What is Maskne?

Whats is Maskne?

What Is Maskne? 

Now that protective face masks are the new normal you may find your skin breaking out and irritated around the area you wear your mask. Maskne is the 2020 term given to acne and breakouts which are caused by wearing a mask. Maskne can happen because of irritation and friction between the mask and the skin.The constant rubbing of a mask against your face can lead to chafing and redness. You will sweat more and that sweat, combined with dirt, and oil can sit on your skin, clogging up your pores making them the perfect place for breakout bacteria to breed. On top of that, skin becomes more susceptible because the face masks themselves might not always be clean and the humidity caused by the moisture from the breath being trapped inside the mask can change your PH which results in skin irritation and allows bacteria to fester more easily.

The good news is you can simply upgrade or alter your skincare routine to help prevent and minimize the appearance of maskne.

How to Get Rid of Breakouts Caused by Face Masks

Our top tips:

• Choose your mask material wisely.

Maybe consider Cotton or Silk Masks. The soft texture of silk is gentle against your skin and the breathable fabric reduces humidity from your breath. Silk is also known for having antibacterial properties, preventing bacteria from developing within your mask. Cotton will feel more breathable on the skin, whilst synthetic fabrics retain more heat and moisture contributing to congestion and breakouts.

• Wear less Make up.

Due to the increased humidity, wearing makeup under your mask can clog your pores and worsen breakouts. Give the lower section of your face a break from makeup. As we all know most of your makeup ends up inside the mask rather than on your face anyway.

• Wash your face masks.

If you’re wearing a reusable mask, it’s absolutely key to wash it regularly. Washing your face mask after each wear is essential to both preventing maskne and the spread of COVID-19. Washing your mask will remove all the oils and skin cells collected in the mask that contribute to maskne.

•  Don’t forget to stay hydrated

This is a simple but great skincare tip! When you are wearing a face mask most of the day, you are less likely to remember to drink, because your face is covered. Staying hydrated, will improve the barrier function of your skin which will improve the overall health of your skin.

You can also add a burst of extra hydration into your skin with a toning mist.We recommend Guinot Brume Hydra Beauté Mist. Use morning and evening or keep it in your handbag and spritz over your face if you have been wearing a mask for a while. Even better, you can spritz this mist directly over your makeup to set your makeup and hold it in place because we all know how much our makeup and masks love each other.

• Choose gentle products

Cleansers:

ORMEDIC balancing facial cleanser – Resist the temptation to wash or scrub your skin intensely. If you’re suffering from maskne, chances are your skin is more sensitive than usual due to all the chafing. Sweep away the debris using a gentle cleanser, like this one that features a nourishing complex with organic aloe vera and botanical extracts to soothe skin.

VITAL C Hydrating Cleanser – This creamy, hydrating cleanser gently removes makeup and impurities without stripping away moisture while quenching skin with essential daily vitamins and antioxidants. It infuses the skin with vitamins A, C and E to boost radiance as it cleanses.

Serums:

CLEAR CELL restoring serum – Use a serum specifically designed to balance and calm skin while visibly minimizing pore size, shine and sebum production. This serum contains a vitamin B6 derivative to help with just that, while botanicals help reduce the appearance of irritation and inflammation.

ORMEDIC balancing antioxidant serum – The best way to combat the visible effects of friction is by arming skin with antioxidants. This ultra-soothing serum calms the skin and strengthens its defenses against damage. Kakadu plum and beet root extract are multi-benefit antioxidants that give skin a healthy glow. Nutrient-rich organic grape water and hyaluronic acid help to restore balance and hydration to dehydrated skin.

VITAL C hydrating water burst – Skin that’s been rubbed often by a mask will need loads of gentle nourishment and hydration. This lightweight transformational gel releases a flood of antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, vitamins and anti-aging peptides to provide a youthful, brighter, healthier-looking complexion.

Moisturisers

I RESCUE post treatment recovery balm – If you’re seeing visible blemishes due to friction, focus on allowing your skin to rejuvenate itself. Developed by plastic surgeons for post-procedure recovery, this restorative complex helps to reduce discomfort, irritation and the appearance of redness, and reduces transepidermal water loss. Use it every morning (before putting on a mask) and night before bed.

CLEAR CELL mattifying moisturizer – Don’t skimp on moisturizing because of the maskne or for fear of adding additional moisture to your face. This self-adjusting hydrator for troubled skin delivers moisture where skin needs it and absorbs surface oils in shiny areas, while protecting skin and reducing irritation.

GUINOT Creme Protection Reparatrice – Wear before you apply your mask and repeat during the day to prevent irritation and discomfort. It contains Omega 6 which is an essential fatty acid and necessary for proper functioning of the skin barrier. It also contains Shea butter and Avocado extract to protect and soothe your skin.

Masks:

I MASK purifying probiotic mask – Give your skin a well-deserved break while you’re at home and mask-free. This specialized fortifying mask harnesses yogurt-based probiotics and nourishing superfruits to balance the skin’s natural flora and helps it resist dehydration and imbalance. Purifying green clay and charcoal help to detoxify and clear away impurities, leaving the skin clean, smooth, and refined.

ORMEDIC gel masque – Treat your skin with extra TLC while it has a break! This ultra-gentle gel masque instantly soothes and refreshes delicate, dry and tired skin. It hydrates the skin and restores balance with soothing botanical extracts and organic aloe vera. Mondo grass extract and prickly pear cactus water help to soothe the skin and support resilience against dryness and environmental damage.

I MASK hydrating hydrogel sheet mask – This hydrogel mask delivers instant hydration to skin that is dry, dull or depleted. Cooling and soothing, it refreshes and helps to revive thirsty skin with mineral-rich waters and hyaluronic acid. A blend of amino acids, aloe vera and antioxidant extracts leave skin radiant and glowing.

SPF:

We would always recommend wearing your SPF every day, and that doesn’t change with a mask. If you are wearing a mask throughout the day, even if you are working from home more you still need to protect your skin. We recommend our range of Image Prevention SPF Moisturisers.

These are just some of the products that will help your Maskne.

• Professional Skin Treatments

We also have a range of Facial Treatments that not only will help your skin but also are a well needed treat and time for you to relax while getting your skin concerns sorted. Win win. Choose from our Guinot Skincare or Image Skincare treatments.

If you are unsure what facial is for you or what products would suit why not book in for a FREE Skin consultation with our Experienced Skin Therapists