Mask wearing has become a part of our lives during the last eighteen months or so and even though restrictions have been lifted in some parts of the UK, it looks like mask wearing could be part of our lives for a while longer.
Over the last few months I have had a lot of customers who are finding that their normally clear and well-balanced skin has become tricky and temperamental - all from wearing masks.
Common skin issues include breakouts, spots and blocked pores – especially around the mouth, chin, cheeks and nose where our masks cover our faces - which has meant a rise in face mask acne - or ‘Maskne’.
Many people are also finding that their skin has become dry, flakey and also sore, red and inflamed. These skin problems are largely due to a combination of masks rubbing against our skin, limited airflow and hot, sweaty skin and trapped moisture.
With mask wearing being such an important part of our daily life now, it’s important to find ways to protect our skin and keep it in the best possible condition. So if you are experiencing mask-wearing skin issues, here are my five tips on how to beat maskne.
Tip One - always wear a clean mask...
Perhaps the most obvious and simple thing is to make sure you always wear a clean mask. Treat your mask like you would your knickers – wash them regularly and change them every time you wear them. Not only can this help keep your skin clear by preventing the build up of bacteria, it can also help your health too. Again, just like you have multiple pairs of pants, have multiple masks too so you always have a clean one to wear. As well as being clean, make sure your mask fits you too. Not too tight, not too loose – a snug and comfortable fit is best and opt for cotton, silk or natural materials rather than synthetic ones.
Tip Two - go foundation free...
If you can, try to go foundation-free when you are wearing a mask – particularly if you spend hours at a time wearing a mask due to your work. The reason for this is that under a mask, air flow is limited, your mask can make you sweat and make-up is more likely to clog your pores. This is the ideal way on how to prevent breakouts when wearing a mask.
Tip Three - cleanse, cleanse, cleanse...
Whether you are make-up free or not, make sure you get into a good cleansing routine. Cleanse your skin every morning and evening using a natural and organic cleanser that you rinse off with warm water, rather than one you wipe off. Cleansing is key to great skin any way – maskne or no maskne!
If you have been wearing make-up, a double cleanse would be even better for you at the end of the day. Use a cleansing oil like I Can See Clearly Now or Clean Sweep cleansing balm to remove make-up and SPF then a second cleanse will remove daily grime, dirt and debris and cleanse your skin.
If you have maskne and are suffering from breakouts and blocked pores, use a balancing non-foaming face wash like Sweet Cheeks as your second cleanse and also use this to cleanse your skin when you wake up. A lot of people think you need foam to cleanse your skin but you really don’t - foaming face washes are often harsh and they strip your skin of all its oils and our skin then over compensates and produces excess oil.
Tip Four - keep your skin (and yourself) hydrated...
Keep your skin hydrated. Drink plenty of water every day – this can help with hydration as well as help with congestion too. Apply a moisturiser or an organic facial oil after you have cleansed your skin. Use a hydrating skin tonic that you spritz over your skin can also help to cool, calm and hydrate your skin throughout the day too.
Tip Five - pare back to simple skincare routine...
Keep things simple. Your mask may be making your skin inflamed and irritated. In this instance a pared back routine can really help. Cleanse your skin in the morning and again at night; follow with a spritz of Freshen Up hydrating toner if your skin is dry or a more astringent toner like Tone Up to clear congestion.
In the morning apply a moisturiser or face oil and at night use a face oil or night balm. Using a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid can help to hydrate your skin; look for products that contain organic rosehip, chia seed, kiwi or evening primrose oil as these are all rich in skin-loving omegas to nourish, balance and help your skin retain moisture.
Sea buckthorn is an amazing ingredient – particularly if your skin is inflamed, congested or sensitive. Bloom & Glow face oil with rosehip, chia, evening primrose and sea buckthorn can help to balance your skin, clear congestion and reduce inflammation.
So there are my five top tips to help beat maskne this Summer, if I can help you and your skin with a particular skin complaint, advice about your skin regime and or a general questions about any of my products, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Angela x
