tends to develop on your chin, cheeks and jawline. All of which are areas that your mask covers. With a mask covering your nose and mask, you end up trapping moisture inside. Combine that with the friction of the mask rubbing against your skin and the humid, hot weather in Singapore, you get maskne. Another contributing factor of maskne is our tropical climate in Singapore, which increases the production of oil in our pores.
How To Prevent Maskne
There are several ways you can avoid developing maskne. Some are as simple as changing up your skincare routine or switching the type of mask you use. Wearing less makeup can also help prevent acne. Our goal is to keep our face and mask clean to fend off bacteria!
Your Choice Of Mask
When it comes to choosing a mask to use, make sure that it isn’t too tight. As long as it covers your nose and mouth comfortably, it’s good! Using a cotton mask would be less irritation on the skin. A mask that is lightweight and breathable helps prevent maskne too. You can also get a reusable mask with pockets to slip in a disposable face mask to act as a filter. It is also important to wash your face mask after using it to prevent bacteria from building up.
Sunscreen Protection
Singapore is already hot enough, so make sure you are wearing sunscreen when you leave the house! Don’t think because half your face is covered with a face mask that the sun can’t get to you. The exposure to UV rays can cause your maskne to worsen and you wouldn’t want that, do you? Sunscreen is also an essential part of skincare, so why skip it anyway!
A Gentle Cleanser
After a long day of wearing a face mask, you want to ensure that your skin deserves a pamper. Cleanse it with a gentle cleanser to help remove dirt and oil build-ups on your skin. If you have oily and acne-prone skin, it is best to choose a cleanser with salicylic acid.
Moisturise Your Skin
Using a lightweight moisturiser on your skin can help prevent your skin from drying out. Moisturisers with hyaluronic acid are a good choice as they contain anti-inflammatory properties which are also soothing. Thereby, it ensures that your skin stays hydrated as well.
No More Makeup
Wearing too much makeup can cause buildup on your skin. Let your skin breathe and skip the process of makeup for a day or two! Besides, no one is really going to notice the makeup under your mask! If you still insist on applying makeup, make sure that you keep it to the bare minimum.
How To Treat Maskne
There are some skincare products you can add to your skincare routine to help with treating maskne. Methods such as applying spot treatments or even a face mask can help soothe your maskne! If you are seeking some spot treatment creams, look for those with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, zinc or sulfur. Besides that, look for products containing AHAs, niacinamide or even clay.
1. Cute Press Calming Cica Sleeping Mask
To help combat maskne, the Cute Press Calming Cica Sleeping Mask helps soothe acne-prone and sensitive skin. Not only does it help calm irritations, but it also helps reduce redness. Using this sleeping mask at night can help to boost the moisture level of your skin. Thus, it helps keep your skin hydrated throughout the night. To help treat acne, its formula also contains ingredients that are natural and contain a herbal aroma that is relaxing! The presence of neem extract also helps refine your pores and dry out acne. While tea tree oil helps minimise the number of breakouts and ruddiness. What’s more, is that no rinse or wash off is needed!
Price: $23.90
2. La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar A.I
Part of the Effaclar range dealing with anti-imperfection solutions, the La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar A.I is suitable for most skin. Not only is it suitable for sensitive skin, but for acne-prone and oily skin as well. Since its formula is non-comedogenic, it is suitable to use under your makeup. This highly reviewed treatment helps soothe the skin and doesn’t dry it out or irritate it. Besides that, it contains niacinamide and La Roche-Posay thermal spring, micro-exfoliating LHA and piroctone olamine. All of which help with stimulating the cell renewal of surface skin.
Price: $25.42
Where to buy: Watsons
3. Sigi Skin Dew Potion
The Sigi Skin Dew Potion is an essence that helps protect and hydrate the skin from environmental stressors and pollutants. This essence is unique because its formula doesn’t contain water. Besides that, its formula is enriched with antioxidants that help slow the effects of ageing and shield from free radicals. The presence of chamomile is great for maskne as it contains properties that are anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. It also has the benefits of soothing and healing the skin!
Price: $48.00
Where to buy: Sigi Skin
4. Fresh Vitamin Nectar Glow Juice Antioxidant Face Serum
Protecting your skin from free radicals is the Fresh Vitamin Nectar Glow Juice Antioxidant Face Serum. This serum is an antioxidant that is energising and formulated to provide 24-hour long hydration. Its formula contains vegetables, vitamins, fruits and minerals which give the skin a boost of nutrients! Thus, your once dull and lacklustre skin can glow healthily again!
Price: $45.00
Where to buy: Sephora Singapore
5. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
The Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is an award-winning solution. It is known for being able to help dry up blemishes on the surface of your skin overnight! This best-selling favourite is effective and fast-acting with ingredients such as zinc, salicylic acid and sulfur. Thus, it is perfect to help you treat maskne!
Price: $36.00
Where to buy: Sephora Singapore
6. Circumference Green Clay Detox Face Mask
Suitable for oily to combination skin, the Circumference Green Clay Detox Face Mask is rich in nutrients. Made with green clay, it is different from other toxins as it is negatively charged. Therefore, it helps to remove toxins from your skin. The presence of green tea leaf extract helps protect and repair your complexion. To ensure your skin gets moisture without your pores getting clogged, its formula includes cold-pressed sacha inchi seed oil. To be environmentally friendly, the glass jar is recyclable and this face mask doesn’t contain mineral oils, parabens, synthetic fragrances and phthalates.
Price: $65.00
Where to buy: Net-A-Porter
7. Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
A cleanser that is both affordable and gentle, is the Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser! As its name suggests, it can help maintain an optimal level of pH. Its formula is infused with botanical ingredients that are purifying. Besides, its low pH has the benefits to help soothe, soften and refresh the skin without the stripping effect!
Price: $14.90
Where to buy: Watsons
8. IDS Skincare A-Plus
Suitable for all types of skin, the IDS Skincare A-Plus helps defend against early signs of ageing. Besides that, it also has the benefit to help lighten blemish marks as well! Its formula contains Vitamin A, which is a patented molecule formed with antioxidants that are potent. As it also contains niacinamide, it helps promote and stimulate cellular turnover without causing irritation. It also has the benefits of helping to improve skin tone, texture and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Price: $160.50
Where to buy: Jyx Shop
