Wearing masks have become part of our new normal. Of course, we’re longing to never have to wear one again but for now, this is the reality of living through a global pandemic. One pesky thing about wearing masks is maskne – acne that you get because of your mask. Breakouts occur for a number of reasons from stress, hormones, our diets, etc. but wearing a mask all day is tricky because your skin isn’t breathing the way it needs to. If there’s anything we can do to nip them in the bud, then we’re all ears and these few products are bound to work wonders and help get rid of any unwelcome visitors taking up residence on your pretty little face.
1. Avene Cleanance Comedomed Anti-Blemishes Concentrate
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Your breakouts will be running for the hills once you hit them with this concentrate by Avene. This highly concentrated and fast-acting formula reduces the size and appearance of blemishes and also works to regulate the hyperproduction of sebum which is what causes the skin to be oily.
2. Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash
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If acne has got you down, one of the most important things you can do is wash your damn face. It’s absolutely crucial to get every speck of dirt and makeup off your skin before settling into bed and no, a makeup wipe doesn’t count. One of my fave go-to cleansers for when I’m breaking out is Dermalogica’s Clearing Skin Wash. Apart from the skin-clearing ingredients that go to work instantly, it’s also formulated with menthol so it feels cool when applied and gives you a super fresh, clean feeling.
3. Starface Hydro-Stars
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While it’s always best to try to prevent pimples, sometimes there’s just nothing you can do and in those moments, I reach for Starface’s Hydro-Stars. In addition to these being the cutest things ever, they actually work wonders. Simply perform your nighttime skincare routine and then stick these stars on any pimples you have. When you wake up and peel them off, you’ll notice that your little friend has flattened and is less apparent than before.
4. OLEHENRIKSON Balancing Force Oil Control Toner
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If you thought toners were a thing of the past, then think again. OLEHENRIKSON has blessed us with its Oil Control Toner that will do your skin all kinds of good. Made with salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids, this baby works to control oil (duh!), but also refresh your complexion without stripping it of vital moisturizer. Pro tip: put some in a spray bottle and mist some onto the inside of your mask!
5. Biossance Squalane + Tea Tree Balancing Oil
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It’s a known fact that a little tea tree oil goes a long way if you struggle with acne-prone skin. This face oil from Biossance mixes both squalane for hydration and tea tree oil that’ll work to get your skin back under control. If you want to take your skincare routine to the next level, apply the oil and give yourself a nice face massage because #selfcare.
6. Tata Harper Clarifying AHA + BHA Mask
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Whenever it seems that breakouts are taking over, I like to put my trust in a good mask. A clarifying mask like this one by Tata Harper is just the ticket because it’s made with clean ingredients that don’t have any nasty chemicals or artificial fragrances. The BHA and AHA acids provide a chemical exfoliation and African Wild Grape and Raw Honey work to calm and help reduce redness.
7. Burt’s Bees Herbal Blemish Stick
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Remember what I said about tea tree oil? Well, it actually works and the proof is in this blemish stick by Burt’s Bees. Simply use this cutie roll-on 2-3 times daily and prepare to watch that crater shrink. What’s wonderful is that it’s made with 99.9% natural and it’s infused with 10 herbal ingredients.
8. Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Pads
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While cleansing is important, sometimes even the most gentle of cleansers can strip your skin of essential moisture. When we wash away our skin’s moisture, it reproduces that moisture double-time and that’s how breakouts come to be. In the morning, unless you absolutely need to, try to skip cleansing and use something like these Elemis Resurfacing Pads that get rid of dirt and exfoliate to reveal glowing skin that’s ready for the day.
