Mask-ne. One of the many things we had no idea we’d have to worry about in 2020. I hope I don’t need to say that, obviously, this is not one of the most important things in this insane and tumultuous year. But, it is nevertheless a thing that many of us have to deal with. I work in a retail environment and, besides counting my blessings that I have had a job through all of this, I am also masked for most of my day. As the bearer of sensitive and acne prone skin in a non-pandemic year, this situation has wreaked some havoc on my skin. Besides spraying my mask periodically with 70% isopropyl alcohol (which really does wonders), here are some skin saving tips I have found during the last few months. 

Lipstick, In Memoriam (for now) — It hurts my makeup loving self to say this, but, one of the biggest things you can do to help prevent irritation and acne from your mask is to put away the makeup. Heavy foundations and lipstick, while they may bring us joy, aren’t doing any favors to skin already trapped in the moist (sorry) and stuffy environment created by our masks. Trading your full coverage foundation for a tinted SPF (I love the Paula’s Choice Super-Light Wrinkle Defence) or only wearing your favorite red lipstick when you can go maskless can do a lot to help keep those bumps, spots, and rashes at bay.

Soothe — If you’re anything like me, you might be finding that your skin is extra sensitive right now. While I had built my skin up to love a nightly dose of a higher percentage BHA toner, I have recently opted for a gentler option every other night. This helps keep my skin clear and smooth without adding any extra potential irritation (the Wishtrend Mandelic Acid Water Skin Prep is really coming through for me right now). If I’m looking for a little #selflove masking, instead of a harsher acne fighting mask I may have used in the past, I’ve been reaching for the First Aid Beauty Pharma Arnica Relief and Rescue Mask. It just feels so soothing and calming, long after I wash it off. To help keep my skin balanced, I’ve fallen completely in love with Nolaskinsentials Barrier Boosting Kiwi Essence. The product is amazing and the company is clean, cruelty free, vegan, black and women owned with a recycling program. What more could you want? (Besides 2020 to be over, of course.) 

Be A Little Boring — Letting go (for now) of the flashy, sexy products and going for super gentle, unscented, only-what-skin-needs ingredients may help out in the long run. So let’s talk Cerave. I’ve been a fan of the brand for years and their no frills, just-good-for-your-skin approach. I’ve strayed recently because, well, shiny new things, but I’m back on the Cerave train, baby. The Cerave “in the tub” is a holy grail for many but I prefer the PM moisturizer and have repurchased it countless times. The whole line is chock full of good moisturizing ingredients and ceramides without potential irritants, fragrance, or other things that aim to make skin care more, well, fun. If I need an extra boost of soothing, I have been loving the Klair’s Midnight Blue Calming Cream. Klair’s is a fantastic Korean brand with basic but effective products that are both vegan and cruelty free.

These are some tricks that have really worked well for me. Of course, we are all different and your experience might be the exact opposite of mine. However, if mask-ne has been troubling you in this new normal, you might give these tips a go. I hope you all stay well, stay sane, and stay safe!

 About The Author

Emma is a skin care and makeup enthusiast who is passionate about finding quality and affordable cruelty free products. She currently works as a graphic designer and engraver at The Savory Grape in East Greenwich and has had a lot of fun learning more about wine! Follow her on the Gram at @emmanajia if you’re interested in what she’s eating, drinking, and putting on her face.