Maskne - How to treat acne, irritation & other mask-related skin concerns

Itchiness, increased sensitivity, breakouts… if you’ve experienced these recently, you might be suffering from ‘maskne’.

Maskne is a catch-all term that was coined to describe the irritation, acne and other skin-based side effects of wearing a mask regularly. The increased humidity and temperature that comes with breathing in a closed environment can adjust our skin’s protective barrier, increase sebum production, and alter our natural microflora, and certain fabrics can cause mechanical irritation as they rub against the skin.

Thankfully, there are a few easy measures we can take to ensure our skin stays strong, healthy and clear, even while wearing a mask.

The first step is to look at the type of mask you are wearing, and how often. Silk masks are the most gentle on the skin, and are much less likely to cause mechanical irritation. You always want to wash your mask in between uses to minimise the risk of pathogenic bacterial growth, so it is best to have more than one mask on hand.

The second step is to target your skincare. With so many of us cutting back on the make-up while we’re masked up, now is the perfect time to get your homecare routine into shape. A good cleanser and moisturiser should be part of all routines for healthy skin. We love the Meder Beauty Science Net-Apax cleanser and Salva-Derm moisturiser – they contain pre and probiotics to rebalance the skin’s microbiome, and are formulated to be safe on even the most sensitive of skins, rebuilding the skin’s protective layer, increasing resilience and restoring comfort. Additional products can also be incorporated to target other skin concerns, such as dryness, acne or fine lines. If you’re already using quality products but feel like your skin needs some extra TLC, our Meder Beauty Science sheet masks are a great weekly boost to your usual routine.

If you need advice about your skin or your homecare routine, pop into the salon and speak to one of our skincare professionals – they can give you information on the best products and services for you.

 

Tags: acne, Beauty Tips