Drew Barrymore shares genius tip to put an end to ‘maskne’

Drew Barrymore has positioned herself as the authority on all things beauty. Take her epic product reviews on Insta, for example. Or, you know… the fact that she founded her own cosmetics company.

So when she dishes out advice, you bloody bet we listen up – especially when it comes to something so many of us sick of experiencing.

In a recent installment of her signature #BEAUTYJUNKIEWEEK series, the actress can be seen in her bathroom analysing a huge whitehead zit just above her lip. The culprit? "Maskne” which is caused by wearing face masks for long periods of time (cheers, covid!) This, btw, can manifest in many ways (not just breakouts). Think redness, sensitivity or irritation along the nose, cheeks, mouth and jawline.

"Can you see that?" the 45-year-old says in the video, moving her face closer to the camera to give viewers a glimpse of her "undergrounder." This [type of pimple] is all I have been getting. Ugh, maskne!"

Source: @drewbarrymore

As for her method of masking it? (…Pardon the pun.) Microlet Coloured Lancets - small, sterile, super-thin needles that are usually used to test blood glucose levels.

"If you have to pop something, use these little Microlets," she says in the vid, before demonstrating how she gently pokes her zits aiming the needle “not in but through.” (Squeamish? Dw, the camera cuts riiiiight before she goes to town on it.)

Drew reckons this is a cleaner and gentler alternative to using your fingers, but what about preventing the problem in the first place?

Speaking with Shape, certified dermatologist Dr Robyn Gmyrek explained that facemasks retain moisture and heat, which becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

"You will likely not need the same level of topically applied moisturizer as you did before you started wearing a mask regularly," she says. Her recommendation? Opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer such as La Roche-Posay  (Priceline, $41.99.)

Source: Priceline

It’s also important to cleanse with a product that has ingredients like salicylic acid to “help gently exfoliate the dead skin cells [and] prevent them from clogging your pores."

"Products containing  retinoids (vitamin A( benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid are wonderful at dissolving the dead skin cells above the top of the pimple, helping to open it up," Dr. Gmyrek continued. "But do not be overzealous and use more than is recommended on the instructions. You can dry out your skin and irritate and even chemically burn the skin with overuse." She noted that drying the skin out actually has the opposite effect, "stimulating it to produce even more oil. In addition, you can cause irritation from overusing products which can lead to dermatitis or eczema." Washing your mask daily is also key for getting rid of any germs.

Thanks for the tip, Drew!