If 2020 coronavirus pandemic has taught us all one thing it’s that; we can adapt to a new way of living when push comes to shove. From self-isolation to social distancing and re-adjusting our entire life to the new normal; it’s fair to say 2020 has been surreal. However, one of the biggest adjustments is probably wearing a face mask everyday. And now that they are mandatory, you could face a fine up to £100 if not wearing one. Face masks have become a necessity so much that several businesses as well as individuals have shifted into manufacturing them.
Despite these uncertain times, tailoring our lives to meet this new way of life is truly important not only for our health; but also for the benefit of others. That been said, some people suffering from acne may develop further irritation due to mask wearing. The good news is that maskne isn’t hard to prevent or treat. However, in order to tame it effectively, it’s important to understand the condition.
So we got some insight from skincare experts to shed light on this topic. The technical term for Maskne is ‘acne mechanica,’ which occurs as a result of the friction of fabric against the skin. This friction can however lead to inflammation and further irritation due to humidity and sweat from the mask. Furthermore, this can happen to anyone not just acne-prone skin. Luckily, a few changes to your mask-wearing methods and skincare routine can make a huge difference in preventing maskne as well as treating it. Here are a few tips below;
How to prevent Maskne
Hydration: Hydration is key! Increasing your water content as well as applying the right skincare products with the perfect ingredient is very crucial during this period. Also remember to apply sunscreen protection daily.
Choose the right mask fabric: Choosing the right fabric could also help to prevent maskne. Opt for silk or cotton, make sure it’s breathable, soft, suitable and offers protection. Avoid fabrics that may irritate or cause further friction on skin.
Keep it clean: Always keep your mask clean to prevent trapped dirt and bacteria causing further skin problems. Additionally, using quality cleansers daily with active ingredients is very important. Ingredients to look out for includes; salicylic acid and niacinamide.
Go natural: Nothing like going natural. This is the time to embrace your beauty, love the skin you’re in and stick to less or no makeup at all when wearing a face mask.
How to Treat Maskne
Cleansing
When it comes to treating maskne, experts suggest gentle products that target acne without irritating your skin. Avoid products containing harsh chemicals that can strip away the skin’s natural protective barrier. Simple Purifying Facial Wash is packed full of powerful ingredients including niacinamide and perfect for fighting clogged pores and oily skin.
Blemish Treatment
For spots and blemishes that won’t budge, a spot treatment is ideal to help speed up the healing process; while reducing redness and further irritation. Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid; these exfoliants help shed dead skin cells and reveal newer, brighter layers. We love this Murad treatment as it contains the perfect ingredients to clear skin of blemish causing bacteria, oil and blackheads while minimizing dryness and irritation.
Moisturise
The perfect moisturiser plays an important role in tackling maskne. A light moisturiser with hydrating ingredients will help prevent irritation. Murad Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel is a lightweight formula with gel-like texture that works to restore balance on skin. Also helps balance the bacteria across your face to reduce the risk of irritation, while relieving discomfort from breakouts.
SPF
We can’t stress enough that applying sunscreen is very vital. Opt for something lightweight, oil-free, full of protective antioxidants and ideal for acne-prone skin. Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF30 is a fantastic option, helps create an effective shield against UVA/UVB rays, environmental aggressors as well as blue light without leaving behind any shine or white streaks. Also rich in antioxidants
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