Mask + Acne = Maskne
Wearing a mask or face covering in most indoor places in England has become compulsory following the loosening of the new coronavirus restrictions. You may have noticed some changes in your skin as a result.
What is that on your face?
“Maskne” medically known as Acne Mechanica is the result of prolonged mask wearing. The friction caused by wearing a mask combined with moisture and bacteria from breathing, gets trapped beneath the mask on the skins surface. This causes a major change in the skins usual environment and tends to be the cause of such reactions in our skin.
The continued covering of the mouth and nose by wearing the mask, causes the skin to become irritated, dry and dehydrated. Dead skin cells build up causing oil to get trapped beneath the skin. Breakouts and flaky skin are usually the undesired result of trying to keep yourself and others safe.
How can you manage maskne at home?
Effective Cleansing
The best way to manage mask wearing related acne (maskne) is to ensure that you are maintaining a strict skincare regime. Cleansing twice daily, ideally with a cleanser that is designed to shed away dead skin cells, such as a mild lactic acid based cleanser will ensure that dead skin cells are gently removed from the skins surface.
If you have oily skin a salicylic acid based cleanser will help to unblock pores and reduce blemishes. Salicylic acid has the ability to enter the pores and unblock them from within. It is great for people with oily and blemished skin because of its oil soluble properties.
Glycolic acid can be added as a treatment cleanser twice a week if you do not want to use a mildly exfoliating cleanser on a daily basis. When starting out with active skincare products you may notice a mild tingling sensation. This is completely normal and will reduce as your skin becomes accustomed to the new ingredients.
Serums
Masks trap the air we breathe out. Toxins and bacteria including the moisture in our breaths remain in close contact with our skin. The moisture and the heat can make the skin dry and dehydrated.
Serums in their nature are thinner and easily absorbed into the skin. They tend to be the treatment aspect in our skincare. Feeling dry and dehydrated? Vitamin B will nourish your skin.
Retinol or Vitamin A as it is also referred to, works by increasing the rate at which your cells turnover. Not only does that make it ideal for reducing fine lines and wrinkles but it is great for helping to churn away the dead skin cells that are blocking the pores.
Retinol use should be introduced gradually by using the lowest percentage available and following the instructions for usage. The skincare ingredients series discusses this in more detail – Read all about it here
For individuals with spots that appear to be filled with a pus like liquid (comedones).
A salicylic acid or niacinamide serum will help to sooth and repair the skin to help the healing process.
If you are looking to reduce pigmentation (darker areas of your complexion) or the overall clarity, a Vitamin C serum will be the solution that you are looking for.
Moisturise
Hydration is the key to healthy skin. Facial mists help to hydrate during the day by refreshing the skin. It is important for all skin types including oily skins, to moisturise on a daily basis. Moisturiser will help to rebalance the skin. It will also serve as an additional barrier between the mask and the skin.
Professional Facial Treatments
Professional treatments are always the recommended route to addressing any skin concerns. Seeking advice from a skincare professional will help to manage and eliminate acne and blemishes for good. Regular facial treatments are an ideal way to maintain the best results and ensure that your skin is always looks clean and clear.
Mild peels and deep cleansing treatments are a great solution for targeting mask related acne. If you have scarring that is the result of acne then micro needling is the ideal solution for targeting this particular concern whilst renewing your complexion.
If you want to discuss acne or any other skin concerns then get touch today to see how you can get the skin that you deserve.
