The term Maskne is a combination of two words: Mask and Acne. It is a new term, referring to the acne caused by wearing the mask for an extended period. This term Maskne was firstly introduced in 2020 (during the peak of pandemic Covid-19). Maskne or Mask Acne is caused by the pressure and friction exerted by wearing a mask constantly. The symptoms include rashes, swelling, irritation, itching, bumps, pigmentation, and severe acne. Sighs!!  It is quite painful and we can feel you. So here in this article you would get tips about how to cure your maskne naturally.

Treating Maskne with homemade natural items is highly recommended and beneficial, as they contain no harmful chemicals. Chemical products will have side effects and can make your acne even worse, whereas natural methods have no harmful effects. Keeping all this in view, we have found one of the best and excellent ways to treat Maskne at home and that is with the help of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbs.

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) herbs to cure Maskne:

The term TCM stands for Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is an alternative Chinese method that includes many therapies, massages, and natural herbs. TCM has been used for centuries and has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment when used correctly. We at Serenity TCM Beauty prefer these Natural TCM Skincare methods to other chemical-based treatments especially for sensitive skin and for long term use to allow our skin to self-heal and not subject it to too much harsh chemical treatments.

It would be helpful if you also make some changes to your lifestyle. Your lifestyle is all about what you see, eat, what you drink, and how you think. A happier inside will bring out a healthier outside skin. So, for healthy skin and to prevent and treat Maskne, you need the following steps in your daily routine:

10 Steps to Maskne-Free Skin

1. Drink lots of water

2. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables with lots of Vit A, C and E

3. Get enough sleep and go to bed before 11pm

4. Wear a clean mask each time and change masks more frequently

5. Ensure the face mask is not too tight, of good quality and doesn’t cause abrasion/allergy to your skin

6. Exercise daily to sweat it out and detox

7. Avoid oily food, junk or processed foods

8. Try to avoid spicy foods if possible

9. Stay away from negativity, and focus on the positive

10. Take time for self-care, smile and laugh more!

Other ways to cure Acne breakout- Apply a gentle yet effective acne/pimple treatment gel such as our gentle  Acne Treatment Gel which contains natural TCM herbs and natural active ingredients to prevent, treat unwanted Maskne and heal your skin:

1) Poria Cocos

It is extracted from Fu-Ling mushrooms, from the fungi family. It is very commonly used in TCM remedies to treat a wide range of illnesses and disorders. For skin, it helps regulate sebum production (natural oil or moisturizer produced by sebaceous glands of skin). It has anti-inflammatory agents that help to treat Maskne very efficiently. If Poria Cocos is used with consistency, then it tightens and firms your skin. It also makes your skin clearer and fresh-looking.

Poria Cocos is also found in our Renew collectionrange of products such as Renew Serum and Renew Mask.

2) Bletilla Striata

Bletilla Striata is also known as Chinese Ground Orchid. It grows wildly in the Southern and Eastern parts of China. This herb also has many benefits apart from treating acne. It helps to reduce swelling as it has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes the formation of tissues hence it helps in healing. It is also very helpful to stop bleeding at times.

3) White Peony Root

It boosts the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of your skin. It also helps to cure free radical decay caused by UV rays. It transforms dry and dull skin into bright and young skin. It promotes the production of natural oils in the skin and makes your skin crystal clear. And above all, it treats acne breakouts.

4) Mexican Mint

Mexican Mint or Indian Borage is also an amazing herb that helps to cure acne breakouts. It has anti-microbial and antioxidant agents. These agents suppress the acne-causing bacteria and thus helps you get rid of them. It is commonly used for detox, clearing toxins in the body, boosts immune system and even helps with eczema and psoriasis skin problems.

Other than TCM herbs, some of the commonly used natural active agents that help to cure Maskne include:

5) Salicylic Acid

Naturally sourced from willow tree bark, it cures acne by exfoliating your skin and by keeping the pores clear. Salicylic acid is best to treat mild acne, whiteheads, and blackheads. And the best thing is it also prevents future acne breakouts. When hair follicles get blocked by dirt, oil, or dead skin cells, acne does appear. Salicylic acid penetrates deep inside the skin to clear the blockage. And in this way, it cures Maskne.

6) Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains Lauric Acid that helps kill bacteria. It increases the moisture and reduces red acne scars. Coconut Oil is made up of Medium Chain Fatty Acids. 65% of coconut oil consists of Medium Chain Fatty Acids. And it has antimicrobial properties also. These antimicrobial agents help to kill the bacteria that causes acne. However, it is important to ensure the quality of coconut oil while applying it on skin.

7) Camphor

Camphor is a natural product derived from the wood of the Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora L.) tree. Its fragrance is very strong but also quite comforting. Camphor has antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. Also, it reduces irritation, itching, and inflammation and promotes blood circulation to the skin to improve healing. It kills bacteria that causes acne. Apart from curing acne, it also moisturizes your skin and makes it fresh.

8) Lactic Acid

It was found from milk and helps decrease pores appearance and helps smoothens the rough and dry skin while improves skin texture and makes it soft. Lactic acid gently exfoliates your skin and makes it brighter. It helps to minimize pigmentation. Lactic acid kills bacteria, reduces acne, increased cell turnover, boosts hydration and makes your skin glow. It is a better choice for people with sensitive skin compared to other types of acids such as glycolic acid.

9) Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3, generally found in nuts, seeds and vegetables. It helps build new cells and protects them from stress, sunlight, pollution, and other hazardous environmental effects. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce acne breakouts.

Clear Spot Acne Treatment Gel:

Our amazing Acne Treatment Gel contains activated ingredients. These ingredients help to cure acne breakouts and Maskne. All the above mentioned TCM skincare herbs and other constituents are important active ingredients of our Clear Spot Acne Treatment Gel. This gel will solve all your facial problems including Maskne, dullness, redness and it will make your skin crystal clear and glowing.

The bottom line is if you take proper care of yourself both inside and out, you will keep Maskne at bay very soon. So, follow all the tips mentioned above and do not forget to apply Acne Treatment Gel for gentle yet effective healing. As it will make your skin shine like a star, and you will feel great!

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/maskne

https://nextstepsinderm.com/derm-topics/how-to-treat-face-mask-acne-maskne/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/maskne

https://www.everydayhealth.com/acne/maskne-is-the-latest-skin-problem-here-s-how-to-prevent-or-get-rid-of-it/