How To Wash Your Mask:
Your face isnt the only thing you need to wash! In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend washing cloth masks after each use, which helps remove oils and dead skin that collect inside the mask. To do so, use warm water and a gentle detergent that doesnt irritate the skin.
Look for detergents that are free of added colors and fragrances, which are common skin irritants, Dr. Kovarik says. This will ensure that youre being gentle on sensitive or irritated skin and will reduce the chances of developing a reaction like contact dermatitis.
Continue To Wear A Mask To Protect Yourself And Others
Its important to continue wearing a mask, even when it causes skin irritation. When you cannot socially distance, such as at a grocery store or pharmacy, the CDC recommends wearing a cloth mask.
Protect your skin before you put on your mask
If you need to wear a mask while you have a skin problem, gently apply a no sting barrier spray. This product adds a layer of protection, so your skin feels more comfortable. You can find this product online.
Baking Soda And Honey Homemade Face Mask
Rebecca Lee, RN, founder ofRemediesForMe.com, recommends this simple homemade face mask for acne. The key ingredient is baking soda, which is antimicrobial and antifungal. Equally important, baking soda also helps absorb excess oil while gently exfoliating. Combine it with moisturizing coconut oil and antimicrobial honey for an effective acne fighter.
Ingredients:
Also Check: Why Does My Acne Itch
Olive Oil & Lemon Face Mask
Ingredients
- Take one to two tablespoons of olive oil in a clean bowl.
- Add a few drops of lemon juice.
- Add some amount of water.
- Heat the olive oil.
- After bringing it to the temperature where it is cold enough to be applied to the skin, mix all the other ingredients together.
Usage
- Apply the mask gently to your skin.
- Let it stay for five minutes.
- Remove the mask with cotton pads.
Benefits
- Olive oil Extra virgin olive oil, contains high amounts of vitamins and antioxidants which help in repairing skin.
- They also protect your skin against bacteria that cause acne.
- This soothing oil preserves the skin oil and makes it smoother, reducing its chances of drying out.
- Lemon helps in killing off bacteria as well as removing toxins from the pores of your skin. As a result, you get healthier-looking skin.
Aloe Vera Homemade Face Mask
Looking for a homemade face mask for dry skin? This is it. It contains aloe vera, a soothing, hydrating ingredient. You may be familiar with its use for treating sunburn, but it can also restore moisture to your complexion. And since cucumber contains water, your skin will get an extra-heavy dose of hydration.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoon aloe vera gel
How To:
Blend the cucumber in a food processor and combine it with the aloe vera gel. Gently massage the paste onto clean, dry skin and let it sit for 30 minutes. Wash it off with water and apply a moisturizer to seal in all that hydration.
Also Check: How Does Acne Medication Work
Are Charcoal Masks Good For Acne
Charcoal masks may offer some benefits for those with acne-prone skin, due to the detoxifying properties of activated charcoal. Studies have shown that it is effective in purifying the body from toxins and poisons. These effects on the body have made it a common ingredient in various skin care products. However, research into its dermatological benefits is still limited and there is no real evidence to support its use.
Its also important to note that the type of mask used will also influence the results. Peel-off masks contain glue and are pulled off the skin once they have dried. The action of peeling helps to pull away dead skin cells, debris and oil from the skin. Rinse-off masks are a milder option, although they provide less immediate results.
Best For Oily Skin: Caudalie Instant Detox Mask
There’s a reason this mask has received tons of love on TikTok: After the 15 or so minutes are up, you can literally see all the oil levitating from your pores. A very gratifying masking experience, we’d say. In addition to the highly absorbent clays, you’ll find coffee seed extract and the brand’s signature grapeseed polyphenols to provide antioxidant power and a luminous finish.
Pro: Visibly sucks oil from pores.
Con: Not the best for super-dry skin.
Instant Detox Mask, Caudalie
Recommended Reading: What Do Dermatologists Do For Acne
Acne Isnt The Only Mask
There are a few other skin issues that may arise during the summer of face masks. For instance, you may need to take extra care with your lips to prevent irritation. Unless you have a cone-shaped mask, the lips are going to be the first thing your mask is going to touch, Dr. Kovarik says. She recommends using a lip balm or Vaseline to protect them.
Also, if you have a skin condition like rosacea or eczema, the irritation from face masks may trigger your symptoms. To manage that, definitely keep up the treatment plan that your dermatologist recommended for you, but get in touch with your derm if that plan is no longer enough to manage the flares.
Related:
How To Remove Blackheads Per Dermatologists: 12 Products To Help
Citizens of the world have been covering their faces for months amid the ongoing pandemic, and while wearing a mask is crucial for saving lives, its also been a blemish to our skin.
Masks, especially when worn for hours on end or in some climates, can sometimes cause unsightly pimples and acne on our faces. Nurses have long complained about the unsightly irritation that occurs with wearing N95 masks at work, but even fabric or cloth masks can cause the dreaded maskne.
Heres everything you need to know about maskne and how to eliminate it from your life for good.
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Dark Acne Scars
Features To Consider For Acne Masks
Ingredients
For a face mask to really be effective at treating acne, it must contain ingredients that target breakouts and clogged pores.
Many acne masks are clay- or mud-based because these natural ingredients are extremely effective at absorbing excess oil, soothing the skin, and drawing out impurities like bacteria. Clay or mud masks work very well for treating clogged pores, too. These acne masks often contain bentonite clay, kaolin clay, French green clay, or Dead Sea mud.
Some acne masks contain activated charcoal, which is an extremely effective ingredient for removing dirt, oil, and toxins from the skin. Thats because the charcoal works like a magnet to draw impurities out of the pores so they can be easily washed away.
Sulfur is a mineral that can absorb excess oil, exfoliate dead skin cells, and reduce the inflammation commonly associated with acne. It also has antibacterial properties.
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid and is often used in acne-fighting products. Thats because salicylic acid is an exfoliating agent that can actually exfoliate inside the pores to remove excess oil, dirt, bacteria, and other debris. Its also known to soothe inflammation, so it can help treat current breakouts and prevent future acne as well.
Tea tree oil is a natural oil that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it an ideal ingredient for an acne mask.
Container
Side effects
Do Face Masks Remove Pimples
Whilst face masks don’t remove spots entirely, they certainly help keep blemishes at bay. ‘Sometimes acne masks can soothe and minimise acne by decreasing the inflammation,’ says Consultant Dermatologist, Dr. Jeanine Downie.
Face masks should be used to supplement your skincare routine, rather than as a catch-all, says Dr Emma Craythorne, Consultant Dermatologist. ‘Face masks can be a really helpful way to relieve redness and reduce oil and sebum, when used effectively they can most definitely help to reduce and clear some whiteheads and blackheads however Id recommend a more targeted routine to really help to tackle the cause.’
Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Red Acne Scars Overnight
What Causes Mask Acne
Acne usually develops when pores get clogged by oil, dead skin cells, makeup, dirt, or bacteria. This can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples that can vary in size and type, depending on how infected they get.
Adopting a simple skin-care routineincluding cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and wearing sunscreenhelps manage acne because it helps with the skins natural shedding process. Regular cleansing and exfoliating ensures that all that gunk and dead skin cells are removed rather than clogging your pores. Moisturizing and wearing sunscreen helps ensure the skins protective outer layer functions properly.
But wearing a face mask can interfere with that process. Instead of those dead skin cells shedding throughout the day, they now get clogged in your pores, Carrie L. Kovarik, M.D., an associate professor of dermatology at University of Pennsylvania and a member of the American Association of Dermatologys COVID-19 task force, tells SELF.
Masks also provide the perfect humid environment for bacteria to grow in our skin, which can lead to a breakout, Noelani Gonzalez, M.D., director of cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai, tells SELF.
Final Thoughts On Homemade Face Mask For Acne Scars
DIY face masks are one of the most convenient ways of skincare.
Usually, all the ingredients present in these face masks are natural and wont harm your skin.
Majority of these products you use for making your mask are already present at your place.
If we talk about the results that we get from these masks, you would be surprised how efficient these natural and pure ingredients can be.
Making a DIY facial mask for acne scars is a therapeutic method of getting rid of your skin problems, all by yourself.
We should prevent breakouts by avoiding as many chemicals as we can.
If we have got a natural replacement for something, then going for the chemical one is just foolish.
Things with natural ingredients would hardly go wrong and if you still feel like they can, dont forget to do a patch test before applying it directly to your entire face.
Liked the article? Do not forget to comment below with your favorite homemade face mask for acne scars
Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Baby Acne On Chin
What Ingredients Should You Look For To Treat Acne
Retinoids: Birnbaum calls retinoids the holy grail of acne treatment because theyre backed by years of scientific studies that show they really work. She says that retinoids increase skin cell turnover, help unclog pores and decrease inflammation, to improve inflammatory acne. Love also shares that retinoids help normalize pigment production, which is good for people who get dark spots after a breakout. Love recommends starting it in your routine two to three times a week and slowly building up because retinoids can cause dryness and flakiness. If youre looking for a gentle retinoid, she recommends you consider adapalene. Our experts share that retinoids make skin more sensitive to sun, so make sure to wear SPF, but they are best used at night anyway.
Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is one of Loves favorite over-the-counter acne solutions because its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and it helps decrease the oiliness of the skin, making it great to treat all types of acne. Our other experts certainly agree Birnbaum notes that you should use benzoyl peroxide at a different time of day as your retinoid, because it can make the retinoid less effective. Love explains that adapalene, however, is safe to use with benzoyl peroxide, unlike other retinoids.
Sulfur: Lastly, Love explains that sulfur is great for inflammatory acne. Better yet: This ingredient is also safe for those who are pregnant and nursing.
Burts Bees Natural Acne Solutions Pore Refining Scrub
Here are our reasons why it is the best face mask for acne scars with natural ingredients:
Pros:
- It has a creamy consistency with very few scrubbing particles.
- May work slowly for very dark, deep acne scars.
With all-natural ingredients, Burts Bees formulation is a dermatologist-tested noncomedogenic acne treatment that promises the best results in fighting acne scars and dark blackhead pores. It is the manufacturers best anti-acne facial scrub, according to their website.
This product contains willow bark extract that is known to have naturally occurring beta hydroxy acids . BHA is a common ingredient in facial masks and exfoliators. It unclogs blocked pores to prevent breakouts and acne scars.
Sometimes oily skins can be a challenge. If a product goes wrong, the most likely consequence is usually more breakouts. We liked Burts Bees natural acne solutions because of its natural ingredients and effective results. It is worth a try, especially since it is fairly cheap.
Also Check: How To Make Cystic Acne Go Away
Does The Type Of Mask Make A Difference
Out of the University of Illinois conducted by mechanical science professor Taher Saif and two graduate students, Onur Aydin and Bashar Emon, indicates that your old t-shirts may be the best material to create masks that effectively prevent the aeration of respiratory droplets. A face mask made of one layer of regular cotton blend t-shirt material can decrease respiratory droplets by 40% and a double layer of these breathable materials offers 98% droplet reduction. For non-healthcare industry individuals who practice social distancing, face masks made from breathable cotton materials should be both effective and comfortable.
In addition to switching to a more breathable cotton fabric when possible, you may also want to look for face masks that are created from materials that will minimize friction. Specifically, silk or silk-lined face masks will significantly reduce rubbing and irritation that can increase the risk for acne mechanica breakouts. No matter what fabric you choose, frequent washing is essential.
Using Face Masks For Acne
There are plenty of skin products that promise to do plenty of things for your acne. So whats special about masks?
For starters, masks often include a combination of ingredients that multitask to treat acne , and simultaneously soothe and moisturize irritated skin .
Understanding your skin since you know it better than anyone! can help determine which mix of ingredients is best for you .
Another bonus: Applying a face mask allows ingredients more time to sink into your pores and get to work. Generally, the best time to use a mask is in the evening, so you arent rushed and can give it the amount of allotted time to work its magic.
Of course, for any mask to be effective, it has to be used as part of a consistent daily skin care routine. Both morning and night, Waite emphasizes the importance of deep cleaning skin, since clogged pores and dirt buildup are where it all starts.
However keen you are to wave buh-bye to spots, try to rein your enthusiasm in and only use a mask once a week. The worst thing can do is overstimulate skin, shares Waite. Used too often, skin will go into panic mode and actually produce more oils. Eeek.
There are plenty of options when choosing a type of mask. Cream, gel, and clay-based masks are all good choices, as are peels and overnight masks are A-OK to use as well.
Labels filled with scientific-sounding words can be real mind bogglers, so keep a lookout for these essential skin care ingredients to ensure your mask truly packs a punch.
Don’t Miss: Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help With Acne
Strawberry Lime Homemade Face Mask
This acne-fighting mask practically screams summer . It uses strawberries and lime juice to unclog pores. Strawberries are one of the best fruits for inflammatory skin since theyre rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help heal skin and reduce inflammation. Vitamin C also helps promotecollagen production for glowing skin. Finally, the citric acid in lime juice helps whisk away dead skin while reducing bacteria and excess oil.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
How To:
First, mash the ingredients together. Then, apply the mixture to a clean, dry face and neck. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.Lock it all in with a moisturizer and enjoy clear, glowing skin.
Schaf Skincare Moisturizer $48
King is a fan of the Schaf Moisturizer for those struggling with acne mask or no mask.
The Schaf Skincare Moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid as well as a blend of hemp seed, avocado, grape seed and pumpkin seed oils to support the skin barrier, provide anti-inflammatory properties and moisturize without clogging pores, she said.
Read Also: How To Reduce Hormonal Acne
Best Masks For Preventing Maskne
Even if youve been meticulous about keeping your mask and face clean, theres still a chance you can break out, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. To address these pimples, Charles recommends classic spot treatments like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Engelman agrees that spot treatments are great for pimples because they deliver a powerful dose of active ingredients typically salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Engelman likes Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief as a spot treatment since it contains a powerful dose of 5% benzoyl peroxide. And although Medik8s salicylic acid gel is definitely on the pricey side, Strategist contributing writer Frankie May Wong raves about it, telling us it stops painful cysts from fully forming, all in less than eight hours.
Milk Honey & Turmeric Face Mask
Ingredients:
- Take 1 teaspoon of turmeric in a clean bowl.
- Add two teaspoons of milk.
- Add one teaspoon of honey.
- Mix these ingredients and form a thin paste.
Usage
- Apply this mask with a makeup brush to your skin. .
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes then rinse it off with water.
- This mask can be used 2-3 times a week.
Benefits
- Turmeric is an extremely good component for skin-related problems because of its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory property, and antioxidant properties. It helps fade away acne scars and blemishes.
- Raw honey also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Milk in its raw form contains lactic acid which works as a gentle exfoliant for the skin and also provides antiaging properties.
Don’t Miss: How To Make Acne Scars Go Away Fast Home Remedies
