Maskne

Maskne or Mask Acne 

If you still haven’t heard of it, you soon will.  

Maskne is becoming a very real problem due to compulsory mask wearing – no matter what your age or skin type.

Maskne isn’t new though. It’s always been a very real and unpleasant problem for people whose professions require them to wear a mask regularly. 

Add to this the extra stress and anxiety many of us may have been experiencing recently, and the possibility of your skin looking less than it’s best is likely to be on the increase.  

So what can we do to avoid Maskne? 

While facials and treatments on the face still aren’t permitted in the UK, now is the perfect time to replace or upscale your regular facial cleansing and skincare products.

By adapting some simple face and mask hygiene habits, maskne can be reduced or even avoided altogether. 

Here are some tips I’ve put together to keep our skin looking and feeling as healthy as possible while the majority of us have to wear face coverings: 

Ensure you follow a good skin cleansing routine, using good quality products which are suited to your skin age and skin type. 

Cleanse your face every morning and evening and exfoliate weekly to prevent pores from becoming congested. 

Look for products that include active ingredients such as Salicylic Acid which exfoliates and clears blocked pores, thereby helping to reduce congestion and bacterial build up and Hyaluronic Acid to keep even the most sensitive skin beautifully hydrated and smooth. 

You might think that using products on your skin while wearing a mask could be detrimental to the health and condition of your skin, but that’s not necessarily true.  Good quality products and make up, applied lightly, can actually help protect your skin from irritation and bacteria and even a sunblock can help your skin by serving as a barrier against friction.

Men should also be aware of their skincare routine and face hygiene by ensuring shavers and blades are clean and replaced regularly. 

Other useful tips to keep maskne at bay include:

Drinking water and eating a healthy diet, rich in fresh fruit and vegetables.

Reducing alcohol, fizzy drinks and sugar consumption and avoiding carbs. 

Trying to reduce your stress levels in a healthy way – for example by increasing outdoor exercise such as walking in nature. 

Keeping your sleeping environment well ventilated and changing your pillowcases frequently. 

Replacing face flannels, sponges and towels daily and washing on a minimum 60 degree wash. 

Cleaning makeup brushes and applicators regularly and washing your hands before applying makeup. 

Choosing natural fabric masks such as cotton or silk if you can, and making sure your mask is clean and washed regularly. 

Changing your face mask daily or after wearing it for prolonged periods or if it becomes damp due to breath droplets.

Washing your hands before touching your mask and avoiding touching your mask or face unnecessarily.

Being careful not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth when removing your mask. 

Avoiding putting your mask around your chin or on your forehead.

Good skin care and the use of the best and correct products to meet your unique needs has always been so important to skin health.  

As a proud stockist of the results-driven Germaine De Capuccini brand, who boast over 50 years of excellence in professional skincare, I’m here if you need any advice on the most suitable products for your skin type and lifestyle.