Face-mask acne, or 'maskne', remedies
Two months into mandatory face masks and the cracks are starting to show – in our skin, that is. Here are the maskne solutions to try now
MASKNE SOLUTIONS
The sartorial and safe face covering, whether it's a designer version or Etsy, humbly homemade or dazzlingly designed, most designs are causing havoc with people's skin. From maskne (mask acne) to irritation and chafing, there have been many side-effects. However, with a little effort, the right products and tips from the experts, there are plenty of beauty solutions out there, so you can maintain good skin health and stay safe at the same time.
As we get ready to return to work, school and social events while wearing PPE, Dr Munir Somji, aka Dr MediSpa, recommends minimising the discomfort and combatting sore skin by thoroughly checking your PPE. 'Before use, ensure masks are not damaged, soiled or damp and a good facial seal is achieved so that it is not uncomfortable, and you don't have any difficulty breathing.'
When it comes to the effects of friction and heat from a mask, Somji says, 'The skin barrier is going to be compromised so "ceramides" are essential to have in the skincare that you use. Products like iS Clinical Sheald Recovery Balm, which is an antioxidant-rich formula, reduce skin irritation and discomfort while relieving itching and preventing scabbing… it's the ideal SOS cream.'
iS Clinical Sheald Recovery Balm, £52
This instantly replenishes compromised skin and offers instant relief from dryness and chafing.
iS Clinical Sheald Recovery Balm, £52 – buy here
Crème de la Mer The Concentrate, £165
La Mer's best-selling serum has been re-formulated with an ingredient upgrade. This cleverly acts as a liquid barrier to deflect damaging irritants and helps to strengthen skin from within, while soothing and calming, all at the same time.
Crème de la Mer The Concentrate, £165 – buy here
Face masks are a breeding ground for bacteria. Sweat, skin and product build-up become trapped, and the chafing of the material itself makes the skin break out. Try a silk face mask – as these can be kinder to your dermis and have a natural antibacterial element.
When it comes to the best in blemish-control skincare, dermatologists agree that ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are efficient spot zappers.
Additionally, keep your mask scrupulously clean, use a fragrance-free hypoallergenic detergent to avoid irritation and make sure you wash after every wear.
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser, £10.99
This is a non-stripping gel cleanser that efficiently removes make-up, clears pores, and kick-starts your skin's spot survival regime.
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser, £10.99 – buy here
Dermalogica Age Bright Spot Fader, £40.50
A sophisticated spot treatment that tackles breakouts without drying out your skin in the process.
Dermalogica Age Bright Spot Fader, £40.50 – buy here
Pause Well-Aging Detox Serum, £76
Designed for mature skin that’s suffering from hormonal breakouts – this lotion will also help to calm and keep skin under control while boosting hydration and banishing fine surface lines.
Pause Well-Aging Detox Serum, £76 – buy here
For teens who are required to wear a mask to school, it's crucial to get them started with a thorough but gentle skincare regime.
Spots & Stripes Gentle Cleansing Lotion, For Girls & Boys, £13
Made with camomile, mint and lavender, this cleans and calms skin while combatting early signs of breakouts.
Spots & Stripes Gentle Cleansing Lotion, £13 – buy here
31st State Foaming Face Wash, £12.99
This is stocked at spas dedicated to teen treatments and has a kind but skin-clearing zinc-loaded formula to keep delicate faces fresh and free of spots.
31st State Foaming Face Wash, £12.99 – buy here
La Roche-Posay Effaclar K Moisturiser, £17
French doctors prescribe this for problematic skin conditions – and it works equally well over here at mattifying and clearing blemish-prone and oily skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar K Moisturiser, £17 – buy here
Finally, for red, inflamed and rosacea-prone skin and inflammation, try products that contain nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide). It's a natural anti-inflammatory, which calms down red skin and rosacea by reducing the opening of blood vessels. Vitamin E also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Somji recommends The Tebiskin® Synchrorose range, as it’s approved and proven to help rosacea sufferers. Click here for more information.
As we get ready to return to work, school and social events while wearing PPE, Dr Munir Somji, aka Dr MediSpa, recommends minimising the discomfort and combatting sore skin by thoroughly checking your PPE. 'Before use, ensure masks are not damaged, soiled or damp and a good facial seal is achieved so that it is not uncomfortable, and you don't have any difficulty breathing.'
When it comes to the effects of friction and heat from a mask, Somji says, 'The skin barrier is going to be compromised so "ceramides" are essential to have in the skincare that you use. Products like iS Clinical Sheald Recovery Balm, which is an antioxidant-rich formula, reduce skin irritation and discomfort while relieving itching and preventing scabbing… it's the ideal SOS cream.'
iS Clinical Sheald Recovery Balm, £52
This instantly replenishes compromised skin and offers instant relief from dryness and chafing.
iS Clinical Sheald Recovery Balm, £52 – buy here
Crème de la Mer The Concentrate, £165
La Mer's best-selling serum has been re-formulated with an ingredient upgrade. This cleverly acts as a liquid barrier to deflect damaging irritants and helps to strengthen skin from within, while soothing and calming, all at the same time.
Crème de la Mer The Concentrate, £165 – buy here
HOW TO PREVENT 'MASKNE'
Face masks are a breeding ground for bacteria. Sweat, skin and product build-up become trapped, and the chafing of the material itself makes the skin break out. Try a silk face mask – as these can be kinder to your dermis and have a natural antibacterial element.
When it comes to the best in blemish-control skincare, dermatologists agree that ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are efficient spot zappers.
Additionally, keep your mask scrupulously clean, use a fragrance-free hypoallergenic detergent to avoid irritation and make sure you wash after every wear.
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser, £10.99
This is a non-stripping gel cleanser that efficiently removes make-up, clears pores, and kick-starts your skin's spot survival regime.
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser, £10.99 – buy here
Dermalogica Age Bright Spot Fader, £40.50
A sophisticated spot treatment that tackles breakouts without drying out your skin in the process.
Dermalogica Age Bright Spot Fader, £40.50 – buy here
Pause Well-Aging Detox Serum, £76
Designed for mature skin that’s suffering from hormonal breakouts – this lotion will also help to calm and keep skin under control while boosting hydration and banishing fine surface lines.
Pause Well-Aging Detox Serum, £76 – buy here
TEEN SKINCARE FOR MASKNE
For teens who are required to wear a mask to school, it's crucial to get them started with a thorough but gentle skincare regime.
Spots & Stripes Gentle Cleansing Lotion, For Girls & Boys, £13
Made with camomile, mint and lavender, this cleans and calms skin while combatting early signs of breakouts.
Spots & Stripes Gentle Cleansing Lotion, £13 – buy here
31st State Foaming Face Wash, £12.99
This is stocked at spas dedicated to teen treatments and has a kind but skin-clearing zinc-loaded formula to keep delicate faces fresh and free of spots.
31st State Foaming Face Wash, £12.99 – buy here
La Roche-Posay Effaclar K Moisturiser, £17
French doctors prescribe this for problematic skin conditions – and it works equally well over here at mattifying and clearing blemish-prone and oily skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar K Moisturiser, £17 – buy here
Finally, for red, inflamed and rosacea-prone skin and inflammation, try products that contain nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide). It's a natural anti-inflammatory, which calms down red skin and rosacea by reducing the opening of blood vessels. Vitamin E also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Somji recommends The Tebiskin® Synchrorose range, as it’s approved and proven to help rosacea sufferers. Click here for more information.
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