The 4-Step Plan to
Combat Maskne
The Problem: Maske—aka Mask + Acne. Pretty cute moniker for a confidence-sucking side effect of being a responsible mask-wearing citizen of the pandemic, huh?
The Solution: Phone a friend—because we’re suffering too.
So, we asked an expert: Sarah Appleby, a Brooklyn-based celebrity and editorial hair and makeup artist (whose touched up the skin of everyone from GQ cover stars to celebrities such as model Anwar Hadid, musician Charlie Puth, and actor Riz Ahmed).
Here: her best pro tips—all of which you can implement now-ish (after hitting a few "add to cart" buttons).
The 4-Step Plan to
Combat Maskne
The Problem: Maske—aka Mask + Acne. Pretty cute moniker for a confidence-sucking side effect of being a responsible mask-wearing citizen of the pandemic, huh?
The Solution: Phone a friend—because we’re suffering too.
So, we asked an expert: Sarah Appleby, a Brooklyn-based celebrity and editorial hair and makeup artist (whose touched up the skin of everyone from GQ cover stars to celebrities such as model Anwar Hadid, musician Charlie Puth, and actor Riz Ahmed).
Here: her best pro tips—all of which you can implement now-ish (after hitting a few "add to cart" buttons).
Step 1
Maintain a Good (Clean) Stash. “Try to only use breathable masks—ones that are good-fitting and limit friction—and have enough of a rotation that you can wash them after daily use—preferably with a dye-free, fragrance-free laundry detergent,” says Appleby.
Try: Tide Free & Gentle liquid detergent and check out our shoppable face mask round up.
Step 2
Avoid the Chin Sit. “Rather than hanging your mask on your chin between uses, opt for a cool lanyard so it can rest off and away from your skin—but is still always nearby when you need it,” advises Appleby.
Try: Etsy for one-of-a-kind or personalized options. Or Amazon if you're looking for a surplus of a basic style or variety packs.
Step 1
Maintain a Good (Clean) Stash. “Try to only use breathable masks—ones that are good-fitting and limit friction—and have enough of a rotation that you can wash them after daily use—preferably with a dye-free, fragrance-free laundry detergent,” says Appleby.
Try: Tide Free & Gentle liquid detergent and check out our shoppable face mask round up.
Step 2
Avoid the Chin Sit. “Rather than hanging your mask on your chin between uses, opt for a cool lanyard so it can rest off and away from your skin—but is still always nearby when you need it,” advises Appleby.
Try: Etsy for one-of-a-kind or personalized options. Or Amazon if you're looking for a surplus of a basic style or variety packs.
Step 3
The DIY No-Rinse Cleanser. “Place cotton pads in a plastic storage bag and soak them with a gentle micellar water,” says Appleby. “It’s an ultra-gentle, no-rinse cleanser that you can use morning and night to remove all the oil, dirt and other bacteria that cause full-blown breakouts.”
Step 4
The On-the-Go Spot Treatment. “If you already have—or are prone to—maskne, I suggest using a toner with salicylic or glycolic acid as needed, especially after being active or sweating,” says Appleby. “Buy a pack of Water Wipes and squeeze all the excessive liquid out and pump in the toner. Keep these in your backpack, or gym bag, and use them as needed to keep the skin under the mask super clean.”
Try: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution or Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Toner
Step 3
The DIY No-Rinse Cleanser. “Place cotton pads in a plastic storage bag and soak them with a gentle micellar water,” says Appleby. “It’s an ultra-gentle, no-rinse cleanser that you can use morning and night to remove all the oil, dirt and other bacteria that cause full-blown breakouts.”
Step 4
The On-the-Go Spot Treatment. “If you already have—or are prone to—maskne, I suggest using a toner with salicylic or glycolic acid as needed, especially after being active or sweating,” says Appleby. “Buy a pack of Water Wipes and squeeze all the excessive liquid out and pump in the toner. Keep these in your backpack, or gym bag, and use them as needed to keep the skin under the mask super clean.”
Try: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution or Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Toner