We get it: wearing a face mask [1] isn't exactly ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin, but it's essential if you want to keep yourself and those around you healthy. Oftentimes when masks [2] are worn for long periods of time, the friction can cause breakouts or serious irritation [3]. The-oh-so dreaded maskne is hard to avoid [4], especially when you're breathing and sweating into a mask all day (summer, we love you but it's too damn hot). Unfortunately, overwashing your face and attempting to dry it out to dodge pimples can do more harm than good. It can create flakes, bumps, and everything in between.
On the bright side, there are a handful of recommended products and practices to keep skin healthy even under a mask. After cleansing, experts suggest you use a lightweight moisturiser [5] to hydrate your face. "Hyaluronic acid facial moisturisers can help," board-certified dermatologist Harold Lancer [6], MD, told POPSUGAR. And when that's not enough, "a triple antibacterial ointment like Neosporin can be applied, when necessary, to the affected area," said Dr. Lancer. If your skin is struggling with major irritation, applying a soothing beauty salve could be your saving grace.
Beauty salves are designed to hydrate and repair even the driest, most irritated skin. They get to work on everything from flaky spots to eczema to psoriasis. Not to mention, salves are also super versatile in the sense that they can be used to smooth flyaways, highlight the skin [7], or soothe sunburns. Because they're usually made with waxes and oils, they tend to be heavier and might feel semi-solid than your average moisturiser.
If your face is suffering from mask irritation, it's time to indulge your skin in a salve. Read ahead to see some of our favourites.
— Additional reporting by Tori Crowther
BYBI Beauty Babe Balm
This all-natural, vegan BYBI Beauty Babe Balm [9] (£18) is formulated with ingredients like shea butter and vegan fruit wax, which help to soften rough areas of skin while also forming a protective barrier to lock in moisture. It contains coenzyme Q10 and hibiscus oil, both of which can prevent textural skin issues like stretch marks and extreme dryness.
Farmacy Honey Saviour All-in-One Skin Repair Salve
Made with an antioxidant-rich honey, amino acids, and vitamins A, B, C, and E, this Farmacy Honey Saviour All-in-One Skin Repair Salve [10] (£32) has the ability to cure and protect dry and dull skin. Use it for irritation, sunburns, and more.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Balm
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Balm [11] (£7.50) does exactly what it promises: instantly soothes irritated skin. This balm will moisturiser even the most angry of skins, thanks to its cocktail of restoring ingredients, including vitamin B5, madecassoside, glycerin, and shea butter.
Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream
Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream [12] (£29) truly is magic. This nifty all-rounder is perfect to store in your medicine cabinet to help soothe irritated skin and chapped lips.
Ameliorate Intensive Skin Therapy Treatment
Ameliorate Intensive Skin Therapy Treatment [13] (£15) has a thick yet creamy texture that, when moisturised into the skin, instantly hydrates the skin and provides relief. The clever formula contains lactic so that you don't need to worry about clogging pores while repairing dry, angry skin. However, it does contain fragrance, which is something to bear in mind if you're sensitive to that.
Pixi Rose Flash Balm
If your skin isn't suffering from very sore patches but rather feels lacklustre, there's only one thing for it: Pixi Rose Flash Balm [14] (£26). It contains rose (obviously!), which acts as an anti-inflammatory and calms skin, and bisabolol, which also calms and soothes. It can be used as a makeup primer, moisturiser, or mask.
REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm
If you're looking for a balm that will fit seamlessly into your current skincare routine, REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm [15] (£40) is just that. It contains olive, almond, borage, and linseed oil, in addition to jojoba and sunflower oil to moisturise and support a healthy skin barrier. Plus, if you have sensitive skin, this is free from parabens and alcohol, and is contains 100 percent natural fragrance.