As 2020 and 2021 have brought us a year filled with stressful situations: COVID-19, stringent lockdowns, elections, the economy, TikTok almost getting banned...the list goes on and on. But one of the most stressful things? A new breed of acne adorably dubbed ‘maskne’, or acne caused by your face mask. Wait. No. That’s the internet's name for it. The actual technical term is ‘acne mechanicha’ which is the same name as Transformers upcoming 2021 product release. 

Increased breakouts around the bottom half of your face, where a mask usually protects you from spreading germs (and decreases the spread of COVID-19!), is a sure sign of maskne.

So, what happens is: the occlusive nature (seal-it-in-ability) of face masks, the friction and moisture they create, are the perfect breeding ground for breakouts, flare-ups, inflammation, and irritation. 

Maskne is hittin’ everyone these days. Two of our Bombi test panel members share their own experience with it and how they are trying to fight it off:

As 2020 and 2021 have brought us a year filled with stressful situations: COVID-19, stringent lockdowns, elections, the economy, TikTok almost getting banned...the list goes on and on. But one of the most stressful things? A new breed of acne adorably dubbed ‘maskne’, or acne caused by your face mask. Wait. No. That’s the internet's name for it. The actual technical term is ‘acne mechanicha’ which is the same name as Transformers upcoming 2021 product release. 

Increased breakouts around the bottom half of your face, where a mask usually protects you from spreading germs (and decreases the spread of COVID-19!), is a sure sign of maskne.

So, what happens is: the occlusive nature (seal-it-in-ability) of face masks, the friction and moisture they create, are the perfect breeding ground for breakouts, flare-ups, inflammation, and irritation. 

Maskne is hittin’ everyone these days. Two of our Bombi test panel members share their own experience with it and how they are trying to fight it off:

What are your struggles with Maskne?

Mathilda: Maskne has been a major bummer lately! Wearing a mask regularly for the past 1.5 year has definitely taken a toll on my skin. I've noticed that my skin produces a lot more oil and my pores seem more clogged from wearing a mask daily. I'm mostly experiencing occasional breakouts on my chin and jaw area which I’ve hadn’t experienced before.

How do you try and solve your maskne issues? 

Mathilda: To combat my maskne woes I have been using the Bombi 3-step routine as a test panel member for the past 3 months! I make sure I minimise makeup. Or at least pare it back to give my skin the best chance of breathing. I’m consistent and gentle with my daily care routine, making sure to keeping it balanced, hydrated and soothed. I wash my mask(s) regularly (more than you think) to ensure I’m not trapping existing dirt and bacteria onto my skin and, y’know, because it’s clean.

What keeps you staying confident and proud of your skin?

Mathilda: What keeps me confident is wearing a smile and remembering that my maskne is NOT permanent! It's just something that I have to go through. For me, it’s not about having perfect skin, it’s about being confident in the IMPROVEMENT of my skin :)

What are your struggles with maskne?

Joyce: Unfortunately prior to even covid times and needing to wear a mask, I struggled with occasional adult acne but now I seem to be struggling with clogged pores and black heads more often. 

How do you try and solve your maskne issues?

Joyce: I’ve been introduced by a friend to participate in the Bombi 3-step routine test panel and was lucky enough it helped solve my more occasional acne blemishes. Implementing the 3 basic steps in my daily care regimen, prevents the clogging of my pores and ultimately minimizes the chance of black heads. 

What keeps you staying confident and proud of your skin?

Joyce: I have realized that skin struggles and acne specifically are common for everyone. I should not allow a little blemish to keep me from being proud of who I am.