Wearing masks with acne

[TheresGotToBeMoreToLife]

I appreciate there are way bigger issues going on in the world and am not refusing to wear a mask at all but just having a problem ...

I've tried a couple of different masks and the close contact with my skin seems to be irritating my acne a lot. My make up obviously rubs off a bit to reveal it more which is inconvenient (nothing more) but the acne itself actually seems to be worsening over the last few weeks specifically under the masked area.

Its so frustrating as I spent lockdown really taking care of my skin and it was the best it had been in years.

Has anyone suffered with similar? Any tips as to how to stop it worsening? I know some people will say it's only skin/spots but I do suffer badly and some spots are actually pretty painful so this isnt just a vanity issue.

I would assume the sweat makes the acne worse, i would perhaps start by ensuring you are replacing regularly and try not to use too much make up as the will make it worse.

Im the same there so just going to lurk

it's a common problem!!

How long a spell (how many minutes) are you wearing it for? The shorter the better. If on/off usage then put it somewhere it can air out and be in the light inbetween time on the face.

Some face cover styles are more breathable than others to cut down on the moisture/sweating trapped inside.

I’m wearing a mask full time at work and my skin is so so bad. Just trying to be make up free as much as possible outside of work.

Yes, it will make the acne worse. You would be better off not wearing make up when wearing a mask.

I've been working on covid wards for the last 5 months and all mine and my colleagues skin is dreadful! I knew I'd likely get pressure sores etc but a flair up of spots I've not had since a teen was a revelation! Even though we have worn masks previously (just not for such extended time periods). It does start to get used to being under a mask after a while, but yeah, it isn't great!

You have my sympathy.

Things to do - wear a mask for as little time as possible. Don't wear make up under mask area. Wash mask frequently with a detergent that doesn't irritate your skin.

I wear a mask 8 hours a day at work. It is only removed at breaks to eat and drink. You do need to pay close attention to your skin. I thoroughly wash and cleanse my skin as soon as I get home and try to avoid make up at the moment as it does seem to make it worse.

I have acne so I sympathise. It would probably be better to not wear make up under the mask but if you have to then a mineral foundation like bare minerals should clog your skin less. I use lily lolo which is similar. I also like to think having salicylic acid in my moisturiser under my foundation helps to kill off bacteria. I guess anorher thing to consider is to clean your teeth before wearing the mask so there less food particles irritating the skin. Also cleansing the skin after wearing if possible could help x

Having the exact same problem. My chin is flaring up really badly and I can only put it down to wearing a mask - I’ve been very strict about wearing them so it’s only thing I can think of

Going a bit off topic here but I used to have acne when I was younger. I used a product called Dr Sebagh Acne foaming cleanser once in the morning and again at night time. My acne disappeared within several weeks. You can buy it from Harrords, Selfridges and Space NK. From memory it’s about £28.00 but you can get a smaller bottle for £14:00.
It will really work for you. Once your skin has cleared up you can use the foaming cleanser.

Not sure if you use creams from the doctor but they will make your skin sore.

I just googled the cleanser on Amazon and it’s at least double the price on there. Shocking.

In terms of make up try switching to estee Lauder double wear. It will last a lot longer and provide good coverage.

You can also get a concealer that’s meant for covering tattoos but women use it as a regular concealer. Just ask the lady on the counter and she will know the one I mean.