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I’ve still got a few posts from last year that need finishing, but this one about dealing with blemishes seems quite timely. The issue of mask-induced acne, or “maskne,” continues to be a problem for some people, particularly those who have to wear protective face gear for extended periods. It might not be as widespread as some brands suggest, but keeping your face covered for long periods could lead to skin issues. Even if you’re just occasionally wearing a cloth mask, you might notice a clammy feeling around your mouth, nose, and chin when you take it off. This doesn’t always lead to breakouts; sometimes you might experience dryness, flakiness, or no noticeable changes. If you do have that clammy feeling, the following tips might help.
Here are three of the best beauty products to help with breakouts, suitable for different budgets. I’ve actually added a few more items since I first drafted this post and created a related video last autumn; you’ll find those at the end of the piece. Salicylic acid is a good ingredient for deep-cleaning your pores, but proceed cautiously if your skin tends to be dry and always follow up with a good moisturizer. If you’re wary of using oils, I recommend the oil-free Toleriane Fluid, which has been a staple in my skincare routine for many years.
Now, onto the top three picks:
1. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, starting at £10 online: This exfoliant is easy to use – just apply it and leave it on. It helps keep your pores clear and doesn’t feel harsh. I use it once a day, usually in the morning during my PMT week, to help control breakouts. It doesn’t dry out my skin, but there are various versions if you want to explore other options in the same range.
2. The Ordinary Salicylic 2% Masque, £9: This deep-treatment mask cleanses and purifies without causing a burning sensation. Unlike some intense clay masks, you won’t need a fan or cold compress while using it. I apply it occasionally during PMT weeks or whenever my skin feels like it needs it. You can use it once or twice a week if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
3. Kate Somerville EradiKate, £52: I’ve tried many spot treatments, but this works effectively and quickly without causing major side effects like flaking or peeling. It’s designed as an all-over lotion but is potent enough for targeted use. It contains salicylic acid and retinol in a lightweight cream, unlike the older version with the pink dip-in lotion.
For those looking for something more budget-friendly for all-over use, La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Duo+ is still a great option at £17. They’ve also recently launched a new serum that combines salicylic, LHA, and glycolic acids. I haven’t tried it yet, so if you have, let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Lastly, I recommend adding the Active Clay Cleanser from Dermalogica, priced at £35, to your blemish-fighting toolkit. It’s a gentler alternative to the Salicylic Masque I mentioned earlier. I used it daily for about a month, and my skin felt thoroughly clean without any tightness or dryness. I’d leave it on for a minute or two because it just seemed like the right thing to do, and now it’s a favorite in my nightly skincare routine.
There’s a video that goes along with this post available in the IGTV section of my Instagram page. Enjoy watching!
