The Cosmetic Clinic Yes, ‘maskne’ is now a thing. Based on the New Zealand government’s announcement this week, it has been recommended that Kiwis wear masks in public to keep ourselves and our communities safe. And, because of this, some of us will start to experience a somewhat unwanted side-effect known as maskne.
Of course, we’re not saying that maskne is a reason to avoid wearing your mask – wearing a mask is important in helping to minimise the spread of COVID. So, we’ve put our expert heads together to give you some quick and simple tips to save your skin while also staying safe!
What is Maskne and what causes it?
Maskne is pimples located in areas where your mask touches your face. Wearing a mask for extended periods of time or even just regularly, can cause oils to build up and be trapped in the skin, clogging our pores resulting in increased congestion. Some people may also experience skin irritation from consistent rubbing and friction. To help prevent this, here a few key steps you can take, starting with best practice mask care and hygiene!
Keep your Mask clean!
When using a reusable mask, regardless of the material, it is recommended that you wash it after each use. Washing your mask in warm or hot soapy water and making sure you rinse well and then dry it well, will help limit the build up of oils and dirt being transferred to your skin. This is also just plain old good hygiene (they are designed to catch germs so let’s wash those germs away!) When looking for a reusable mask, look for options made of breathable cloth, and make sure when you wear it that it is correctly fitted and used according to the guidelines provided by your local health authorities.
Go makeup free
With half your face hidden by your mask – who needs makeup! Wearing heavy foundation underneath your mask can contribute to clogged pores and breakouts, so why not give that makeup free feeling a try! It’s not like anyone will see and it will help keep your skin under your mask feeling fresher and limit clogging.
If you’re not keen to go makeup-free, try using a light mineral powder or BB cream instead of a heavier foundation and use quality skincare products such as Balense Skin Care as a base. Don’t forget to apply a hydrating lip balm prior to wearing your mask to prevent your kissable lips from drying out under there!
Use the right products
Nothing supports healthy skin like good quality skincare. And this becomes even more important underneath your mask. Choose a moisturiser that is suited to your skin type. We can help with deciding which Balense Skin Care range is right for you as there are a number of variations in their beautiful products to support different skin types and concerns. This should be applied first, prior to putting on any makeup or masks! Remember, mask irritation commonly occurs on the neck so don’t forget this area as a part of your product application routine and should be part of your normal routine regardless to help combat signs of ageing!
After you have moisturised, this is where serums come into play. We can help determine the right Balense Serum for your skin type. Serums are rich in active ingredients and are great for deep nourishment of the skin. Plus, products that protect are essential. If you’re experiencing irritation, you can’t go past Balense Recovery Cream. It contains a nourishing hydro-film that reduces redness, irritation, inflammation while boosting moisture levels at the same time. Ideal for people who are prone to eczema or dermatitis, Balense Recovery Cream is a great go-to skin protector and healer.
Finally, an SPF 50+ should be applied for additional barrier and sun protection. Yes, we know that half your face is covered by your mask but it’s no excuse to skip this step. Sunscreen is always important, especially if you don’t want to end up with a mask tan! Balense UV Defiance SPF 50+ comes in two sizes and feels great on your skin.
Cleanse & soothe
Once back at home, first of all WASH YOUR HANDS. We cannot stress the importance of hand washing enough. Then, remove your mask and cleanse your skin with a gentle, soothing cleanser to ensure you keep it clear and calm. We love the Balense Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, which contains hydrating and anti-redness properties to effectively cleanse dirt, debris and environmental pollutants from the skin. At the end of the day and just before bed, we recommend applying the Balense Enzymatic Sleep Masque to gently exfoliate, boost hydration and reduce skin redness while you sleep.
Following these simple steps will help reduce the effects of maskne, however, if you have follwed the steps yet are still experiencing breakouts, irritation or redness, then we suggest booking in a series of one or a combination of our Skin Rejuvenation Treatments as soon as you possibly can. A series of LED Light Therapy treatments can help you to recover and strengthen the skin. Or book a FREE consultation with one of our expert and highly trained dermal technicians for which treatments are right for you. Other treatments that may be beneficial are our 10-Step Microdermabrasion’s, Micro-Needling, or one of our Medi-Aesthetic Peels.
Please keep an eye on our social media channels and our website for updates on the COVID-19 situation in New Zealand. We will do our best to keep you informed as new information comes to light.