Wearing a mask all day every day can cause breakouts around your mouth and chin. This type of acne caused by mask wearing is often called “maskne”
As an esthetician acne is one of the most common concerns, it affects the way we feel about ourselves and really impacts our confidence. I love being able to help my clients achieve healthier skin however I remind clients its a Journey and can take time. Acne doesn’t appear over night and doesn’t disappear either.
Recently since the start of the pandemic, I have seen allot more acne and congestion around the mouth area. MASKNE had become a real thing. Acne caused from wearing a mask is now often called maskne.
What causes maskne?
A few things contribute MASKNE.
- Irritation from mask contact
- Mask can add to already bad skin condition. Lets say you already struggle with acne , wearing a mask daily could be causing it to get worse.
- Wearing a mask can cause additional heat which can cause inflammation in the skin.
- If you are in the the medical field this condition can become even worse. Often nurses, physicians and office staff will wear layers of masks and shields. Also their masks are typically tighter causing additional rubbing and irritation around the mouth area and its delicate skin causing inflammation and breakouts.
HOW TO AVOID MASKNE
Keeping your mask clean is one of the best ways to avoid acne breakouts caused by wearing a face mask. If you are struggling with acne make sure you get a clean mask daily at minimum.
Pay attention to the type of mask you are using. Keep the material of your mask breathable
Keep a healthy skincare routine. Cleanse 2x a day and moisturize. However do not over apply products.
Avoid applying heavy creams and lotions then wearing a mask all day. This can cause congestion.
Avoid over exfoliating.
When it comes to makeup- less is more. Avoid wearing allot of foundation and heavy makeup when you are experiencing acne or congestion. If you do need to wear makeup designed with your skin in mind.
THE BEST TREATMENT FOR MASKNE
See your esthetican for a Facial. Esthetician are there to help you with your skin and have lots of tools to treat acne and congestion. Often extractions are required to remove blackheads, white heads and congetion in the skin. Esthetician are trained at extractions and other skin health modalities.
TOPICALS OR OTHER PRODUCTS
Benzoyl peroxide -this common acne medication works by killing bacteria in the skin. It can be drying though so it’s important to get a quality product that penetrates into the acne lesion. Like JanMarini Age Intervention Duality. This has a combination of retinal and Benzoyl peroxide to kill the acne bacteria and smooth the skin.
Retinal – retinal is another common acne medication. Smoothing and great at treating acne breakouts.
Salycilic acid- this acid is great for clearing breakouts and smoothing the skin. Using this in a lower percentage is suggested because it can be drying and irritation at a higher concentration. Can be found in low percentages in cleanser and exfoliating serums.
TREATMENTS
Oxygen Facial- reduces acne, great for inflamed acne and breakouts. Works by creating oxygen on the skin killing bacteria and brightening the skin
Hydro Facial – this facial cleanses, extract, infuses, and hydrates. Great for deep congestion and skin that requires a lot of extractions.
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