How to Combat Maskne?
Maskne. It’s probably a term you’ve never heard of until this year and it’s one of the unfortunate side effects of daily mask-wearing. While maskne can be a moving target because our skin types are as unique as our choice in mask prints, there are a few things you can do to ensure that daily mask-wearing doesn’t wreak havoc on your face. . . because there’s nothing cute about tossing your mask off in the car, just to notice bumpy, irritated skin in your rearview mirror.
What is “Maskne” and what does it look like?
When you wear a mask for an extended period of time, the enclosed area of the mask against your skin creates a microenvironment of warm moisture which disrupts the oil and sweat glands and ultimately results in local skin inflammation. This can present itself as folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles), rosacea, acne, chafing, irritation, seborrheic or atopic dermatitis (scaly, red patches of skin), and/or heat rash. Our skin’s pores are meant to breathe, and unfortunately, that doesn’t stop when you wear a mask, so instead of breathing in the fresh air, your skin is attempting to take in your recycled breath. Enter, maskne.
How to Combat Maskne?
It all starts with cleanliness. If possible, get enough masks into your rotation so that you can wash your masks after each use. Next, be sure you’re starting each day with clean skin, we recommend the Epionce® Lytic Gel Cleanser or for those who are excessively oily, try the Obagi® Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser. These are antimicrobial but won’t disrupt the skin barrier. Next, tone your skin with the Epionce Purifying Toner for acne or oily skin, or the Epionce Balancing Toner for rosacea. Toners help remove traces of dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the natural skin barrier.
Next, it’s important to eliminate heavy serums or oils from your routine and instead start using water-based, oil-free alternatives designed to actively protect your skin. We love the Revision Skincare® C+ Correcting Complex 30%™ for the perfect amount of free radical protection without any excessive weight. It’s also great for managing the skins’ microbiome and boosting natural production of vitamins E and C. After serum application, we recommend using a light moisturizer like the Epionce Renewal Lite Facial Lotion for a synergistic anti-inflammatory effect that also helps repair and optimize skin barrier function. Add a light sunscreen or even a protective powder like the Colorescience® Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield and voila! Protection and light hydration are designed for wear behind a mask.
Pro Tip: if you aren’t sure if your skin leans to the dry or oily side, wash your face and without putting any product on, wait 30 minutes and see if natural oil has returned, if so — you are likely in the oily skin camp, if not, you are probably in the drier skin club. Still not sure? At Timeless Elements, we’re here to help and we always offer free consultations.
How to Treat Maskne
Okay, so the damage is done and the maskne is here. Now what to do? We recommend treating and renewing with a lytic treatment product like the Epionce Lytic TX. They clean out the pores, remove excess scaling and rough oily buildups on congested skin, plus provide antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Scheduling a monthly chemical peel or HydraFacial MD® can help to combat the maskne, by treating the acne at the deeper layers of the skin. The key is consistency with both your at-home care and your medical grade skincare treatments when treating these stubborn breakouts.
Treat Maskne & Other Skin Care Conditions with the Help of Timeless Elements Med Spa and Laser Center!
Now that you’ve got the 411 on maskne, we have to emphasize that the best treatment is always prevention. Treat yourself to a few more cute masks, and call the Timeless Elements closest to you for a complete skin consultation where we’ll analyze your skin type and recommend products to address your skin concerns and keep you clear of maskne until daily mask wearing is a thing of the past. For skincare and treatment savings year-round, consider joining the skincare enthusiasts in our VIP Membership, you’ll receive one service monthly and special prices and discounts every day (so no need to wait for sales)! Call us today to join: (651) 464-6444