face masks = bad skin

[Hairthrowaway]

Has anyone noticed a decline in their skin since wearing face masks frequently?

I suddenly have several blemishes on/around my nose, mouth and chin - bizarre as my skin leans towards dry, so not generally prone to breakouts.

Yes. I've been pretty blessed to have blemish free skin.

Now I have spots all around my mouth and chin

Yes, I’ve already got a blue led face mask to use at night and glycolic acid toner from Superdrug but do see your dr if it doesn’t settle.

Basically mouths and noses are pretty bacteria laden and your breathing out germs that get trapped behind the mask and feed on your skin oils and moisture off your breath.

There’s going to be a lot of women with this problem.

In a weird way, it’s nice to hear that it’s not just me!

How do we combat this??

I’m thinking I’m probably going to switch to disposable masks only, and maybe stop wearing makeup on “mask days”. Might try new skincare too.

@Fluffycloudland77 the LED mask sounds interesting, how are you finding it? I have The Ordinary’s glycolic acid toner which I could try too, thanks

Ah I feel really sorry for anyone prone to acne as masks could trigger a nasty breakout for them, especially if they currently have their skin under control.

Quite good, my visor was giving me spots and I’ve had cystic acne so you do worry but I do 5 mins on blue after I’ve showered.

I have been avoiding heavy moisturisers during the day which I normally need as I have dry, sensitive skin - I just use a light correcting cream on my forehead and cheeks. I also avoid make up except for mascara. I wash my face immediately when I get home from work then use a heavy night cream and serum when I get in and so far, so good! I have had an odd blemish but no more than on a ‘normal’ bad skin day.

I used to get this (I work in healthcare so even pre-Covid had to wear a mask for long periods of time) but I found a few things that help. I don’t wear make up when I will have to wear a mask for any length of time, and only use a light moisturiser that morning instead of anything too heavy (I have quite dry skin so I like a fairly rich moisturiser but I keep those for the evening/days when I won’t be wearing a mask). I also use an acid toner most mornings, and benzoyl peroxide cream every other day on the areas I would tend to break out. I also use a retinol at night, which helps too. So basically anti-clogging skincare ingredients and no heavy creams/make up under the mask is what works for me.

@Fluffycloudland77 what led mask do you use I've been looking at these for a while, have you noticed a difference since using

I use a beauty star one off amazon. Had it a couple of years and not binned it.

Thank you so much for all your tips! @JollyGiraffe12 @SpuriouserAndSpuriouser

Wish I started this thread sooner! I have taken a few long distance trains recently and basically did all the “don’ts” - no wonder my skin isn’t great

Actually might try a visor as I’m assuming it might minimise this a tiny bit

Visors hold it in even more, very oppressive to wear too.

They only protect against droplet infection into the eyes.

I have bought a silk mask as I heard they are much kinder on the skin. It is double layered with a filter inside. It feels nice on my skin.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo cream helps, it's a very light weight moisturiser with salicylic acid. I
Don't get spots if i use it but it can be drying so only use it on problem areas.