Face masks are necessary right now, but they can cause problems with your skin, specifically breakouts. While they can be uncomfortable physically (and emotionally), they are important to wear so we can keep ourselves and others around us safe.

After wearing a face mast, here are six things you can do, at home, to make sure your skin remains bacteria-free.

1. Keep your mask clean. Wash in hot soapy water after EVERY use. This includes the disposable surgical masks.
2. The moisture from your breath being trapped is a breeding ground for bacteria. Be sure to cleanse your face thoroughly after wear and before going to bed.
3. Now is a great time to add a weekly clay mask as a pore purifying treatment. I personally like the Acu Mask from DMK (https://www.dannemking.com/product/acu-masque/?location=54%20Bolton%20Rd,%20Wayne,%20NJ%2007470,%20USA&radius=100)
4. Include make-up free days. Your face is pretty much covered already, so try to limit your foundation wear. Not having makeup will help to ward off breakouts since the masks will trap all moisture.
5. Friction can lead to irritation. Add a calming serum with Beta Glucan to reduce inflammation.
6. Adding an acid toner or mask with AHAs/BHAs to exfoliate will help to flush out pore while thoroughly exfoliating dead skin cells that cause breakouts.

To stay on top of your skincare regime, reach out to your local esthetician as many are offering delivery and curbside pickup of your favorite products. Many are also offering virtual consultations to help you navigate around your skincare needs.

Molly Lamb is the owner of Skin by Molly, Brooklyn’s #1 facial studio, and the senior account manager at DMK, a global paramedical skincare company. As a licensed esthetician, Molly’s love for skincare developed with her own skin struggles. She believes that beautiful skin comes from the inside out. Diet, genetics, and hormones all play a pivotal role in healthy skin.