A new term has been coined to describe the newfound skin concern millions around the world are suddenly trying to combat: maskne. Also known as 'mask acne', it's a product of the pandemic we're currently living through and a result of the face coverings we are now required to wear. Read on to discover the best maskne tips, why it's happening and how you can treat it...
Questions we'll answer in this article:What is Maskne? How does Maskne happen? Do I need to wash my face after wearing a mask? How can I help treat Maskne fast?
What is Maskne?
If you've experienced a flare-up of blemishes around your chin and mouth area over the past few months, you are likely experiencing a case of maskne. This developed acne build-up has potentially been fuelled by the sudden use of mask-wearing due to the Covid-19 pandemic. If you are wearing a mask all day as part of your profession, maskne may have become a real issue for you. Living with a skin concern like maskne, especially with this year's additional pandemic-induced stresses, is bound to weigh you down mentally over time. At AMELIORATE, we believe that the best way to improve your skin is to treat it with scientifically-proven formulas that are super effective so that you can take action and tackle the issue head on.
How does Maskne happen?
So what is causing our skin to react so aggressively to mask-wearing? The answer is quite simple: our skin is not used to it. Take your mind back to pre-Covid times when the skin on your face was allowed to be out in the open 24/7 as you went along with your day. Now, we're taking masks on and off consistently all day long. This additional friction across your skin is having an inflammatory effect and triggering your skin to break out. Trapping your skin in this manner also means that it is more susceptible to the bacteria from your mouth, acting as fuel for blemish prone skin. Also, as you wear a mask and you breath in and out, the area around your mouth and chin increases in temperature and humidity; in essence, it's the perfect breeding ground for blemishes. In addition to this, your mask will pick up bacteria-laden substances such as excess oil, perspiration and makeup from your face during the day. Putting a not-so clean mask on your already inflamed and irritable maskne will only aggravate it further. To continue the cycle of reasons as to why maskne has reared its ugly head, stress is also a huge factor in why this skin concern has emerged. 2020 has universally been a rough ride and the state of our skin is usually a very good sign as to how we're feeling inside.
Do I need to wash my face after wearing a mask?
Although you may feel like it's beneficial to wash your face after wearing a mask, the reality is you cannot do this all day long without it becoming a huge inconvenience. Plus, persistent face-washing will only cause you more problems in the long run as it will strip your skin of the natural oils it needs to properly protect and regulate itself. So, to conclude, no - you should not wash your face every time you wear a mask. Stick to your usual morning and evening skincare routines and ensure you wear a new, clean mask every day.
Maskne Tips: how can I help treat Maskne fast?
The first thing you need to remember is that you can improve your maskne and that nobody has perfect skin - so don't be too hard on yourself. Secondly, ensuring that you have a decent stock of clean, 100% cotton masks to hand is crucial for steering clear of additional bacteria and dirt on your face. Lastly, you need to keep your skin soothed and moisturised with a carefully considered routine that you consistently stick to. For this battle, being consistent is key to a successful combat. Facial coverings can contribute to breaking down and irritating your skin's barrier so you need to build it back up in order to give it the best protection from maskne. Healthline states that face masks cause skin barrier injury so you should aim to repair it with moisturising actives. AMELIORATE's facial skincare range has been designed by skincare scientists to help restore your skin's barrier function in order to lock in moisture and soothe dry, irritable, sensitive skin. Charged with innovative ingredients such as Ceramides, Cica and Squalane, our full facial range can be used as a complete regime to protect, repair and re-hydrate your skin so that it's strong enough to fight off any inflammation or irritation caused by mask wearing.
Your New Skincare Routine To Soothe & Hydrate
Step 1: Resurfacing Facial Cleanser
What it does: This pH-balanced face wash locks in moisture with the power of our LaH6 Complex and is supercharged with Bio Honey Acids to gently exfoliate your skin.
Step 2: Restorative Facial Mask
What it does: This super hydrating face mask uses Ceramide Therapy to restore and protect your skin's lipid barrier. Other key ingredients include Hyaluronic Acid to deeply hydrate and Squalane to further strengthen the lipid barrier and prevent moisture loss.
Step 3: Replenishing Facial Cream
What it does: This daily moisturiser is packed with a hydrating concoction of ingredients including Ceramides, Omega Oils and Hyaluronic acid to intensely moisturise and protect. It also contains Cica, a powerful active that helps to soothe irritated skin.
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