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the.curlfriend

Mask-ne and How to Combat It

Updated: Jan 25, 2022


Let’s talk my new skincare routine to create clearer skin!

Well, for one I have oily skin and dry skin—combination skin, if you will—so when wearing masks it absolutely festers small oil-filled papules that come to a head within a few days.


This not only affects my cheeks hidden under the mask but my whole face too!


Although mask-ne or acne encouraged by the covering or your face due to masks, seems like it would only affect the area it’s cover, it won’t!


At least, for me I’ve experienced increased breakouts and skin irritation all over my face over the past year and a half. And, this is coming from someone who really never had acne prior to the pandemic.


And acne for brown skin can = dark spots *cries*

So I had to figure out how to support my skin during this time through different routines and products 🙌🏽


Mostly this changed how I take care of my skin at night, so let’s review my nighttime and minimal morning routine!


Note: Pssstt. My favorite soap to wash my face with is The Yellow Bird’s Ecuylptus Tea Tree Shampoo bar and my fave fave new way to wash my face (every other day) is by using my new silicone facial scrubber tool—makes my skin super smooth)!


Morning Routine:


Y'all I'm not even going to lie. I really just wash my face without following up with anything but sunscreen because I take the doggo out and need to wear a mask.


I found using my hydrating lotions before going out with a mask was causing more mask-ne!


But for my night routine, now that is where the fun begins, hehe.

Night Routine:

After washing my face, I switch up what comes next (product-wise) based on the day of the week.


(I legit never had a skincare routine before, until now, so I feel so nice and boujie lol.)

  1. Gently exfoliating with a naturally lightening product to help with dark spots and removing dead skin cells helps me prepare my skin for my products coming next!

    1. I use Terra Essentials Tumeric Face & Body Scrub.

    2. I do this about 1-2 times a week prior to a mask! (Usually Monday and Thursday)

  2. Applying an enriching mask that evens tones and targets dark spots is one of the best things I've decided to do.

    1. OR sometimes I use a mask that helps remove buildup within the pores. When using the Gleamin’ Vitamin C Mask or my Bentonite Clay Mask, I follow up with my dark spot serum by Burt’s Bees about 2-3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday).

    2. For the Bentonite Clay Mask, I use about 3 tablespoons of Health &. Beauty Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay mixed with about 2 tablespoons with Bragg Organic Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother—that's the good stuff in the apple cider vinegar)!

  3. Using a light / natural and potent serum to lighten dark spots (with this product) is the best thing ever.

    1. I use the Burt's Bees Dark Spot Corrector serum about 3-4 times a week depending (usually following me doing the Vitamin C mask) I found it’s great as a light moisturizer but also as a targeted spot treatment. I’ll put a dollop on my finger and dot my dark spots only and that seems to work the best!

  4. Applying a hydrating lotion—sometimes. I have oily but also dry skin so I use Terra Essentials Facial Cream or Burt’s Bees Retinol Alternative cream around my eyes and any other places on my skin that I’m experiencing are dry.


Some Helpful Tips:

  1. I also wash my reusable mask every other or every 2-days to decrease bacteria, especially after I wear it out for the majority of the day.

  2. I change my pillowcases every few days, or wash them and replace them!

    1. (I also have two pillows so I switch them up every night, so I'm not sleeping on the same pillow constantly.)

  3. And, I change my headscarf every few days as well, regardless if my hair is clean (of course after wash day I put on a clean one—ha)! But doing this can reduce the amount of oil buildup on my face and pillows when I sleep!


I'll have some unedited and unfiltered before and afters of my skin for you all soon too—because I really haven't ever seen a natural dark spot corrector like Burt's Bees, work so quickly!


And, if you haven't already, check out my skincare reel to see my routine in action!


Until next time,

The Curlfriend


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