Managing Masks And Your Skin — Tips for Avoiding "Maskne"
What causes “maskne”?
COVID-19 has changed so much of how we go about our daily lives and unfortunately it looks like an adjustment we’ll be living with into 2021. Wearing facial masks continues to be one of the most effective preventative measures we can take to limit the spread of COVID-19, according to the CDC and researchers.
But as many of us are finding, wearing a mask for extended periods can lead to breakouts along the chin, cheeks, and jawline.
Why?
Masks trap heat, moisture released from breathing, talking, or sweating, and even the small amount of friction from fabric can cause skin irritation. Pores can get clogged. Skin can become dry. Some people experience rosacea. But there are ways to mask up and mitigate some of these pesky problems.
What can you do to prevent Maskne?
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Use lukewarm water — too warm and it can cause damage; too cold and it can close up your pores. Jurlique’s Nourishing Cleansing Oil is a great option for all skin types.
Use a serum with hyaluronic acid or red clover flower extract for scientifically backed benefits. Hyaluronic acid helps promote healthier, more supple skin, speeds up healing of damaged skin, and boosts your skin’s resilience by supporting the skin’s lipid barrier — the first line of defense from environmental aggressors, pollutants, and other irritants. Our estheticians love Elemental Herbology’s Hyaluronic Booster Plus Serum which does have hyaluronic acid. Jurlique’s Herbal Recovery Signature Serum enhances the hydrating role of hyaluronic acid to visibly smooth lines and wrinkles, so is a great option if you’re getting hyaluronic acid from other products in your skincare lineup.
Apply a moisturizer after your serum to help keep your skin hydrated, while also giving it an additional protective barrier that can help reduce friction between your mask and skin.
Avoid makeup because wearing it under your mask can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
Wash your mask regularly for the same reason it’s a good idea to wash your pillows and bedding at least every two weeks. Otherwise, you’ll just be transferring built up dirt, oils, and residue from your mask to your skin. We recommend having a few masks you can rotate through and swap out every day or two.
What to Do if you’re already experiencing skin issues from your mask
Acne and breakouts can be managed with calming products like Jurlique’s Calendula Redness Rescue Restorative Treatment Serum and Calendula Redness Rescue Soothing Moisturizing Cream. If you already exfoliate 1-2 times per week, it may be best to switch to a more gentle exfoliant or reduce the frequency, as too much can cause damage and cause further irritation and inflammation.
You can also book our Signature or Advanced Facial which are tailored to your skin’s needs. Your esthetician will provide a skin assessment, including one of our skin care guides with recommended products for your specific skin type.
