Maskne and red scarring. What has worked for you?

Anonymous
I have recently been struggling with significant acne on my chin and cheeks, in the exact spots that my mask frames touch my face. I have been changing my mask frame and mask in the middle of the day, and I clean my mask frames daily, using face cleaner on them and then spraying them with rubbing alcohol before leaving them to dry.

I have a good skin care routine, but nothing seems to be helping to clear up my maskne, nor is anything helping to reduce the red scarring left by the acne.

I have tried multiple cleansers, including gentle ones, and I wash my face three times per day (morning, after work, and at night).

In the morning, after cleansing and using Biologique Recherche P50, I use Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen, though I don't wear sunscreen under my mask. (I also use eye cream and use under eye patches 3-4x/week, but that's unrelated to the acne).

At night, after cleansing and toning, I use retinol, rose hip or Vitamin E oil, and night cream.

I've tried traditional acne spot treatments such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and witch hazel, but none have made a difference. I've also tried not using ANY products on my lower cheeks and chin, but that hasn't helped, either.



Does anyone have any advice? What has worked for you?
Anonymous
Avene cicalfate. There is a thicker reparative cream and lighter emulsion version. The thick one is super soothing. It has zinc, copper, and some other stuff that both heal, protect, and give a barrier from all the moisture build up under the mask. The emulsion good too but lighter weight if you don’t need as much hydration and probably a lesser concentration of the zinc, copper and such
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Avene cicalfate. There is a thicker reparative cream and lighter emulsion version. The thick one is super soothing. It has zinc, copper, and some other stuff that both heal, protect, and give a barrier from all the moisture build up under the mask. The emulsion good too but lighter weight if you don’t need as much hydration and probably a lesser concentration of the zinc, copper and such


Thank you!
Anonymous
Disposable masks?
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Disposable masks?


I've tried both disposable and reusable (cloth). Both seem to cause issues for me. I feel as though I am 13 again, fighting pimples.
Anonymous
Maybe try silk masks? Less friction against the skin.

I have this and it wear with a food-grade silicone mask frame:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/828817071/triple-layer-silk-face-mask-with-insert?ref=shop_home_active_2&pro=1
Anonymous
I'm pretty sure that my maskne came from wearing the disposable blue surgical masks. I found an acne product with sulfur as the active ingredient and that cleared up the outbreak. Since then, I've been wearing reusable masks by Happy Mask and have had zero problems. What's great about the Happy Masks is that they sit out from my face -- and don't directly touch my skin except for the edges of the mask.

Sorry I don't remember the name of the product. I looked for something with sulfur in it because of a good experience I had in the past with a (now discontinued) product by philosophy. Overall, it was gentler on my skin, vs salicylic acid which is great, but drying.
Anonymous

Here's a link for the Happy Masks, if anyone is interested. I learned about them from someone on DCUM! So: major props to that OP for suggesting them!



https://www.happymasks.com/
Anonymous
Thank you!
Anonymous
I would cut out the P50 and use retin A instead
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I would cut out the P50 and use retin A instead


Plus the cicalfate
Anonymous
I think you have contact dermatitis and are overtreating it. Try this on a Friday night (or whenever you can be mask free for a period of time). Put diaper rash on the area and DO NOT TOUCH for several days. Let the skin repair itself. Read up on contact dermatitus. Cortisone might work too. My son had lick contact dermatitis during cold months so we did this around his mouth (had him eat carefully through straws) and by monday the rash was always gone.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I think you have contact dermatitis and are overtreating it. Try this on a Friday night (or whenever you can be mask free for a period of time). Put diaper rash on the area and DO NOT TOUCH for several days. Let the skin repair itself. Read up on contact dermatitus. Cortisone might work too. My son had lick contact dermatitis during cold months so we did this around his mouth (had him eat carefully through straws) and by monday the rash was always gone.


I will try that! Thank you!
Anonymous
I would go see a dermatologist. Many are now having in office visits and will be able to immediately tell you what is happening. I wish I had done that months ago!
Anonymous
Curology completely changed my skin for the better. You may need a topical antibiotic to disrupt the bacteria. My formula is tretinoin, clindamycin (antibiotic), and azelaic acid.

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