Skin Experts Say This Is the Best Way to Stop Mask-Induced Breakouts

If you’re breaking out right now, just know that you are not alone. In fact, virtually everyone I know is struggling to keep their skin in check. Despite the fact that cold weather and central heating–induced skin issues are naturally more prominent at this time of year (hello, dryness and irritation), this winter, our skin has even more to deal with—most notably, face masks and coverings.

The term maskne has hit the big time in recent months, with many of us experiencing severe breakouts around our mouths as a result of wearing face coverings. Despite brands marketing new products specifically for the issue, after months of trying to find something to get our maskne in check, it’s safe to say that the majority are still struggling—and I can relate. At the moment, it seems that all it takes is one 10-minute trip to the supermarket for my mouth area to break out in angry spots. That was until I picked up a bottle of Clinisoothe+'s Skin Purifier after I saw a number of my favourite skin experts recommending it on social media.

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Trust me. I’ve tried basically every beauty product out there that promises to combat maskne, but none of them have managed to do what Clinisoothe+ does. While moisturisers, drying treatments, and cleansers help to treat existing breakouts, Clinisoothe+ is the only product I have tried that actually prevents them. And really, I’m annoyed I didn’t try it sooner. You see, skin experts have been recommending Clinisoothe+ (otherwise known as Clinisept) for breakouts and acne for as long as I can remember, but as someone who doesn’t suffer from regular acne, only now am I really seeing its magic.

First and foremost, Skin Purifier is a hypochlorous facial mist that offers antimicrobial protection (which essentially means it kills off all of the bad bacteria that breeds underneath our face masks). Unlike other mists, which offer little more than a hydrating refresh, this stuff is no-frills. Simply spritz it onto the skin before and after you put your mask on (and after cleansing morning and night to help tackle general breakouts) and go about your business without fear of breakout-inducing bacteria being trapped underneath.

So what’s the catch? Usually, solutions that work to banish bacteria in this way are incredibly harsh on the skin, upsetting its natural pH balance and leading to dryness and irritation. However, Clinisoothe+'s product is specially formulated with a skin-neutral pH and is great for sensitive skin, too. (I can vouch for that.) Sure, it doesn’t come with any of the self-care, mind-calming benefits of normal face mists, but trust me when I say this stuff works.

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Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous.

Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics.

While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best.

When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.