5 Ways to Treat & Prevent Maskne

Wearing a face mask has become ingrained in our daily routines and habits. While this keeps us protected, it can have some unpleasant side effects on our skin. However, with the right skincare routine, you can treat and help to minimise the effects of ‘maskne’.

A face mask alongside a number of Burt's Bees Lip Balms, the perfect product to combat dry lips

Why do face masks cause breakouts?

‘Maskne’ refers to the breakouts that result from wearing a face mask. As face masks create friction by rubbing against your skin and causing micro-tears, bacteria can penetrate the surface more easily, leading to clogged pores and potentially, spots and blemishes. But fear not, with the right Burt’s Bees products, you can treat and minimise any irritation!

How to treat ‘maskne’

You should replace disposable face masks every day, or wash reusable masks frequently. Dust and dirt can gather on your mask, and then transfer onto your skin, so it’s important to keep them squeaky clean! We also recommend making some changes to your skincare routine.

1) Switch to a gentle, hydrating cleanser

After prolonged mask-wearing, harsh cleansers may cause irritation. To soothe your skin, switch to a gentle, fragrance-free formula that will keep skin clean, without stripping it of its natural oils.

Try Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towelettes with Cotton Extract. These hypoallergenic wipes contain natural ingredients to remove dirt, oil and makeup without harsh scrubbing or rinsing. Suitable for daily cleansing, use before you put your face mask on to ensure your skin is dirt and microbe free, and use again at night to remove any oil and pollutants that have accumulated on your skin throughout the day.

2) Avoid thick moisturisers

You should avoid thick, oil-based moisturisers, as these products can cause further damage to the skin’s protective barrier if you’ve developed micro-tears. Switch to a lightweight, water-based moisturiser as this will add an additional layer of protection and prevent your mask from chafing on your face.

For a sensitive moisturiser that’s extra kind to skin, try Burt’s Bees Sensitive Daily Moisturising Cream. This fragrance-free cream contains cotton extract to shield skin from potential irritants and is scientifically shown to keep skin moisturised all day, without causing redness or irritation.

3) Remember to exfoliate your skin

Dead skin cells are one of the main culprits of dry skin, so remember to exfoliate a few times a week. This will also help your skin to absorb moisturiser much better, which in turn will help to protect your skin under your mask!

For a gentle exfoliator, try Burt’s Bees Complexion Stick. Our 99.9% natural formula contains beeswax and willow bark extract – two natural exfoliators – as well as tea tree oil, to soothe and smooth skin.

4) Apply a clay face mask a few times a week

To strengthen your defence against clogged pores and acne, apply a clay face mask each week to provide a deep clean and banish impurities.

To remove oil, dirt and pollutants from the skin’s surface, try Burt’s Bees Detoxifying Clay Mask. It uses charcoal to lift away toxins and oils that clog pores while nourishing skin with antioxidants from superfruit ingredients for a radiant complexion.

5) Don’t forget to treat your lips

It’s not just ‘maskne’ that you need to be wary of. The warmth underneath your mask will cause your lips to lose moisture at a rapid rate, making them dry and chapped. To prevent dry lips, use a lip balm to form a protective barrier and lock moisture in.

To treat chapped lips, try the Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm. Available in six stunning shades, our Tinted Lip Balm contains 100% natural ingredients, with shea butter and botanical waxes that nourish chapped lips and provide up to 8 hours of moisture.

Prevent & minimise the effects of ‘maskne’ today with the Burt’s Bees Skincare collection.

Beauty Expert

Writer and expert

How To Treat ‘Maskne’

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