Tips from the Team | Maskne! A complete guide.

Over the last few months we have had lots of our customers coming to us with the latest skin management fiasco ‘Maskne’. For those of you new to this term, it’s acne which develops as a result of wearing a face mask over long periods of time. For lot’s of us working in jobs which require wearing a face covering for a lot of the day, Maskne can become a real issue. Firstly, this article sets out some of the preventative measures you can take and secondly how you can deal with the issue once you have suffered a breakout, with a few product recommendations from out range.  

Before we dive into the various methods for sorting the issue out, let’s take a look at some of the preventative measures first. 

Picking the right mask 

Is your mask creating an unnecessary build up of moisture? 

Wearing a mask which hasn't been made with multiple layers or a suitable filter will likely lead to an increased buildup of moisture on the face, in turn leading to breakouts.  If you work in a fast paced environment where you have to wear a mask all day this is going to be even more noticeable.

Is your mask unnecessarily uncomfortable?  

Whilst no one wants to be wearing an uncomfortable mask, it’s important to mention that if your mask doesn't quite feel right, the chances are that you will be constantly adjusting it - this can increase the amount of germs present on our face, again leading to an increased chance of developing the dreaded Maskne! Equally if your mask is too tight, there is a good chance it will be blocking the follicular openings on your skin, in turn causing issues. So be sure you get a mask that fits right! 

Is your mask made out of the right material? 

Finally, the last thing to consider is the material. Fabrics made from polyester or nylon for example can lend themselves to an increase in friction and warmer temperatures. The better alternative is cotton which is much kinder to the skin.  

We have had a good look around at the different mask options available, and we thought these ones from FFSB were straight winners! Whilst they tick all the boxes for us, we've also been told that FFSB will soon be introducing a version with nose wiring for even more added comfort. 

Not only are all their masks made out of upcycled fabrics, 10% of their profits go towards young minds charity, which supports young people suffering with mental health issues. 

Now onto some of the ways in which we can get the most out of natural skin care products to treat Maskne. 

It’s firstly important to mention that any type of regime you introduce to tackle Maskne must consist of products that are light on the skin and do not contain any overly strong synthetic fragrances. So if you are currently using a range of products with strong synthetic scents and are suffering from outbreaks, it may be time to re-think your options. 

This is also a great example of where natural products shine,  because of the lack of harsh chemicals, you are giving your skin a much better chance of fighting irritation. Alot of the synthetic based products which people use can also have terrible effects on your skin long-term. 

There are two types of Maskne that we are noticing more and more often, the first one is characterised by the skin flaring up around the cheeks from where the mask is constantly rubbing. The Second type, which is the most common, comes in the form of spots on the skin as a result of higher amounts of germs being present in the affected area. 

Preventing Maskne

Cleansing 

This is one of the first steps you can take, and is really important for those suffering with spot breakouts. A good cleanse each night will help to take any additional oils and bacteria off your skin, and should also free up the pores allowing your face to breathe. The best way to ensure you have removed all the bacteria, is really working your cleanser of choice into creases around the nose, mouth and chin. Once you have done this, removal of the product is equally as important. Be sure to check just under the jawline as this is  a common area for missing products. 

From our range I would recommend our Naked Facial Cleanser which combines light coconut oil and Vitamin E to create an ultra soothing and nourishing formula which is light on the skin. 

Moisturising 

Keeping your skin moisturised is always important, however where you might be experiencing flare ups around your cheeks, this can greatly be reduced with a good moisturising routine. I’d recommend applying a light face cream twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. 

A good moisturiser with no silicones, parabens or skin clogging mineral oils will be the best for nourishing and giving you the best protection for the day. Our Skin Management Face Cream or our Naked Face Cream are our most popular for dealing with problematic skin. 

 

Tackling Maskne 

Spots 

If you already have spots as a result of the mask, using an antibacterial gel like our Tea Tree Magic Balm directly onto the spot may be the solution. All you need to do is apply the balm directly on to the spot once in the morning and then once again again after cleansing at night.

If the spots are large and active in the whole mask area you can try using an anti bacterial face wash in the evenings before cleansing and moisturising. Our Skin Management Face Wash contains patchouli and niouli which are gently antibacterial, plus it’s SLS Free formula will ensure it’s non stripping, so it won’t dry the skin out. 

 

Ultra dry skin 

If your skin still feels dry throughout the day and breakouts are happening even with your moisturising routine, you may find an extra boost of nourishment could make all the difference.  I’d suggest having a go with our skin management face oil which contains oat extract that can help to reduce redness and strengthen the skin. Before going to bed, try switching out your moisturiser for 3 drops of the face oil. To apply the face oil, spread the drops over your Index, middle and ring fingers, then gently massage the serum into  your forehead, cheeks, chin and neck. In the morning you can then add 1 drop to your moisturiser to give it an extra boost.

That’s all I have to say on Maskne for now! Please let us know in the comments if any of these tips have helped tackle any of your issues. If you have any specific questions or need further advice, remember you can always book in to a free skin consultation with one of our specialists here.