The technical term for maskne is ‘acne mechanica,’ and it is the result of the mechanical friction of fabric against the skin. That friction can lead to inflammation and irritation of the skin that can clog pores and lead to acne, this can also be increased by moisture getting behind the mask from humidity and sweating
A few simple changes to your skincare routine can make a big difference when it comes to preventing or treating maskne. These recommendations are intended for those who are currently suffering with maskne or who are more prone to breakouts and want to prevent them from flaring whilst wearing a mask. For those who are not prone to breakouts and do not currently have a breakout then continuing with their existing skin regime is recommended and ensuring regular hydration throughout the day
1.Cleanse
Some might skip the double cleansing process when not wearing makeup – however oil and environmental dirt gets into the pores from being outside and about, especially with mask wearing it has never been so important to double cleanse.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser: For acne-prone patients, this gentle cleanser from CeraVe that’s free of irritants and contains salicylic acid, which clears out dead skin cells and unclogs pores.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleansing Gel and Duo Bundle: It's specifically formulated for oily, blemish-prone skin in adults and teenagers. It's a dual action daily gel moisturiser that reduces the appearance of blemishes and blackheads, controls shine and helps protect the skin from the causes of red and brown-coloured marks that are often left by spots.
Skingredients Sally Cleanse: An exfoliating cleanser, Spot-Zapper + Micro-Mask that contains 2% salicylic acid, the highest amount legally permitted to be used in skincare in the EU. Salicylic acid helps to clear pores and reduce congestion such as blackheads and lumps and bumps whilst exfoliating the skin. Use PM every 3rd night after pre-cleansing.
La Roche Posay Effaclar Micro Peeling Gel: Contains 2% salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin and deeply unclog pores from dead skin cells and sebum. It also contains zinc to reduce sebum and purify the skin and glycerin for hydration.
2.Moisturise
One of the most important things to remember is to keep your skin hydrated. Dry skin will compromise the skin's barrier and lead to further disruption in the skin. Making sure the skin's barrier is strong and healthy is a must. This can be achieved with a cream, serum or both.
La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 serum: Repairs, hydrates, replumps and help to reduce skin irritation and signs of ageing all at the same time thanks to its powerful active ingredients. It contains hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin B5 helps improve the skin's natural repairing process and helps stimulate repair of damaged skin.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra 8 ‘Hands-free’ Moisturising Mist: An instant light and easy-to-use moisturiser to comfort and soothe even the most irritated skin. Thanks to the combination of glycerin, allantoin and La Roche-Posay Thermal spring water, the formula instantly comforts the skin through intense hydration. This is perfect for on-the-go hydration, apply whenever needed, even on top of make-up.
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion: Contains three essential ceramides to help restore and strengthen the skin's natural barrier. It also contains niacinamide which helps to soothe and comfort the skin.
Skingredient Skin Good Fats: Not your traditional moisturiser -this barrier balm works by replenishing your skin’s essential fats, vitamins and goodness to bring equilibrium to your skin. Featuring skin-native lipid ceramide NP, shea butter glycerides and grapeseed oil, Skin Good Fats feeds your barrier to lock in skin hydration. Skin Good Fats is packed with not only good fats but a clinically-proven, patented anti-irritation ingredient to soothe any itchiness you may experience, as well as antioxidants to fight free radical damage.
3.SPF
Continue to wear SPF daily to ensure that your skin is protected from the UV sun rays, but also blue screen light from computer screens and phones. Wear SPF even if you are working from home to protect your skin.
Avene Hydrance UV Rich Hydrating Cream SPF30: Hydrating moisturiser to protect the skin from daily aggressions and help prevent skin ageing caused by the sun. Formulated with Cohederm™, a unique patented active proven to form water reservoirs in dehydrated skin, for long lasting and effective moisturisation.
Skingredients 04 Skin Shield SPF 50+: Moisturising, non-comedogenic, physical (mineral) filter SPF that provides protection against both UVB and UVA rays, as well as infrared, pollution and the HEV (blue) light emitted by screens. This lightweight, non-greasy, skin-priming lotion is a heavyweight of daily skin protection, perfect for wearing alone or under makeup every single day.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+: Broad-spectrum protection shields skin from UVA and UVB rays and helps to prevent damage caused by Infrared-A and pollution. Ultra-resistant to water, sweat and sand. Anti-eye stinging, invisible, light-weight texture.
4.For Targeting Breakouts
Due to maskne, you may be experiencing breakouts on the chin and cheek areas. To target these breakouts we recommend the following products:
Clarins My Clarins Clear-Out Blackhead Expert: This 2-in-1 stick and mask product removes blackheads and leaves skin soft, smooth and clear, even close up.
Avene Cleanance Expert: Acts on the main causes of spots; regulating the production of oil to mattify the skin, and gently exfoliating without stripping the skin, to unclog pores and leave the skin soft and smooth.
For more product recommendations click here - Top Maskne Product Recommendations
Mulligans Pharmacy Top Maskne Tips
- If wearing a reusable face mask, make sure to wash it regularly but once it’s out of the machine, rinse it thoroughly in plain water to get rid of any detergent in the fabric as this can irritate and inflame the delicate skin of the face.
- Find a more breathable mask – disposable masks may be lighter in weight but are not necessarily more breathable as they are made of plastic. Masks made of natural fibres such as woven cotton, linen or pure silk would be ideal as they are breathable and don’t absorb too much moisture from the skin. Make sure you’re buying a high quality one as cheap masks will only damage the skin. Buy Local/Irish where possible. There are many Irish businesses making handmade masks which tend to be good quality and support our economy.
- Have a consistent skincare regime. Your skin thrives on consistency, that’s why it can act up with the change of seasons. Having a routine and sticking to it will benefit your skin greatly.
- Nose-breathe! This might sound ridiculous but for those of you who tend to breathe through the mouth, try actively breathing through the nose instead whilst wearing a mask. This reduces the amount of moisture underneath the mask.
- Take it easy on the make-up – Makeup can be occlusive on the skin and because it sits atop the skin, it can mix with all that moisture and bacteria under the mask and wreak even more havoc! If wearing makeup under a mask, try swapping out for a lightweight foundation or mineral powder. And always look for the words ‘non-comedogenic’.
- Keep your skin hydrated. It’s easy to confuse oil with hydration but that excess oil being produced by your skin whilst wearing a mask is not actually providing any moisture. It’s just sitting atop your skin occluding the pores. As well as this, the bacteria living in the area can more easily attack dry skin and cause maskne as the skin contains cracks when it’s dry and this is where the bacteria can enter. Again look for the words ‘non-comedogenic’ and choose a light moisturiser over a rich one unless you have dry skin.
- Do not pop. We repeat, do not pop. It is so tempting to pop a spot that is bulging but exercise some restraint here and instead opt for a spot treatment product. These products break down the components of spots, hydrate the skin and brighten the look of the skin. Additionally, popping spots can leave you with permanent dark spots on the skin.
- Always always double-cleanse. This means cleaning your face twice at night. The first cleanse removes the make-up/dirt/sweat etc and the second cleanse cleans out the pores. Ideally, choose two products with different actions to get the most out of your cleansing!If wearing a mask all day at work, cleanse your face as soon as you’re home. Don’t let all that sebum, oil, dead skin cells and bacteria sit there for a second longer than needs be!