WHAT IS MASKNE?
Times have changed, as we are all too well aware, and part of that change is that we are all required to wear a protective face mask; for many people it’s a requirement of their job, but it also affects everyone using public transport, going shopping, visiting pub or restaurant, as well as a salon, hairdressers, dentist etc.
As a result of this new addition to our attire, many of us are now suffering from the newly named Maskne – a mask-induced acne. This is mainly due to the fact that most of us aren’t familiar with wearing masks, and neither is our skin!
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Symptoms are redness, chafing, irritation, heat-rash, de-hydration and breakouts which are most commonly found where the mask sits i.e. along the bridge of the nose, the chin, cheeks and along the jawline. If you are already prone to breakouts, then wearing a mask will amplify the issue.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
Maskne is the result of continuous chafing of the mask on the skin, which allows the skin to become weak, lose water and enables bacteria in. At the same time, wearing a mask creates a humid environment that can cause sweat and oil to build up. All of these factors result in clogged pores and a disruption of normal sebum production creating breakouts.
The time of year can also have a different effect; summertime’s warm, moist environment will most likely cause clogged pores whereas the winter climate will create friction on dry, more sensitive skin.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP THE PREVENTION OF MASKNE?
Firstly, it’s important you wear a clean face mask every day, whether it’s a new disposable mask, or a reusable fabric mask. This will not only help to reduce the bacterial build-up, but also ensures the essential hygiene necessary for controlling this virus. Reusable masks should ideally be washed after each use, and fully dried before wearing again.
Avoid wearing make-up underneath the mask. The cleaner the skin, the better chance it has of avoiding reactions. No-one can see your make-up underneath the mask anyway!
Avoid overusing home peels and harsh exfoliators as these will aggravate the prone areas further with the friction making breakouts more irritated.
Help to keep your skin clear by adding certain maskne-fight-busting products to your skincare routine. Your skin’s natural barrier needs restoring so some added TLC will help support this.
WHAT PRODUCTS SHOULD I USE?
RE-HYDRATE with Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydra-Serum
Hyaluronic Acid is one of the most popular and on-demand ingredients in skin care products for intense hydration. It’s a super water-loving molecule found in every tissue of the body, acting like a “sponge” to attract and retain 1,000 times its own weight in water; and performing as an essential hydrating reservoir in the tissues. 50% of Hyaluronic Acid existing in the body is in the skin however, its concentration starts declining with age, contributing to dehydration, dull appearance, and the accelerated onset of lines and wrinkles. Pevonia’s unique formulation delivers fragmented micro-particles of botanical Hyaluronic Acid from Sugar Beets, guaranteed for absorption. This super-serum contains the optimum ingredient to re-hydrate your skin, including the symptoms caused by mask-wearing.
EXFOLIATE & ELIMINATE with Pevonia’s Enzymo-Spherides® Peeling Cream
This wonderfully gentle yet effective exfoliant offers deep surface cleansing to eliminate blackheads, dead skin cells and toxins. It only becomes active on the skin when water is added which causes the pineapple and papaya enzymes to burst open. These instantly work together with decongesting Ginkgo Biloba and soothing Chamomile for refreshing results. Skin feels silky soft, completely cleansed, energised and brighter, bringing it back to life again. Recommended for all skin types.
DEEPLY DETOXIFY with Pevonia’s Pure Skin Charcoal Mask
Containing Micronized Charcoal, Shea Butter, Squalane, Grapefruit, plus Kaolin and Bentonite Clays, this light-weight Citrus infused mask will gently but deeply cleanse pores while simultaneously hydrating your skin to soften and protect. It will improve skin tone for an instant purified, detoxified, and mattified result. Recommended for all skin types, oily skin, dilated pores, skin with impurities, smokers, and acne control.
WIPE OUT & WIN THE WAR with Pevonia’s Soothing Propolis Concentrate
Propolis is a sterile, beehive resin extract used in skincare because of its natural antibiotic, calming and healing properties. It’s produced by worker bees and is renowned for treating and preventing bacterial infections whilst it soothes, calms and heals. This soothing concentrate will calm skin, reduce redness, fight bacteria and strengthen fragile skin. Especially suitable for those with sensitive, hypersensitive and allergy-prone skin, whose skin is fragile, gets red or easily irritated, or has occasional breakouts. It’s also a saviour on skin when using harsh acne medications.
S.O.S. (SAVE OUR SKIN)
It’s important that you continue with your daily skincare routine but also consider adding these Maskne Saviours to your regime to enable your skin to recover from the ongoing effects of Maskne. Face coverings are now an essential part of our lives and will be for the foreseeable future, so act now – don’t hide behind the mask … save your skin.
