Facemasks have become an essential fashion accessory in the world of the pandemic, and unfortunately, they don’t help with skincare woes in humid weather. A new term, Maskne, has emerged in the last year referring to breakouts caused due to wearing a face mask for hours together. Yes, this applies to both men and women which is why rethinking your skincare routine is essential.

 

With the humidity rising in the air, masks are making it harder for your skin to breathe while worsening the condition of acne; that is a given in the current weather conditions. But the first question one may ask is what causes skin irritation and damage while wearing a face mask? The prolonged use of cloth masks is problematic due to a lack of sufficient airflow. When breathing through a face mask, the moisturizer gets trapped within, making it a breeding ground for bacteria and in turn leads to rashes and breakouts. The mere friction caused by face masks can also be a reason for skin irritation. However, making a few tweaks to your routine can go a long way.

 

Cleanse your face

 

With facemasks becoming the need of the hour, your skin requires a little extra TLC. Whether you’re wearing a facemask or not, cleansing your skin is non-negotiable. However, it becomes extremely important in the hot and humid weather to ensure you remove trapped sweat and debris after taking off a mask. Cleanse your face twice a day (morning and evening) for the best result. If you are experiencing acne, then consider taking a break from using any harsh scrubs and exfoliators that may worsen the problem.

 

We Recommend:

 

GlamGlow Supercleanse https://www.nnnow.com/glamglow-women-supercleanse-clearing-cream-to-foam-cleanser-A2TFQEI8JN1

 

Clinique Men Charcoal Cleanse https://www.nnnow.com/clinique-men-charcoal-cleanser-MWKQ8P01O96

 

Lock in the benefits

 

Be gentle with your skin and ensure you pat dry your face with a towel instead of rubbing the skin. It is important to use a moisturizer to seal the benefits. And, working as a barrier may even help to prevent breakouts. Given the fact that the temperature is hot and humid, using a lightweight moisturiser or sunscreen is a wise idea instead of skipping the step altogether. Going a step further, incorporate skin-soothing ingredients like aloe vera-based creams or a hyaluronic acid that aid to fight irritation and skin sensitivity. 

 

We Recommend:

 

Forest Essentials Aloe vera Juice https://www.forestessentialsindia.com/aloevera-juice-new.html

 

Clinique Moisture Surge https://www.nykaa.com/clinique-moisture-surge-100h-auto-replenishing-hydrator/p/1129289?pps=1&productId=1129289&ptype=product&skuId=1129285

 

Kama Ayurveda Hydrating Ayurvedic Cream For Men https://www.kamaayurveda.com/hydrating-ayurvedic-face-cream.html

 

Bath and Body Works Mud Mask https://www.bathandbodyworks.in/mud-mask-with-soothing-witch-hazel-honeysuckle-face-sheet-mask-33050?search=face

 

Re’equil Sunscreen https://www.nykaa.com/re-equil-ultra-matte-dry-touch-sunscreen-gel/p/528137?ptype=product&productId=528137&skuId=528137&pps=6

 

 

Skip on make-up

 

The humid environment isn’t helping in dealing with clogged pores and layering on make-up will make this worse. Skip on make-up for these few months, and choose to add drama to your eyes. Swipe on oodles of mascara or opt for a graphic liner to amp up the glam factor.  

 

We Recommend:

 

Benefit Badgal Bang Volumizing Mascara https://sephora.nnnow.com/benefit-cosmetics-women-badgal-bang-volumizingmascara-black-KIJW8L47V8Z

 

Sephora Intense Ink Waterproof Liquid Liner https://sephora.nnnow.com/sephora-collection-women-intense-ink-waterproof-liquid-eyeliner-11-metallic-blue-jeans-6M02ZXRRDP8

 

Face Mist

 

When you’re on-the-go face mists work wonders to help restore the pH value of the skin. So if you’re out and about while wearing a mask don’t forget to throw in a face mist in your bag.

 

We Recommend:

 

Forest Essential Facial Toner Pure Rosewater https://www.forestessentialsindia.com/facial-toner-pure-rosewater-new.htm

 

Face Masks

 

For that added boost of love for your skin, indulge in some me-time once a week as you put on a clay mask that deeply cleanses your pores.

 

We Recommend:

 

Innisfree Super Volcanic Clay Mousse Mask https://www.nykaa.com/innisfree-super-volcanic-clay-mousse-mask-2x/p/524308?ptype=product&productId=524308&skuId=524308&pps=8

 

Icing

 

The mask related to redness and swelling can often leave you feeling unhappy. Applying ice cubes to the troubled areas can help ease the condition over time. Consider icing your face every night before you sleep. You can also opt for spot acne treatment if the breakouts are too troublesome with the help of retinoids. 

 

Finish your skincare a few minutes before putting on your face mask

 

Be sure to wait five minutes after application before putting on your mask, in order to allow the products to absorb into the skin.

 

Lastly, don’t forget to wash your mask regularly to avoid bacteria from accumulating. If you’re wearing a surgical mask, ensure to change it after every use.