How to Prevent Maskne
This isn’t a new phenomenon, but it is a new means of this type of breakout. This acne is called occlusive acne, and it is the result of particles, grime, sweat, and other debris being trapped inside the pores—as a direct result of something pressing against the skin for long periods of time. And, it’s doubly risky when something unclean is pressed against the skin.
We get occlusive acne from any number of things, like pillowcases, ballcaps, helmets, cell phones, and even from touching our own faces. The mask is a new addition to that list, at least for most of us.
Suddenly, that mask is serving two purposes: to prevent the spread of germs, and to conceal your pimples. So, how can you prevent maskne in the first place, and how can you treat it?
How to Treat and Prevent Occlusive Acne
Follow these tips to prevent breakouts, and minimize existing occlusive pimples. Apply the same logic to other situations, like sweaty ballcaps and dirty pillowcases, to prevent occlusive breakouts across the board.
TIPS TO PREVENT MASKNE
1. Keep your face clean: Wash your face twice daily, at least. And wash it again after any intense bouts of sweating, like after a workout or on a hot summer day. You don’t want to overwash when it’s not necessary, but cleansing is imperative to do first thing in the morning, and again before bed, in the very least. (It also helps keep those pillowcases clean, though you should wash them weekly, too.) This will flush away any of the grime that gathers in the skin, and should minimize concerns for daytime mask wear. Use a deep-cleansing, gentle cleanser, like Cardon’s, which utilizes clay to extract impurities from deep within the pores.
See also: Face Wash 101: Finding the write cleanser for your skin
2. Do a cleansing mask once a week: Speaking of cleansing clay, you should also do a clay face mask once a week (after an evening cleanse), to soak up any pore-clogging oils and impurities that have taken residence deep within the skin. Clay is also a terrific spot treatment on any fresh pimples, to soak up the sebum and dry out the comedon.
3. Wear a clean mask: Unless the insides of your pockets or backpack are clean, then you’re probably not wearing a clean mask. Secondly, after wearing it once, you’ve breathed all kinds of germs on the material, not to mention touched it all over with your fingers. So, you need to wash (or replace) your mask frequently, or else you’re pressing a dirty, bacteria-riddled piece of fabric against your skin, and are essentially inviting havoc.
Cloth masks can be easily washed by hand—use your favorite body wash or hand soap for the task, then let it dry overnight. Rinse it well, though, because you don’t want any dried or fragrant soap left on the cloth, which can then irritate the skin and cause its own unique problems. Try washing your mask every couple days, or getting a bulk pack of disposable one-day masks. And it’s also worth considering how frequently you was your pants or backpacks, too (however you tote the mask). Perhaps you could stow the mask in a ziplock between uses. Do whatever you can to minimize the buildup of bacteria on your face, just as you should wash your caps, helmets, or pillowcases—or even wash your hands before touching your face.
TIPS TO TREAT MASKNE
1. Seek salicylic acid: Find a pimple patch or serum with salicylic acid (used as frequently as directed), in order to dissolve dead skin cells and further flush out the pores. Besides clay’s extracting and absorbing powers, salicylic acid is the best ingredient for keeping skin clear thanks to its ability to zap away intruders and leave skin clear. Like clay, salicylic acid is also a terrific spot treatment for pimples, to help dry it out from the inside, without needing to break the surface of the skin. (It’s especially great for those hard, sensitive papules that are embedded deep in the skin. Don’t press on them, and treat them with salicylic acid for a couple days; it’ll work like magic to empty and deflate the blemish.)
2. Wear a restorative nighttime moisturizer: Whether you have acne or simply want to fortify the skin against blemishes, one other way is to give a boost to your bedtime skincare regimen. Use a moisturizer that focuses on restoration and repair, with ingredients like niacinamide, cactus extract, and rosehip oil. Cardon put all three into its gel moisturizer to promote smoothness, prevent oil buildup, and improve cellular turnover while you rest—which is the most opportune time of the day to rejuvenate the body.
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Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
$29.00
3. Prevent discoloration with SPF. This is more of a bonus tip regarding acne scars. If you have acne and it’s exposed to the sun, you want to make sure to wear an SPF moisturizer over top, as well as over the dark spot that remains once it deflates. Doing so will prevent discoloration from the sun, which might otherwise preserve that dark mark for months to come.
Shop the collection
Prickly Pimple Patch
good for:
2021 Esquire Grooming Award Winner
Zit happens, so we made the Prickly Pimple Patch, your one-step solution for pesky breakouts. Soft dissolving microneedles go where no pimple cream has gone before—delivering acne-fighting ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Cica directly to the site of the inflammation and target acne dark spots. Works on ingrown hairs too!
“I applied the patch to a few raised bumps that appear to be clogged pores. Overnight one was significantly reduced while the other seems to have disappeared. Easy process and highly effective.” - Todd S.
Prickly Pimple Patch
good for:
2021 Esquire Grooming Award Winner
Zit happens, so we made the Prickly Pimple Patch, your one-step solution for pesky breakouts. Soft dissolving microneedles go where no pimple cream has gone before—delivering acne-fighting ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Cica directly to the site of the inflammation and target acne dark spots. Works on ingrown hairs too!
“I applied the patch to a few raised bumps that appear to be clogged pores. Overnight one was significantly reduced while the other seems to have disappeared. Easy process and highly effective.” - Todd S.
Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes
good for:
After a long, busy day you just want to sit back, relax, and crack open—our biodegradable Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes.
Wipe the stress and grime away with our Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes, which use PHAs and caffeine to unclog pores, balance pH, and soothe the skin all in one easy step. No water needed.
Due to demand, this product is temporarily out of stock. Click "Notify Me" below to be the first to know when it's back!
Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes
good for:
After a long, busy day you just want to sit back, relax, and crack open—our biodegradable Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes.
Wipe the stress and grime away with our Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes, which use PHAs and caffeine to unclog pores, balance pH, and soothe the skin all in one easy step. No water needed.
Due to demand, this product is temporarily out of stock. Click "Notify Me" below to be the first to know when it's back!
Daily SPF + Moisturizer
good for:
We’re playing favorites—this is the #1 most important step in your skincare routine. Stave off sun damage for healthy, youthful skin for years to come with our Daily SPF + Moisturizer, acclaimed best lightweight moisturizer with SPF by GQ!
Its fast-absorbing, lightweight formula uses Cactus and Chia Seed Extract to provide all-day hydration, plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to protect against UVA and UVB rays with ZERO residue or white cast.
“After trying several different brands, I finally found a product I like. It's lightweight, not sticky, and has a very subtle, fresh scent. Will definitely order again. I highly recommend this product.” - Sara T.
Daily SPF + Moisturizer
good for:
We’re playing favorites—this is the #1 most important step in your skincare routine. Stave off sun damage for healthy, youthful skin for years to come with our Daily SPF + Moisturizer, acclaimed best lightweight moisturizer with SPF by GQ!
Its fast-absorbing, lightweight formula uses Cactus and Chia Seed Extract to provide all-day hydration, plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to protect against UVA and UVB rays with ZERO residue or white cast.
“After trying several different brands, I finally found a product I like. It's lightweight, not sticky, and has a very subtle, fresh scent. Will definitely order again. I highly recommend this product.” - Sara T.
Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
good for:
Like a night cap for your skin, our Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer is the ideal way to finish your evening.
This 3-in-1 gel moisturizer uses Cactus Extract and Rosehip Oil to put in the work while you snooze—hydrating, soothing, and repairing your skin all night long.
“This easily became part of my nightly routine. I've started to notice my face looking healthier and smoother. As a 32 y/o, you start to notice wrinkles creeping in, this helps me keep them at bay.” - Andrew S.
Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
good for:
Like a night cap for your skin, our Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer is the ideal way to finish your evening.
This 3-in-1 gel moisturizer uses Cactus Extract and Rosehip Oil to put in the work while you snooze—hydrating, soothing, and repairing your skin all night long.
“This easily became part of my nightly routine. I've started to notice my face looking healthier and smoother. As a 32 y/o, you start to notice wrinkles creeping in, this helps me keep them at bay.” - Andrew S.
AWARD
Vital Body Wash
good for:
Step up your shower game with the Vital Body Wash, an energizing, body-acne clearing emulsion and 2022 GQ Grooming Award Winner!
The active lather uses natural, non-stripping ingredients like Green Tea and Sea Buckthorn to deeply cleanse, tackle breakouts, and combat body odor. The invigorating woody fragrance blend will make your skin smell as good as it looks.
“This body wash gets the job done! It cleans you thoroughly without drying out your skin. You smell fresh and clean, not perfumed. And as always with Cardon... a little goes a long way.” - Troy H.
Vital Body Wash
good for:
Step up your shower game with the Vital Body Wash, an energizing, body-acne clearing emulsion and 2022 GQ Grooming Award Winner!
The active lather uses natural, non-stripping ingredients like Green Tea and Sea Buckthorn to deeply cleanse, tackle breakouts, and combat body odor. The invigorating woody fragrance blend will make your skin smell as good as it looks.
“This body wash gets the job done! It cleans you thoroughly without drying out your skin. You smell fresh and clean, not perfumed. And as always with Cardon... a little goes a long way.” - Troy H.
NEW
NEW
Cleanse + Refresh Set
good for:
Hit refresh! The Cleanse + Refresh Set gives you the ultimate cleanse from head to toe with highly-effective skincare-grade formulas. Strengthening Shampoo boosts hair volume, Vital Body Wash fights dryness and breakouts, and Purifying Clay Cleanser keeps your skin clear and balanced. It's the perfect set for a fresh, confident look every day!
Pro tip: Use Purifying Clay Cleanser as a spot treatment for pimples or pore-clearing clay mask. Apply to the affected area or the full face and rinse off after 10 minutes.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 03 Vital Body Wash
Get 30% OFF your first set subscription $53 $37.10 with code FIRSTSET
Cleanse + Refresh Set
good for:
Hit refresh! The Cleanse + Refresh Set gives you the ultimate cleanse from head to toe with highly-effective skincare-grade formulas. Strengthening Shampoo boosts hair volume, Vital Body Wash fights dryness and breakouts, and Purifying Clay Cleanser keeps your skin clear and balanced. It's the perfect set for a fresh, confident look every day!
Pro tip: Use Purifying Clay Cleanser as a spot treatment for pimples or pore-clearing clay mask. Apply to the affected area or the full face and rinse off after 10 minutes.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 03 Vital Body Wash
Get 30% OFF your first set subscription $53 $37.10 with code FIRSTSET
Purifying Clay Cleanser
good for:
Due to demand, this product is temporarily out of stock. Preorder today! Estimated to ship October 21st.
The Purifying Clay Cleanser dares to answer the question: “what if you combined a detoxifying clay mask with a hydrating face wash?”
Our 2x Ask Men Grooming award-winning cleanser uses Cactus Extract and a Tri-Clay blend to remove excess oil and cleanse skin deeply from the grime of the day, never leaving skin feeling dry or tight. Powerful ingredients, yet gentle enough for daily use.
“The best face wash I have found for my oily, sensitive, acne-prone skin! With continued use, I've even seen a drastic reduction of oily shine on my face after long days in the office! Thank you, Cardon!” - Steve C.
Purifying Clay Cleanser
good for:
Due to demand, this product is temporarily out of stock. Preorder today! Estimated to ship October 21st.
The Purifying Clay Cleanser dares to answer the question: “what if you combined a detoxifying clay mask with a hydrating face wash?”
Our 2x Ask Men Grooming award-winning cleanser uses Cactus Extract and a Tri-Clay blend to remove excess oil and cleanse skin deeply from the grime of the day, never leaving skin feeling dry or tight. Powerful ingredients, yet gentle enough for daily use.
“The best face wash I have found for my oily, sensitive, acne-prone skin! With continued use, I've even seen a drastic reduction of oily shine on my face after long days in the office! Thank you, Cardon!” - Steve C.
Cardon Products Are
Easy to Use
We never create two products when we can achieve the same results with one. Cardon products are designed to be easy to use every day.
Backed By Korean Innovation
Korean R&D is two decades ahead of the rest of the world. Cardon products use the highest quality, most effective ingredients out there.
Non-Toxic
Finally, an ingredient label you can feel good about. Every ingredient in Cardon products is good for your skin, and easy on the mind.