The year 2020 hasn’t necessarily been kind to us, and even our skin is suffering.
In the midst of a worldwide pandemic, our best defense is to wear a protective mask in public places when social distancing isn’t an option. For some that might mean only wearing a mask for essential outings, like a trip to the store, but for most people it means wearing a mask for prolonged periods of time at work. While wearing masks is the safest way to slow the spread of Covid-19, its not doing your skin any favors.
The result? Irritated skin and clogged pores along your jawline, cheeks and nose. This mask acne is now popularly referred to as “maskne.”
What causes Maskne?
Medically, this type of skin issue is called acne mechanica and is caused by repeated pressure, friction, rubbing, squeezing or stretching.
Trapped dirt, sweat, makeup and other pore-clogging particles under a mask with no ventilation creates the perfect breeding ground for acne. Add to that your own moist breath, creating humidity beneath the mask, and you’ve got a recipe to develop even more bacteria.
Is Maskne treatable?
The good news is, by upping your skin care game, you can totally treat this!
Seeing a certified Master Esthetician is the perfect place to start. At TimeLess Medical Spa in Ogden, Utah you can schedule a free skin consultation for a detailed and individualized skin care regimen.
How to treat Maskne
Typically, TimeLess Master Estheticians will recommend a combination of monthly professional treatments and an at-home skin care routine.
Professional treatments for treating acne include cleansing facials, exfoliating chemical peels, and microdermabrasions.
Your at-home regimen is going to become more important than ever to get maskne under control.
You’ll want a gentle cleanser. Your skin is already irritated, so you don’t want to make it worse with intense scrubbing. Image SkinCare’s Ormedic Balancing Cleanser has nourishing complex with organic aloe vera and botanical extracts to soothe skin.
Follow cleansing with a balancing serum that will help reduce sebum production and pore size. Image SkinCare’s Clear Cell line is designed for treating acne and the Restoring Serum contains a vitamin B6 derivative to control sebum production and minimize pore size, while botanicals help reduce the appearance of inflammation.
Do not be afraid of moisturizer. It’s all about picking the right one. To treat maskne, you need a moisturizer that controls oil production, protects your skin and reduces irritation. Image SkinCare’s Clear Cell Mattifying Moisturizer delivers moisture where skin needs it and absorbs surface oils in shiny areas, leaving skin with a healthy and protected matte finish.
A few nights a week, treat your skin to a much nicer mask. After cleansing, spread on a purifying mask to detox your skin and remove impurities. Choose a mask with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Image Skincare’s I MASK Purifying Probiotic Mask has purifying green clay and charcoal to detoxify and clear away impurities, leaving the skin clean and refreshed.
If you’re facing maskne, do not be discouraged. You do not have to compromise your safety to have glowing skin. Keep wearing your mask, and put these skin care tips to use. See a Master Esthetician to discuss your individual skin needs and come up with a regimen that fits you.
Care for your skin and stay healthy!
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