What is maskne and how can I treat it?

Javier Colomer 5 min. of reading Personal Care Leave a comment

Today, we’re going to talk about a very current topic: “maskne”, or acne caused by wearing face masks. Acne is a common issue that affects many people, not only during puberty but also in adulthood.

Although its causes are varied, factors such as excess oil on the skin or stress can make the situation worse, leading to the appearance of blemishes on the face or back.

Maintaining a proper cleansing routine and a balanced diet can be key to fighting it. Keep reading and discover some suggestions to help improve your skin health.

Impact of wearing face masks on your skin health

Prolonged use of face masks can affect your skin health in several ways, especially in areas where there is greater contact with the material. Below, we present some of the most common effects you may notice when wearing face masks for long periods:

Irritation and redness in the areas of contact.
Increased oil production in the skin.
Acne breakouts, also known as “maskne”.
Clogged pores due to trapped moisture.
Dryness and flaking in some areas.

How can you treat acne caused by wearing a face mask?

Here are some suggestions to help you begin the cleansing process:

Take care of your diet

A poor diet, lack of ventilation, excessive sweating, prolonged use of face masks, etc., can encourage the growth of bacteria that contribute to acne.

Therefore, first of all, you should avoid foods that are high in fat. Cutting out junk food, reducing excess sugar, and staying properly hydrated are all good strategies to help tackle this problem.

In any case, that situation can change if you choose vegetables such as broccoli and asparagus. Adding these vegetables to your diet will help eliminate the toxins taken in through the unhealthy eating habits you have been following.
On the other hand, eating fish such as salmon will give your skin the healthy glow you have always wanted and help those blemishes on your face disappear.
Do not forget pulses, such as lentils.
And nuts, because they are rich in nutrients such as zinc and potassium which, like Omega-3, can help you get rid of acne.
You should also avoid potatoes and not overdo dairy products. Reduce or moderate your intake of cheese, butter and ice cream.
At the same time, bear fruits such as avocado in mind. It has the benefit of giving you brighter, less inflamed skin.
And choose water over alcoholic drinks and fizzy drinks.

Exercise

Exercise is not only essential for maintaining a healthy body, but also for taking care of your skin. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, the well-known “happy hormones”, which help reduce stress, one of the main factors that can make acne worse.

When you sweat, toxins are removed and blood circulation is stimulated, which contributes to fresher, healthier-looking skin. Including at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine can make a real difference to the appearance of your skin.

Try methods such as meditation

Meditation is not only excellent for calming the mind, but also for balancing your body and improving your skin. By reducing stress levels through meditation, it helps lower the production of cortisol, a hormone that can worsen acne and other skin conditions.

Stay hydrated

Do not underestimate the power of water. Drinking at least two litres of water a day is essential for keeping your skin hydrated, eliminating toxins and improving its elasticity. Dehydration can make the skin look dull and dry, which encourages the appearance of blemishes.

Make sure you drink enough water throughout the day to keep your skin fresh, radiant and free from acne. Well-hydrated skin regenerates more easily and looks healthier.

Other suggestions to fight acne

These could become the alternative you have been looking for to improve inflamed, spot-prone skin. There are many homemade remedies that can help you get rid of acne:

If your skin does not produce excess oil, then a honey and aloe vera mask may work well for you. Leave it on for a little over ten minutes and then wash your face with lukewarm water.
On the other hand, apple cider vinegar is another option, though not for your face, of course. If you have developed acne on your back, it may help a great deal to tackle the problem. Leave it on the affected areas for at least five minutes.
And there is one that never fails to appear: the aloe vera mask. Thanks to this and the acidic combination of lemon, you can remove all the built-up oil from your pores.
Some supplements may help fight acne by improving skin health from within. Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties, helps reduce sebum production and may lessen the appearance of acne breakouts. Vitamin A regulates the production of skin cells and helps prevent clogged pores.

Lastly, none of this will have the desired effect if you do not maintain a healthy lifestyle. Go about your daily life with a little more calm, and keep in mind that, for many people, your skin reflects the quality of life you have had.

That is why you should stay consistent if you want to maintain acne-free skin.

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