With face masks now a standard and essential part of our daily attire, many of us are starting to learn about a new skin care concern thanks to our face masks: Maskne.
Maskne refers to acne that's brought on by daily use of a face mask. The technical term, acne mechanica, describes acne caused by the repeated irritation and pressure of your mask. When you combine this friction with sweat, oil and makeup present on your skin and a mask that might not always be clean, the bacteria is able to flourish in the warm and humid environment created inside your mask every time you exhale.
How to Get Rid of Maskne
A few simple tricks will help you reduce the negative impact your face mask has on your skin, such as using fresh masks each day, keeping reusable ones clean, and changing filters every day if your mask requires one. However, the most effective way to banish maskne is in your skincare routine, and a change of products and protocol will make a noticeable difference in your skin.
Cleanse Gently
Resist the urge to aggressively cleanse your skin. Keep in mind that your skin is already highly sensitive and irritated from the combination of friction and clogging pollutants, and harsh cleansers will only make this worse and may lead to further infection. Try a gentle cleanser that has nourishing properties such as a Beta Enzyme Cleanser. It will clear out impurities and hydrate without stripping your skin. If you're looking for something a little more potent for congested skin, try a Clarifying or Purifying Cleanser instead.
Restore Your Pores
A restoring serum will help calm your skin and reduce your pore size, leading to a reduction in sebum production. It will also reduce the appearance of inflammation in any areas where your mask might be leaving behind marks. Retinols such as Advanced Retinol Serum contain powerful formulations to significantly increase antioxidant protection while helping improve the appearance of compromised, blemish-prone, and aging skin.
Protect Your Microbiome
Treat your skin to masks with restorative and balancing properties. When your bacteria levels are out of balance, it can lead to acne and even premature aging. A healthy, pH-focused diet will help with this, but skincare products will give your skin immediate relief when most needed. If you are particularly prone to acne (even without a mask) opt for charcoal-based cleansers and nourishing masks that will help to draw out more impurities without disrupting your skin's sensitive moisture balance.
Maintain Your Healthy Skin
Just like any other organ in your body, your skin requires ongoing care to keep it healthy and youthful. Monthly HydraFacials are the most effective and affordable way to keep congestion out of your skin—not to mention the added benefit of de-stressing yourself along with your skin.
Slight modifications to your existing skincare routine and products will have a significant impact on your skin's clarity while under a mask all day. To learn more information about getting rid of acne, set up an appointment at Supriya Aesthetic Dermatology, with offices in West Palm Beach and Jupiter. Contact us today to schedule a HydraFacial and see how this treatment can benefit you as well.