What is “Maskne”?

The term “Maskne” comes from those people who have begun to experience new breakouts from the long-term effects of wearing a mask. For others this has manifested itself in irritation around their mask lines.

Among those experiencing Maskne or irritation are our frontline workers due to the prolonged periods of mask wearing and difficult working conditions.
Teenagers are another group experiencing Maskne predominantly because of puberty when the skin would normally increase its secretion of oil.
Whether you are required to wear a mask for a long or short period of time it all depends on your skin type. Sensitive skins seem to get far more mask irritation and flakiness whereas oily / acne prone skin struggle with congestion and new outbreaks.

Friction seems to be a factor for both sensitive and those suffering with breakouts. When wearing a mask, the air that we breathe gets trapped behind it increasing moisture and sweat. This can lead to increased sensitivity and chaffing but for so many it is the increase in the oil production that is the problem. The increase in oil allows grime and dirt to sit on your skin’s surface and of course this makes the ideal breeding ground for bacteria and breakouts.

Putting a few simple measures in place can make all the difference:

• Double cleanse morning and evening. If you are having trouble with excess oil and breakouts, then try a cleanser with prebiotics, Active Clay cleanser, to purify skin and balance your skin’s microbiome.
• Use a facecloth or flannel to remove your cleanser. Wash this regularly.
• Avoid wearing makeup. Your pores are less likely to get clogged by the mask pushing makeup into your skin.
• Wear a fresh mask daily. Ideally cotton or silk masks as these are more breathable. You can always double mask with a less porous one on top
• Avoid touching your face and picking
• If you suffer from breakouts, it’s a good idea to change your pillowcase at least twice weekly
• Exfoliate with a chemical exfoliant rather than a physical exfoliant to avoid irritation.
• Keep your moisturiser light, oil free and hydrating are the best options. Calm Water Gel is ideal to calm and hydrate.
• And make sure you clean your phone regularly