Take your mind back to 2019. Can you imagine being told that most of us would be wearing a mask every time we leave the house? How the world has changed. Unfortunately, with regularly wearing face coverings a new skin condition is affecting many of us. Even those who have been fortunate to never suffer breakouts in the past are now struggling with irritation and spots around their mouth, chin and jaw line.
Why does maskne happen?
Maskne is a form of acne caused by friction, i.e. from your mask rubbing your face. It’s technical name is acne mechanica.
Added to that friction, your mask is trapping your breath which causes an increase in humidity and temperature in the region. As the skin temperature increases so does circulation and sweating leading accelerated oil and cell production leading to clogged and congested pores.
This environment of clogged and congested pores together with the increased moisture is the perfect breeding ground for acne.
How can we prevent and treat maskne?
It’s important to understand that there two elements involved in this skin condition – sensitivity due to the rubbing / friction and breakouts due to the micro-climate under the mask. However, there are plenty of strategies to tackle this problem:
- Hygiene is essential, so wear a clean mask each day and ensure reusable ones are washed and dried thoroughly.
- Avoid wearing make-up in the mask area, or switch to mineral make-up like Jane Iredale which won’t block the pores.
- Remember to cleanse the face both morning and evening. If irritation and sensitivity is your main problem, choose a gentle cleanser such as Dermalogica’s Ultracalming Cleanser. Alternatively, Dermalogica’s Clearing Skin Wash contains salicylic acid which reduces clogging and has an ant-inflammatory action.
- When choosing a spot treatment opt for a less drying formula such as Dermalogica’s Age Bright Spot Fader. Spot treatments aimed at teenage skin may be too drying for this condition.
- To ease the discomfort and irritation opt for moisturisers containing hyaluronic acid, Plant oils rich in vitamin E. Nourishing masques can also help reduce the inflammation.
Your Dermalogica Experts at Looking Glass Aesthetics are on hand to advise on the best regimen for your concerns. Just give us a call on 01789 261144 to arrange your virtual consultation.
We also have our Maskne Kits available for just £12 (worth £17). Each set contains:
1x Barrier Defense Booster 5ml
1x Age Bright Clearing Serum 3ml
8 samples of Clearing Defense SPF30
4 samples of Age Bright Clearing Serum
8 samples of Age Bright Spot Fader
All in a gorgeous gift bag
Give us a call on 01789 261144 to order yours (free delivery)