How to Cope Maskne With Essential Oils
Well, the pandemic caught us by surprise! The virus taking the world by storm is the headline of 2020. Now in 2021, we are still fighting the battle to control it. However, during this turn of events, masks have become a daily essential for our attire. Wearing a mask is crucial for all.
Masks have become a trend these days; there are colored, matching, and embellished ones. However, these masks have also become the cause of our not-so-happy skin because wearing masks for long periods can cause a myriad of skin problems.
Have you started to notice any not-so-usual pimples or unwanted acne since you have been wearing masks as a habit? You’re not alone.
This, in turn, is one of the drawbacks of wearing masks. Pimples and acne, especially around the mouth and nose, are termed “maskne” or, to be precise, “mask acne.” Many other skin conditions like rosacea and textile dermatitis can also be worsened by wearing a mask continuously.
This might be new for you, and you might be wondering how to deal with this unusual skin problem.
- How to identify maskne?
- How to prevent it?
- Can essential oils act as an organic solution?
We have covered all these queries in this simple guide.
What is Maskne?
Mask acne is a growing hassle for skincare devotees, who can at no cost avoid wearing masks. Maskne is not a new concept, but now it is more widely recognized. It is nothing new for those people like doctors, who always wore masks on their duties.
Masks not only play a role in keeping germs out, but they also specialize in keeping the existing germs in. If you wear a mask for a prolonged period, you become more susceptible to maskne because breathing inside creates warmth and humidity. The perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria to launch an attack is warm and humid. This happens because skin flakes and skin oil clogs your pores, moisture and warmth become a breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in maskne. It can also be caused by your mask rubbing against your face or reusing an old, dirty mask.
How to Avoid Maskne?
In the present times, with the pandemic on the leash, not wearing a mask is a health hazard. So, instead, we can pay attention to good hygienic practices that can prevent from developing maskne in the first place.
Here are a few tips and tricks to avoid maskne.
1- Choose the Right Mask!
It's imperative to be picky in the masks you use. Don't simply choose a mask because it looks good, but check to see if it works well with you.
When deciding on the type of mask that is comfier and made of natural fabrics like cotton.
Synthetic materials can facilitate irritation or breakouts. Also, please pay close attention to dispose of synthetic masks after one use, as they can encourage the buildup of bacteria over time. Choose materials that are lightweight and breathable.
2- Go Light on Your Skin
The six-step skincare routine you follow on your usual days needs to change. Curtail your skincare regime in only two steps–a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer.
Your skin needs to breathe, don't suffocate it by having layers of products underneath your mask. The more facial products you apply, the more chances these products can clog pores and cause irritation.
3- Go Slow on Makeup!
If you are used to a full face of makeup, including a heavy base, concealer, and other products, you need to change this ASAP. Skip this routine and opt for a light tinted moisturizer or tinted sunscreen.
The humid conditions created by your mask can induce clogged pores if you put on too much makeup.
4- Take a Break
If you have to wear a mask for extended durations, then you can take a break and take off your mask in a safe area. A well-ventilated and less populated area can be the best place to take off your mask for a while and breathe at ease.
Dermatologists recommend removing the mask every 4 hours for 15 minutes when you’re in a safe area.
Essential Oils for Maskne
Essential oils are organic extracts with varied benefits. The question arises can the miracle extract play a role in minimizing maskne? The answer is Yes.
We have aligned all the best organic essential oils you can reach out for if maskne hits. Here are our popular essential oils to use
1- Tea Tree Essential Oil
The Most talked about oil for acne is Tea tree essential oil— also known as melaleuca oil. This oil is derived by steaming the leaves of the Australian tea tree. It is a superstar essential oil for calming pimples and blackheads. A study suggests that acne treatments formulated with tea tree oil are a common choice among self-treating people.
2- Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary is known for its exotic fragrance! However, this fragrant oil is excellent at managing sebum production. This keeps your pores clearer, giving your skin a much less oily appearance. It also helps calm any irritation or redness. So, it can be a good choice for acne-prone skin.
3- Cinnamon Essential Oil
The cinnamon you love on your toast, and your latte has more to it than you presume. It turns out cinnamon oil is good for more than just baking. It has substantial antioxidant properties that help fade the appearance of scars and blemishes. Its natural astringent properties help to minimize the appearance of scars and dark spots. These properties make it the a suitable essential oil to help with acne and dark spots.
4- Frankincense Essential oil
This oil is highly effective in calming any redness and irritation. Frankincense can be used If your skin is becoming red and textured due to prolonged mask-wearing. This essential oil can be a miracle product to save the day.
How to Use Essential Oils for Acne?
When used as a combo, these oils can be more beneficial for acne-prone skin. Many oils like peppermint and lavender oil can be used for pimples. We have formulated a blend more favorable for acne; the recipe is as follows.
Maskne Blend for Skin
Most people want an organic solution to their problems rather than reaching out for chemicals and drugs. Essential oils are wonderful extracts that provide organic solutions to various issues, including acne.
We have formulated an essential oil blend, especially for acne-prone skin, to avoid any of that pesky maskne. This is the best recipe for an essential oil blend for acne. Here goes:
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp Jojoba Carrier Oil
- 5 drops Tea Tree Essential oil
- 3 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
- 1 drop Rosemary essential oil
Steps to Follow:
- Add all ingredients to a serum bottle or a roll-on
- Mix by shaking the bottle steadily a few times
- Do not shake vigorously to avoid creating air bubbles
- Apply this blend with a cotton ball or directly on the individual spots or affected areas after your regular skincare routine
