The Ultimate Guide to Treat 'Maskne' This Summer

Foregone are the days of basking in the sun (slathered in SPF) and slurping on the slushies with no face mask on. After living two years in a pandemic and with back-to-work being more pronounced than ever, our lifestyle is transposing and unfortunately, it includes our skin as well. Even if it may have felt like living the same day on a loop, now, one thing has changed: it is getting hotter than when we were recommended to use a face mask. 

This for the skin means irritations, breakouts and “maskne”. For context, bacteria thrives where there is heat and wearing masks in summers is one sure way you get maskne: mask acne. 

What is Maskne, anyway? 

Face masks can cause acne, pimples, breakouts, and other skin irritations. A mask creates a perfect breeding ground for breakouts when sweat, oil, and bacteria stick to your skin.

Even though maskne seems like a price you have to pay to stay safe, there are obviously ways to avoid it, especially during the summers. 

So ahead of summers, we have come across a simple skincare routine and a few tips to prevent and control maskne! 

Skincare Routine To Avoid Maskne

Step 1: Cleanse

If we are talking about summers, we are definitely thinking about sweat. Although perspiration doesn’t particularly cause acne, not washing the sweat off does trigger acne breakouts. 

Start your day time skincare with Mama Cica Pore Clearing Exfoliating Face Wash, a pore cleansing face wash to set the base right for the rest of your skincare to penetrate well. Before you end your day, follow a moisturizing double cleanse routine featuring an oil cleanser followed by a face wash. We recommend using ‘Mon Cherry Dirt Dissolving Cleansing Balm’ and ‘Mon Cherry Brightening Foam Cleanser to get rid of the day’s pollutants.

Step 2: Exfoliate

Now more than ever, we need to indulge in some serious skin TLC. Now more than ever, we need to indulge in some serious skin TLC. The clogged pores around the areas of your face that are covered by masks can cause frequent breakouts if not treated sooner. Exfoliating your skin once a week will clean your pores, slough off the dead skin, and also help fade scars. When looking for a gentle and convenient exfoliator, nothing compares to the Mama Cica Instabright Peel Pads. These unique pre-soaked peeling pads are infused with glycolic acid and natural papaya extracts to gently exfoliate your skin. These on-the-go gentle exfoliator pads are perfect to carry around and use for a quick refresh in the summer heat. 

Step 3: Serum

Less is more and it stands especially true during the summers. You would want to add serums that combat your acne, soothes your skin, and maintains the pH level of your skin. In serums, vitamins and active ingredients are concentrated and targeted to provide a deeper level of absorption into your skin, which helps to address your skin concerns. Include ingredients like cica or salicylic acid that can sink easily into the skin and reduce sebum production while hydrating your skin well. Chialeader Zit Fix Serum treats skin damage while maintaining a healthy skin barrier, unclogging pores, and soothing affected areas.   

Step 4: Moisturize and shield 

Excessive summer heat can dry out and dehydrate your skin making it super important to moisturize the skin (even if it's oily). Most of the times when our skin is dehydrated, our body produces excess sebum to protect it from drying out. Which is why do anything, but do not miss your moisturizer. While you are at it, slather a generous layer of sunscreen, an essential and non- negotiable step in any skincare routine. We all know the damaging effects of the skin, why would you risk getting sunkissed without shielding it with an SPF. Trust Chialeader Oil Control Moisturizer and Bravocado SPF 50+ PA++++ Sunscreen Gel to be your ultimate sunshield on a sunny day.

Step 5: Acne patch

With wanting a maskne free skin, comes a few options, but when you do not have time for the entire routine, try Mama Cica Zit Away Treatment Patches. Anti-acne ingredients such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid in these patches draw out impurities and oils from stubborn zits, whilst also keeping the skin hydrated and preventing bacteria from sticking to the skin.

So as you restock your skincare cabinets with some skin-loving Quench products, let us also know some of the easiest tips to avoid maskne better as the summer arrives.

Here are 4 tips to help you avoid maskne during the summers

When it comes to maskne prevention, picking the right fabric is essential. 100% cotton fabrics are more breathable and less likely to make you sweat. When working out, masks made of moisture-wicking fabrics, such as polyester, are recommended as they do not trap any sweat.

Protecting yourself from maskne starts with wearing a clean mask every few hours. Be sure to replace your disposable mask every so often if you're using one. Do not re-use any of your masks unless it's washed with unscented and skin-friendly detergents. 

Picking at or touching your face will easily transfer oil and dirt from your hands to your face, clogging pores and causing breakouts. It's quite normal to touch your face, making it hard to resist the urge. However, it is imperative to avoid touching your face to avoid the dreaded acne. 

While treating maskne, the last thing you want your face to be covered with is layers of makeup. If you must wear makeup, choose non-comedogenic products and use mineral-based makeup that won't clog your pores and aggravate the maskne breakouts. 

With the ultimate skincare routine and tips to treat maskne, you are surely all ‘geared-up’ for a happy, spotless skin.