Getting to grips with maskne
We are all contending with a range of skincare issues due to the additional use of masks and sanitisers. One of the buzzwords you may have seen popping up on feeds is ‘maskne’.
This is essentially pockets of acne-like pimples or blemishes which pop up where your mask typically covers. This is due to humidity sweat and the products you are using and wearing alongside your mask. What you might not know is that you still need to use SPF and prevent pigmentation at the same time.
The mask will intensify product delivery to your skin. You’ve seen this side effect of occlusion (fancy term) in action if you’ve ever treated dry, cracked feet by applying moisturiser and wearing socks to bed.
I also recommend that you stick to cotton masks; cotton is both comfortable and breathable, minimising irritation for the skin.
Treat these breakouts how you normally would, with some much-needed TLC. For stubborn pimples, use spot treatments which have stronger percentages of acne-fighting ingredients. For long-term prevention of breakouts, a consistent acne regimen is so important and that includes vitamin A.
I would love to say to skip the makeup completely but that is not something many of us will not want to do, nor is it practical to suggest it long term. Mineral formulas are a great idea as they are usually oil-free. There is a whole other article on this coming next week!
If you are part of generation Z, then Dermalogica’s latest launch will be perfect to assist. Enter the new Clear Start FlashFoliant - a clearing brightening foam that works hard so that Gen Z consumers can, too. The chemical exfoliant contains acids like AHAs and BHAs which work in tandem to gently slough away dead skin cells and unclog pores while it soothes the skin.
The dispensing mechanism in the cap of the bottle gives the exfoliator its special foaming form. The cherry on top? It is a leave-on, flash-foaming exfoliant that helps clear and prevent breakouts while brightening skin. It is vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free.
To use it (this blew my mind) - invert the bottle and squeeze to dispense foam. Apply once daily to cleansed face and neck and allow to absorb.
For more sensitive cleansing NeoStrata Enlighten (€35) is a creamy wash formulated that enhances exfoliation and gently cleanses. As the first step in NeoStrata’s daily Enlighten regimen, Ultra Brightening Cleanser helps prepare the skin for maximum benefits from NeoStrata Illuminating Serum and Pigment Controller. NeoGlucosamine, a non-acid amino sugar, gently exfoliates dark spots and the surface cells that can cause skin to appear mottled and dull. This pearlescent cleanser effectively removes oil and makeup, leaving skin healthy and refreshed.
Use a targeted spot treatment if the spots are visible and angry. Uriage HYSÉAC SOS Paste (€11.95) acts right from the first night by accelerating the spot maturation process, causing it to disappear quickly. It acts on spots with its formula that combines the action of purifying schist oil with naturally absorbent green clay and zinc. In addition to these specific active ingredients comes Uriage thermal water, which helps to soothe the skin locally.
Apply locally to spots in the evening. Leave on all night. It is quite simple and effective.
Skingredients Skin Shield SPF 50 PA+++ (€42) is your moisturising and priming SPF day cream that protects your skin from not just sunlight but screen light, pollution and infrared, and leaves your skin with a peachy tint and dewy finish. It is non-comedogenic, oil-free, water-resistant, and non-greasy, so it’s perfect for under the mask or makeup and can be reapplied as often as required.