It’s been a while since the CDC’s initial recommendation for the general public to wear cloth masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19 – and you’ve probably upped your mask game to include some fashionable options by now. (Hey, we’ll be wearing them for a while…and there are some pretty cute options out there.) As we get used to the new normal of wearing face masks in public, it’s also time to re-evaluate our skincare.

Yes, these masks are protective and we need to be wearing them. Really. Unfortunately, there can be some negative impacts on our skin – including “maskne,” aka “mask acne.” Technically called “acne mechanica,” maskne is a “type of acne triggered by excess heat, pressure, friction or rubbing of the skin.”*

Athletes who wear protective gear may already be familiar with the skin irritation and breakouts that many of us are now experiencing around the mouth, nose, and ears. Luckily our day-to-day mask wearing isn’t during competitive sports. Even luckier, there are some easy things we can do to help alleviate and prevent maskne and the negative effects masks can cause on our skin.

Before You Mask Up

It’s important to prep your skin with products designed to help minimize irritation. Keep your face moisturized – it’s always important, and even more so when donning a mask. Dry skin + mask friction = OUCH! Plus, dryness triggers your skin to produce more natural oils that can get trapped in your pores and cause – you guessed it – breakouts. So make sure you apply a moisturizer that will keep your face hydrated.

This may seem obvious, but try to avoid wearing makeup under your mask. Makeup can contribute to acne flare-ups, especially in the steamroom condition created by the mask. (It also can rub off on the mask itself.) Why wear makeup that won’t be visible anyway? Also, check your mask fit: it should be tight enough to provide a proper barrier – but if it’s too tight, the friction can further irritate your poor face.

Before you put that mask on, grab for an extra layer of lightweight moisture protection like Cococare Rose Hydrating Facial Mist.This hydrating spray helps soothes skin irritation and fight acne, thanks to amazing ingredients like wild rose, aloe, and witch hazel extract. You can even spritz a bit behind your ears for some relief from ear loops. (And if you must wear makeup, this facial mist also makes a great setting spray.)

Bonus: Grab Rose Hydrating Facial Mist for a refreshing moisture blast any time you remove your mask!

Behind the Mask

While rocking your socially responsible face covering, you may find that your lips dry out quicker or are getting chapped more than usual.

One reason: you may be falling short of your daily recommended intake of eight glasses of water, since each sip requires the additional steps of removing your mask and washing your hands before touching your face. (Try to drink enough water, though.)

Another reason: frequently applying lip balm also means mask removal and all of the activities that come with that.

Liberally applying a long-lasting, moisturizing lip product is key to combatting dry, chapped lips behind your mask. That means finding a lip balm with some seriously hydrating nutrients.

Our top two picks: Cococare All Natural Beeswax Lip Balm and Cococare Cocoa Butter Lip Balm.

Beeswax and cocoa butter of two of nature’s skincare secrets that lips absolutely love. Here’s why: 

• Beeswax deeply penetrates lips to help them stay moisturized and silky smooth all day. The cool sensation of peppermint in Cococare All Natural Beeswax Lip Balm will help your lips feel fresher, too.
• Cocoa butter is an all-natural moisturizer with serious emollient qualities to help prevent and protect dry, “mask-chapped” lips. It’s also effective against winter weather – even if we’re not still wearing masks at that point.

No matter which lip balm you choose to use, try keeping a tube next to your glass of water. Then whenever you de-mask to quench your thirst, you can reapply to quench your lips at the same time. (Combining habits, or “habit stacking,” helps reinforce positive behavior!)

One more thing: your lip balm should only be used by you. Stock up on extras to make sure everyone has one they love – and that replacements are on hand for when you use up or “misplace” yours.

Après Mask

Once you’re safely back home, it’s essential to cleanse your face. Doing this immediately after removing your maskwill help remove accumulated sweat and other debris before they have time to clog your pores. Think of it like giving your face a well-deserved bath to relax after a long day of mask wearing – and we all can use a little extra relaxation these days.

Avoid using a drying soap, of course. (Hydration is critical for healthy skin.) And steer clear of harsh scrubs that may further anger your face, which is already going through quite a lot these days.

The solution: try a gentle face wash like Cococare Vitamin E Antioxidant Facial Wash. This mild formula cleanses, hydrates and conditions all skin types while offering the antioxidant properties of Vitamin E. Those with sensitive skin will especially appreciate that this facial wash is free from fragrance, color, and soap. (Cococare Vitamin E Antioxidant Facial Wash even removes makeup…including eye makeup.)

And if the dreaded maskne makes an appearance, Cococare 100% Tea Tree Oil can help! This 100% natural antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-fungal solution is ideal for spot-treating acne – and a little goes a long way. Just put a drop or two on a moist cotton pad and apply to the affected area.

It goes without saying (but we’ll say it anyway): be sure to clean your mask each time you wear it – for so many reasons. Consider using a gentle detergent without harsh scents to help reduce another potential cause of skin aggravation.

Face Forward

Remember, we’re all navigating this new normal together – and figuring out how to keep maskne and chapped lips at bay is just part of the process. To put your best (masked) face forward, find the right new skincare routine for you and follow it diligently.

That new routine should not have to cost you an arm and a leg! As part of Cococare’s mission to deliver #SkincareForAll, all of these high-nutrient products are also a high-value – and they can be used by anyone!

We’re all wearing masks, washing our hands, and adjusting to the quarantine skincare routine. These tips can help us put on a healthier – and happier – face.

*Source: https://www.verywellhealth.com/acne-mechanica-15495