Here are some home remedies to get rid of 'maskne'

Now that masks are more or less part of our daily lives, they pose a new problem: mask acne, dubbed by many as "maskne."

In an episode of "Good News," aesthetic dermatologist Dr. Ivy Sapanghila said this is due to the humidity or heat that builds up when you're wearing a mask.

"It builds up moisture inside the mask, pinapawisan. At the same time, pag matagal mo siyang sinusuot, it's a breeding place for bacteria to grow," she said.

If you're suffering from maskne, try these home remedies:

1. Steaming

At night, before you cleanse your face, pour hot water into a bowl and steam your face for 15 to 20 minutes.

Sapanghila said acne is caused by blocked pores, so opening them with steam is a good idea.

"Para malinis natin and to remove that bacteria causing the acne. Kaya natin ginagawa 'yun to cleanse the skin at a deeper level," she said.

Additionally, the steam can improve blood circulation which can produce collagen and elastin for healthy and young-looking skin.

After steaming, wait for a few minutes before proceeding with your cleansing routine.

2. Try garlic!

Take a piece of garlic and slice off the ends. Gently rub the garlic on the pimple or affected area. Do this for five minutes before washing it off.

Garlic contains antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties. It also contains zinc that controls facial oil.

To avoid irritation, try rubbing the garlic on a smaller area first. If it stings too much, wash it off with water.

3. Homemade mask

You can also try this all-natural mask made of egg whites and aloe vera. Mix the two ingredients in a bowl and apply the concoction on your face and leave it on for 30 minutes.

"It's more of moisturizing effect sa skin," Sapanghila said. "Saka lifting, tightening. One way to lift off the dirt in the pores."

Egg whites have an enzyme called lysozyme, which eliminates acne-causing bacteria. Aloe vera, meanwhile, helps with redness and irritation.

You can use the mask two to three times a week.

PREVENTION

If maskne isn't a problem for you yet, but you want to avoid it, here are things for you to keep in mind:

1. Wash your hands and face before and after wearing a face mask

You might notice that the lower half of your face is sweaty once you remove your face mask. After discarding the mask in a safe place, wash your hands and then your face.

If you are unable to wash your face, at least pat it dry with a clean cloth.

2. Change your face mask every four hours

Surgical masks are effective for a day, but if you're more concerned about the state of your skin, consider replacing your mask every four hours.

Before putting in a new one, make sure to wipe the sweat off your skin.

3. Wash your cloth masks after every use

If you wear cloth masks, it's important to wash them after every use to get rid of all the germs and bacteria.

If they have filters, replace those too.

"The skin is the first line of defense," Sapanghila said. "When there's a break or the skin has irritation, that's a problem you have to address, and it will limit you from wearing these masks." —JCB, GMA News