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Cornerstone Dermatology & Surgery Group

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The experts at Cornerstone Dermatology & Surgery Group are dedicated to providing you with the latest evidence-based information and treatment for your for all your skin health concerns. We hope that our blog posts help you learn something new that you can put to use in your day-to-day life in between visits with your trusted provider here at Cornerstone! Any specific care-related questions can be fully addressed by making an appointment.

 

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Tips for Preventing and Treating Maskne

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It’s been nearly a year since we first began experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past year, we’ve provided plenty of tips and treatments for soothing ‘maskne’ — the now-common condition of acne and facial irritation related to our ever-present face coverings.

We want you to feel good about the way you look — comfortable and confident in your appearance when you’re able to safely remove your mask.

How to prevent and treat maskne:

  1. Wash your mask in hot water and a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic laundry detergent. Don’t bleach your mask since residual chemicals near your face could help contribute to additional skin irritation.

  2. Safely take mask breaks. Take a 15-minute break every four hours, if possible.

  3. Skip heavy makeup under your mask. This can clog pores and lead to more breakouts. Choose ‘non-comedogenic’ foundation or even simply a tinted sunscreen. We like Alastin Hydratint SPF 36 or Elta MD UV Clear Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 46, both of which provide light coverage to even out skin tone.

  4. Don’t pick. Touching your blemishes can worsen inflammation and lead to scarring.

  5. Find a good fit. It’s important your mask fits snug but doesn’t place pressure on your skin.

  6. Simplify your skincare routine. Stick to a simple skincare regimen and gentle products. For acne-prone skin we recommend Skinbetter Oxygen infusion face wash. A gentle drugstore wash such as CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser also does the trick.

  7. Switch to a mask made of silk or other natural fibers. Silk reduces friction and is naturally antibacterial. Avoid synthetic fibers like nylon, polyester and rayon that are more likely to cause irritation and breakouts.

  8. Moisturize often with a gentle, fragrance-free hydrator formulated for sensitive skin such as La Roche Posay Toleraine Ultra.

  9. Soothe redness and inflammation with topical products containing niacinimide or azelaic acid.

  10. Talk to your dermatologist about a low-potency topical retinoid to actively combat maskne.

If you’ve followed these steps and are still experiencing problems with mask-related acne, we can help. Call 816-287-1528 to schedule your appointment with one of our providers.

AcneNatalie FielekeCornerstone Dermatology & Surgery Groupmaskne, acne, acne treatment, mask acne