My clients have been asking me a new question these days: Why am I breaking out more than usual and what should I use on my skin to help with all of the dryness I’m noticing? With mask-wearing becoming a norm “maskne” is on the rise.
You don’t even have to wear a mask for hours every day to start noticing maskne. Complaints about pimples, blackheads, rashes, and other skin issues are effecting more than just essential workers. And if you are overwhelmed and confused by the array of products out there, you’re not alone! Today I will share my maskne essentials and the do’s & don’ts of how to care for your skin when it is compromised from wearing masks.
Maskne?
Also spelled “mascne,” maskne is a skin issue that has been popping up everywhere since we adapted to wearing face masks. According to Google Trends, “maskne” and “mascne” searches began emerging on March 29. The technical term for maskne is “acne mechanica,” and is the result of the mechanical friction of a fabric against the skin. It’s not new — sports figures who wear helmets and chin guards are quite familiar with such breakouts. With masks, it’s just becoming a bit more common.
What is maskne?
We have all have tiny little hair follicles on our face, chest and back, and wearing any kind of a mask or protective equipment that’s creating friction and pressure which can irritate the hair follicles and result in an acne flare. Then we have moisture trapped underneath the fabric, which gets worse with humidity, heat and exercise.
But that’s not all. Not only does this friction lead to clogged pores, but it could also break down the skin barrier, the microscopic layer of protective oils and fats that protect skin against bacteria as well as keep hydration inside the skin. This can not only make acne worse, but could also cause additional problems in people with dry or sensitive skin and make maskne harder to treat. Furthermore, bacteria thrives in a moist, warm environment—like inside a piece of cloth that traps your breath and sweat next to your skin.
If you haven’t already experienced maskne, chances are you will at some point
The best thing to do is try to prevent maskne from occurring in the first place. Since we can’t — or shouldn’t — stop wearing masks around others for the foreseeable future, here are some key prevention tips.
As mentioned, a strong skin barrier is necessary to protect the skin and its contents from damaging substances that can penetrate and absorb into the skin. The hydrolipidic barrier is the protective layer that lies directly on the top of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis). Made up of sebum , lipids, water and sweat it protects the skins microbiome the trillions of microbes and friendly bacteria that impact how the skin looks and functions from day to day.
In other words, your skin microbiome (also called skin microbiota) is an ecosystem of bacteria on the skin’s surface. It works to guard you against pathogens that could affect your skin and overall health. When your microbiome is balanced, your skin looks and feels healthy. However, it can become unbalanced when there’s more harmful bacteria than helpful bacteria, leading to issues like dryness and itching.
Skin Barrier Health is Crucial
First and foremost, it is important to focus on skin barrier health. Oftentimes the things that we think may be the best course of action only make things worse. Trust me, I have learned this from my own experience. I am someone that has struggled my entire adulthood with skin issues. It’s no surprise that I am bound and determined to help as many as I can learn from my mistakes. 😉 Here are my do’s and don’ts of dealing with maskne or other skin issues you may experience from wearing a mask.
Do
Wash your face twice a day. Once in the morning and then preferably when you get home (if you wore your mask all day) or at night if you wore your mask occasionally.
Don’t
Don’t over cleanse your face! I also don’t recommend using any instruments, rotation brushes, scrubs, buff puffs, loofas, or even washcloths. Resist the urge to scrub, instead use your fingertips to apply the cleanser in circular motions, rinse with warm, NOT HOT, and gently pat your face dry with a clean towel. Your skin is already a bit aggravated so just be gentle…
Do
Choose a cleanser that is gentle on your skin that won’t strip your natural oils. Often times I see people using cleansers that are too drying to the skin, which just makes things worse.
Try This Maskne Essential
Lumière de Vie Facial Cleanser is a powerful cleanser that helps to moisturize while cleansing, refreshing and invigorating the skin. The appearance of rough, dry skin is visibly diminished, creating skin that is softer and smoother.
Why is it great maskne essential?
Lumière de Vie Facial Cleanser is formulated with panthenol and allantoin to hydrate your skin, and leave it feeling supple, smooth and refreshed.
Don’t
It’s not recommended to use powerful products like alpha hydroxy acids, chemical peels or Retin A to treat maskne because they could further damage the fragile skin barrier, making it more sensitive to the mask’s irritating effects. You may end up with patches of eczema, dry patches, stinging, burning, inflammation, which are all signs of an impaired skin barrier.
Do
Instead use products that have specific ingredients that promote a healthy skin barrier. In addition to your 3 step skincare routine, consider adding a serum with vitamins and antioxidents for delicate and sensitive skin.
Try This Maskne Essential
Lumière de Vie Serum Concentrate is the next generation skincare that utilizes nature and science with effective brighteners, powerful antioxidants and the power of the sea. Potent extracts that promote healthy skin collagen for firmer-looking skin, while reducing the appearance of fine lines, delivering extreme radiance, clarity and renewal.
Why is it a great maskne essential?
Lumière de Vie Serum Concentrate contains antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress to maintain normal skin health. It also contains Juvenessence®, a novel, brown algae extract that helps protects the skin from oxidative stress caused by the environment and supports the skin barrier function to keep the skin hydrated.
Don’t
I don’t recommend using heavy creams, moisturizers or sunscreens. Heavy products and sweat can make matters worse when left under a mask.
Do
I don’t recommend using heavy creams, moisturizers or sunscreens. Heavy products and sweat can make matters worse when left under a mask.
Try This Maskne Essential
Lumière de Vie Intense Rejuvenation Crème is a super-hydrating, intensive repair treatment developed for chronically-stressed skin and designed to work with the skin’s renewal process. An ultra rich, fast-absorbing formula specifically formulated to reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles and age spots as it imparts skin with the look of improved radiance and newly-found firmness.
Why is it a great maskne essential?
This product is formulated to hydrate your skin, and leave it feeling supple and smooth.
It also contains Sodium Hyaluronate, a vital moisturizer and lubricant found naturally in our skin. Hyaluronic acid provides superior, long term hydration through its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This property of sodium hyaluronate also helps promote healthy skin elasticity and flexibility.
Don’t
You may have the urge to reach for a soothing oil like coconut oil or even petroleum jelly to smear on your faces where your mask rubs, but that’s huge a mistake, especially for anyone who needs to wear protective gear. Not only will they clog your pores but they may actually interfere with the integrity of the mask and the seal.
Do
Use products with ingredients that will protect your skin from a mask and create that barrier between not only between your skin and the mask but also between your skin and the moisture that builds inside while you wear it.
Lumière de Vie Renewal Elixir is a luxurious, superior facial oil that deeply moisturizes and reduces the appearance of aging for a youthful-looking, healthy glow. This gentle multitasker utilizes a weightless blend of skin-loving oils to hydrate, strengthen and smooth for renewed and resilient skin. Texture and elasticity are supported, and the appearance of dark spots is minimized, giving your skin obsession-worthy radiance. Seal in hydration, maintain an even skin tone, and defy time with this powerful treatment that revives your skin.
Why is it a great maskne essential?
Lumière de Vie Renewal Elixir contains Caprylic/capric triglyceride, which is a liquid ingredient made from fatty acids. It is classified as both an emollient and an occlusive skin conditioning agent. It helps lubricate the skin, keeping it feeling soft and smooth and helps moisturize the skin by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface to slow the loss of water.
Don’t
Avoid wearing heavy oil based foundations in the area that you wear your mask.
Do
Instead go bare faced, or use a water and mineral foundation that will allow your skin to “breathe”.
Try This Maskne Essential
Lumière de Vie Pore Minimizing Serum is a lightweight serum that instantly blurs imperfections and reduces the appearance of pores. This innovative formula is designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, moisturize and eliminate shine. Perfect for all skin tones this universal shade gives your complexion a semi-matte finish. It is perfect for smoothing out your complexion and great for the “no makeup, makeup look”.
Why is it a great maskne essential?
Lumière de Vie Pore Minimizing Serum contains Sasccharide Isomerate, which is a polysaccharide ingredient with mattifying and moisturizing properties. It absorbs excess oil on the skin and reduces skin shine, while helping to maintain skin hydration.
Don’t
If you see those pesky pimples popping up, resist the urge to pick. This could spread bacteria to your other pores, which could potentially create scarring.
Do
Use the right spot treatment. You can even apply under your mask, no one will see it any way!
Try This Maskne Essential
Timeless Prescription Anti-Blemish Lotion is an excellent overnight spot treatment for pimples. It reduces inflammation and redness of pimples overnight when used as directed.
Why is it a great maskne essential?
Timeless Prescription Anti-Blemish Lotion contains active ingredients, such as calamine and salicylic acid to calm irritated skin associated with acne.
Don’t
To keep that sauna-like environment to a minimum, you may want to change the actual mask you’re wearing. Look for lightweight fabrics that don’t create as much friction against your skin, like cotton, silk or satin. Get in the habit of washing it regularily or consider wearing a disposable mask.
Do
Mask up with a sheet mask! I know that’s the last thing you want to do after wearing a face mask, but trust me you’ll be glad you did. Give your skin a large doses of specific ingredients that will moisturize and soothe your skin. It’s also a great way to pamper yourself and time to focus on self-care.
Try This Maskne Essential
Lumière de Vie Moisture Intense Facial Masque is the definitive treatment that is formulated with aloe to intensely moisturize while reducing oxidative damage from the everyday elements.
Why is it a great maskne essential?
Utilizing the powerful hydrating effects of hyaluronic acid, this specialized facial masque instantly revitalizes dry, aged skin on contact.
I recommend using this masque at night, twice a month, because the concentrated formula will leave a replenishing treatment on the skin that is to be massaged in.
Know When To Ask For Help
If your skin seems out of balance and doesn’t seem to be improving and you’re not sure where to start, reach out to your skincare specialist. We will evaluate your skin and customize the right regimen specific to you and your lifestyle. We can coach you and monitor your progress along the way and help you adjust the things that you are doing. This can even be done virtually!
