Zoom university is back in session! As most of the country makes the return back to school, whether it be in-person or virtual, the excitement of a new school year is in the air. While the start of this new year doesn’t look like years past, there is still a feeling of opportunity and excitement for what’s to come. No matter the format of your return to class, you shouldn’t have to feel insecure about acne. Start the school year with your best face forward – acne-free and confident – with these tips to combat “maskne” and other pandemic-related breakout blues.

Maskne on Campus 

If your return to school is in-person, you likely have strict mandates on social distancing, wearing masks, and other safety guidelines. For many, this means wearing masks for much longer periods of time than they are used to. If you weren’t experiencing maskne before, this shift may trigger breakouts. While a proper skincare routine is always the best way to combat acne, there are a few tweaks you can make to your mask regimen to prevent these types of breakouts. 

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Choose the Right Fabric 

Not all masks are created equal. When it comes to beating maskne, the type of fabric you choose is almost as important as having a customized acne treatment. For both protection and acne prevention, double-layered cotton masks are a great option. 

Don’t Overwhelm Your Skin

Wearing a mask for an extended period of time can make it hard for the skin underneath to breathe. Add makeup or excessive skincare to the mix, and your skin is likely feeling smothered while you’re sitting through classes. This buildup can lead to pesky breakouts under the mask. To prevent overwhelming your skin, try to avoid wearing makeup on the parts of your face that go under the mask to allow some breathing room. 

Wash Often

It’s important to wash your face, but it’s equally as important to wash your mask. If you’re using disposable masks, be sure to dispose of them after 3 uses to ensure they are effectively protecting you against disease and effectively protecting your skin from acne. With a reusable mask, experts at John Hopkins Medicine recommend washing it as often as possible – preferably after each use. Doing so will keep your mask free of bacterias that may harm both your skin and your immune system.

Blemishes on Zoom

Even over Zoom, it is common to feel insecure about breakouts when the school year starts. The proper skincare routine can start you on the path to feeling confident on video calls, so you no longer feel the need to turn on the “Touch Up My Appearance” feature. 

Not sure where to start with Skincare? Acne Intelligence’s breakthrough technologies are easy to use, even for beginners, and give you a customized skincare routine developed to fit your skin’s unique needs. You can feel confident that your skincare routine is working, and put your best face forward (virtually). 

Skincare is a process. Knowing how to protect your skin from maskne as you head back to class can help set you on the path to clear, healthy skin and renewed confidence for the rest of the school year. Ready to get started with an acne-fighting routine that really works? Download the Acne Intelligence app for your free consultation and personalized regimen today.