Mask acne is a real thing. While wearing a facial cover-up can protect us from Covid-19, it can also lead to pesky pimply flare-ups. Below, dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, breaks down the causes and effects of maskne, plus how to prevent and combat the mask induced breakouts by utilizing top-rated skincare ranked highly by you!
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GREAT FOR: Dry Skin
GETTING UNDERNEATH IT ALL: "I love how simple this cleanser is! It feels gentle and after washing my face does not feel tight at all, but also very clean and comfortable...”
DERM NOTES: A mild, hydrating cleanser won't disrupt your outer skin layer.
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GREAT FOR: Oily Skin
GETTING UNDERNEATH IT ALL: "I definitely prefer this cleanser much more than others I've used. It feels so gentle on my skin! I love that it's a foaming cleanser and I like the packaging. A little goes a long way and it doesn't dry out my skin at all, which is the biggest issue I've had with other cleansers besides the fact that they didn't really do anything for me. I've been using this exclusively for about 3 weeks and I would definitely say I've noticed a difference in my skin. It's more even (I used to have a lot of little bumps on my cheeks..kind of like whiteheads but they were under the skin. Those have lessened for sure). [I have] less blackheads and my skin has a nice glow.”
DERM NOTES: This face wash contains salicylic acid, which is a beta hydroxy acid that effectively removes excess oil from the skin.
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GREAT FOR: Sensitive Skin
GETTING UNDERNEATH IT ALL: "This has become my HG cleanser! It is very gentle with PHA in it (more gentle exfoliation than salicylic acid. Any skin type could use this, but especially those who are more sensitive. My skin tends to be a little sensitive, so I prefer a gentle cleanser. One thing I noticed right away is how my skin looked brighter after using it. It is a gentle gel that doesn't foam too much, which is my preference (I find foaming cleansers are a bit harsh for my skin). I have repurchased many times and will continue to do so.”
DERM NOTES: If you have sensitive skin, you should consider a polyhydroxy acid like gluconolactone Polyhydroxy acids are similar to their cousins salicylic and glycolic acids; however, they have a much larger chemical structure which makes them more gentle on the skin — plus, they provide hydrating benefits as well.
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GETTING UNDERNEATH IT ALL: "My skin is both dry and dehydrated and while I'm fairly adept at combating the dryness—tackling dehydration is another subject. At nearly 40 years old, my skin was looking dull despite using C-serum, AHA, and a face oil... I've been using this twice a day, it's rather sticky, which makes layering with other skin care products tricky and time consuming in the morning. Though this is sticky upon application, and does take a few minutes to sink in after it's in, it doesn't leave a residue or feel heavy. With twice daily application, my skin does look a bit more youthful, glowy and healthy.... ”
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GETTING UNDERNEATH IT ALL: "...The product itself is very light but also hydrating. Believe me when I say this has saved my skin on multiple occasions. It has never broken me out, caused irritation, or felt heavy on. It feels refreshing on the skin. A very little bit goes a long way. I can layer sunscreen and light makeup over this at any time of year, even in the middle of a humid summer. Yes, it does contain some light fragrance (the more severely sensitive among us may prefer the "extra-dry" version which doesn't have any). Aside from that, it's basically perfect, at least if you have skin like mine that needs water, not oil, and can't tolerate anything really heavy. ”
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GETTING UNDERNEATH IT ALL: "I love this moisturizer. It's perfect for my oily skin. It's very light in feel and doesn't clog my pores. ”
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GETTING UNDERNEATH IT ALL: "I was a bit skeptical when I saw this. It reminded me of the LRP tinted mineral sunscreen in the tiny bottle with the small opening that transfers like crazy if you sweat at all and can also feel gritty when applying. BUT... not so for FAB! This new mineral sunscreen is so smooth, thin, reminds me of Glossier Skin Perfecting Tint, the way it sinks into the skin. Yes, it looks sort of dark when you pour it out but it somehow blends into your skin; maybe because it is such a thin, sheer, very liquid consistency, there is no remaining tint after application. I love the healthy glow you get from it, not a shine, just a radiance that is really appreciated by my normal/dry skin type. The only downside is the price. [It's about $34]”
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GETTING UNDERNEATH IT ALL: "This sunscreen moisturizes and feels comfortable. It’s for indoors/low sweaty conditions. It is physical so there is an initial white cast, which I like because I can see where I’ve put it and where needs more. This does not pill on me as everyone else claims, but I do not wear anything else on top. It does dry down and does not accentuate my fine lines and wrinkles. I have dry skin and this is enough moisture on top of a serum and emulsion. The zinc oxide also helps with sensitivity and redness. I have purchased this more than several times over the past few years.”
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GETTING UNDERNEATH IT ALL: "Fantastic sunscreen. We went through numerous of these and will continue to buy. No white cast, not greasy, doesn't cause any breakouts for my sensitive skin, not drying. My husband also loves it. It protects him well for surfing. HG for the beach.”
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GETTING UNDERNEATH IT ALL: "I used everything for my hormonal acne. My diet & supplements helped clear my skin. (DIM, vitamins C, D3, probiotics) But I still got flesh-colored bumps [around my] jawline around that time of month... I got some of this for my daughter who has oily skin & blackheads. Her nose cleared up in about a week. I thought it was just a coincidence, but got some for myself. (I get 4 tubes when they have BOGO 1/2 off now). Anyway, it dries cysts up quickly!! I don’t get real pimples, just hard lumps under skin & they eventually turn into a scab. It stays under skin, which bugs me—but you can’t see it at least. Then it disappears. The bumps on [my] jawline that I just thought I had to live with forever are gone. I apply small dots all over problem areas at night only, then I moisturize immediately with a Cerave lotion. This stuff it absolutely the #1 treatment I’ve ever used. And it doesn’t dry my skin out unless I use in morning as well. My skin is normal now...”
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GETTING UNDERNEATH IT ALL: "I have very severe adult acne and nothing works better more than the Obagi Clenziderm.! I usually get more than 50 zits. Most are small whiteheads with a combination of large cystic acne all over my face, especially the chin area. Whenever I stray to different products because of curiosity and [they] end up giving me more zits, I always go back to this product and in a matter of 1 week you can see a big difference. No kidding! It's a miracle product for me! I think the price is worth [it because of the] effectiveness of the product. Mind you guys, you will really go in a phase where your whole face will be red and dry—especially the first week of use. But be consistent! For sure, every time you put the therapeutic lotion, which is the benzoyl peroxide, it burns like hell. But it is the magic potion in [the product]. It kills the bacteria in your pores and prevents it from further breakouts. Just put on a non-comedogenic moisturizer and you'll be fine.”
GETTING UNDERNEATH IT ALL: "HG status! Cleans out my pores, keeps my skin clear and doesn't dry me out.”
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GETTING UNDERNEATH IT ALL: "Since Aveda discontinued their tourmaline mask a few years ago, this has replaced it in my mask line-up. The mask comes out as a thick soft cream with no scent and applies easily across your face. Even though the name says purifying mask, this is not a pore-clearing clay mask that deeply cleans your skin. This is more of a nourishing/repairing mask that gently refreshes your skin, calms redness and leaves your skin feeling softer. I use this to relax and revitalize distressed skin before I follow with a sheet mask.”
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GETTING UNDERNEATH IT ALL: "Love this face mask! I have troubled skin at times and this does a great job to decrease spot size and redness. I use it at night before bed, wash off and follow my usual skin care routine afterwards— and by the morning my skin always looks a lot better. I agree that it is an extortionate price for the amount you get, so I just save it for when my skin is bad. The smell is not great though; it is an overpowering camphor smell but you get used to it after a while. It can feel a bit tingly when you first use it. I wouldn't recommend it to those with broken skin or sensitive skin as it may feel like it's burning (I used it on broken skin once... ouch). I told all my friends to use this when they have problems with spots and they all agree that it does seem to work wonders.”
GETTING UNDERNEATH IT ALL: "This is one of my fave, fave, fave charcoal masks. It is simple and lovely and not harsh but will suck all the gross face stuff right up to the surface. When I have angry blemishes (I get whiteheads), I slather this on for ten minutes, wash off and follow up with a soothing mask or treatment. The blemishes [become] rapidly healthier and less painful, [plus this process] speeds up their life cycle. I always keep this on hand.”
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If you tend to break out, Dr. Zeichner doesn't recommend applying serums that contain high levels of vitamin E to your face. "It is an oil-based antioxidant, which potentially contribute to break outs. You want to stay away from heavy skin oils—the ones that contain saturated fat. I found that squalane, a popular ingredient right now, can break out some of my acne-prone patients."
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You should have three or more face masks, and rotate their use. "Also, it's important that you wash your fabric face mask regularly because the cloth fits directly against your skin. I recommend dye-free, fragrance-free detergent to minimize the risk of skin allergies or irritation, which not only can cause rashes, but may even promote acne breakouts on the face," advises Dr. Zeichner.
