“it’s sort of the perfect storm for acne — a bit extra sweat and humidity, mixed with one’s regular facial oil (sebum) and a bit of surface bacteria,” says dr. renée a. beach, a board certified dermatologist in toronto. “the congestion of the mask, even if a lighter material like cotton, provides the last factor to promote acne — plugs of dead skin cell, oil and a bit of bacteria in our pores.”
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another potential trigger is what you clean your mask with. most people forget that laundry detergent can also bring on breakouts, so choose a non-scented option with clean ingredients whenever possible, and wash your cloth face mask regularly. also, don’t forget about mental health and the role it plays in keeping your mind calm and your skin clear. there’s a well-established link between stress and skin health, and a ton of research to prove it.
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