Now that masks are more or less a part of our daily life, they present a new problem: mask acne, which is referred to by many as “maskne”.
On an episode of Good News, aesthetic dermatologist Dr. Ivy Sapanghila, this is due to the moisture or heat that builds up when wearing a mask.
“It builds up moisture in the mask and sweats. If you wear it for a long time, it is also a breeding ground for bacteria to grow,” she said.
If you suffer from maskne, try these home remedies:
1. Steaming
At night, before cleaning your face, pour hot water into a bowl and steam your face for 15 to 20 minutes.
Sapanghila said acne is caused by clogged pores, so steaming it open is a good idea.
“So we can cleanse and remove the bacteria that cause acne. So we do this to cleanse the skin on a deeper level,” she said.
Additionally, the steam can improve blood circulation, which can produce collagen and elastin for healthy and young looking skin.
After steaming, wait a few minutes before continuing cleaning.
2. Try garlic!
Take a piece of garlic and cut off the ends. Gently rub the garlic on the pimple or affected area. Do this for five minutes before washing it off.
Garlic contains antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. It also contains zinc, which controls the face oil.
To avoid irritation, rub the garlic on a smaller area first. If it stings too much, wash it off with water.
3. Homemade mask
You can also try this natural mask made from egg white and aloe vera. Mix the two ingredients in a bowl and apply the preparation to your face and leave for 30 minutes.
“It’s more of a moisturizing effect on the skin,” said Sapanghila. “Saka lifts, pulls himself tight. One way to lift the dirt in the pores.”
Egg white has an enzyme called lysozyme that eliminates acne-causing bacteria. Meanwhile, aloe vera helps with redness and irritation.
You can use the mask two to three times a week.
PREVENTION
If maskne is not yet a problem for you, but you want to avoid it, here are some things to consider:
1. Wash your hands and face before and after wearing a face mask
You may find that the lower half of your face is sweaty after removing the face mask. After disposing of the mask in a safe place, wash your hands, then wash your face.
If you can’t wash your face, at least pat it dry with a clean towel.
2. Change your face mask every four hours
Surgical masks are effective for a day. However, if you are more concerned about the condition of your skin, it is a good idea to change your mask every four hours.
Wipe the sweat off your skin before putting in a new one.
3. Wash your cloth masks after each use
If you wear cloth masks, it’s important to wash them after each use to remove all germs and bacteria.
If you have filters, replace them too.
“The skin is the first line of defense,” said Sapanghila. “When there is a break or the skin is irritated, this is a problem to address and it will prevent you from wearing these masks.” – JCB, GMA News
