August 6th, 2020

Wearing a face mask sucks, but it is vital that we all wear face masks to ensure we protect ourselves and others from COVID-19. (Unless there’s a medical reason you can’t wear one!) We hear your skin concerns and yes, we know “Maskne” is a real thing. But don't fret! There are many ways to stop those annoying breakouts and we are here to help you out.

"Maskne" is mainly acne mechanic; it is usually caused by friction, rubbing, and occlusion of the skin by wearing a face mask. Any friction and irritation can push bacteria into the skin, creating micro-tears which allow easier entry for bacteria and dirt. It can then lead to inflammation which then drives the acne process.

In addition to that, face mask can trap humidity, dirt, oil, and sweat which is why you are getting those annoying breakouts where the mask sits — the bridge of the nose, chin, and cheeks. They might also take the form of whiteheads, blackheads if oxidised by air.

Here are 4 products to help you prevent or treat these annoying breakouts caused by wearing face masks.

To reduce the number of acne-causing bacteria on your skin, you should wash your face with an anti-bacterial face wash before and after wearing a face mask. We suggest using a face wash with natural anti-bacterial ingredients as opposed to medicated products such as Benzoyl Peroxide because they can cause further irritation to the skin under a mask.

Check out Medik8 Clarifying Foam. It is a gentle oil-free blemish cleanser with Tea Tree Oil which is a natural powerful anti-bacterial. It also has Niacinamide, AHA (L-Mandelic Acid) and BHA (Salicylic Acid) which are clinically proven to decongest pores and fight acne-causing bacteria. This Clarifying Foam leaves your skin feeling instantly clean, refreshed and gently hydrated.

Although Rubbing Alcohol may seem like a tempting solution, over time, you may experience increased problems from Alcohol based products. It strips skin of its essential moisture and leaves it dry, red and irritated. The burning feeling you might experience afterwards is a sign of the damage being done to your skin.

Your skin requires a certain amount of sebum for protection and nourishment. If you completely eliminate this secretion, your sebaceous glands respond by producing even more of it. That means more oil and more breakouts. The longer you use Alcohol based products, the more vulnerable your skin becomes to the effects of sebum and bacteria.

Crafted without alcohol, Medik8 Balance Control Pads are ultra-soft pads pre-soaked in maximum strength Salicylic acid 2% dissolves oil and dirt from deep within the pore to purify problem complexions. As it’s alcohol-free it protects the skin’s natural moisture balance to ward off dryness while caring for the most sensitive of skin types. Use after cleansing in the morning and/or evening.

Prebiotics are like super-food for your face. We want to feed it beneficial bacteria so that they can grow and multiply and push out the unhealthy bacteria. In the case of acne, Prebiotics is shown by research to promote the growth of bacteria that can kill the dreaded P. acnes bacteria, which is responsible for clogging pores and causing acne.

On the other hand, Probiotics are shown by research to be effective in calming inflammation, resolving Dysbiosis, balancing hormones, and contributing to skin health.

We recommend Medik8 Balance Moisturiser which is 97% oil-free and contains a high-performance blend of Prebiotics and Probiotics to rebalance the skin’s microbiome to promote a healthy, blemish-free skin complexion. In addition, it's a mattifying moisturiser with 10% Glycolic Acid to keep your pores free of congestions.

Our skin is more sensitive and prone to sun damage while using chemical exfoliants. Therefore, even though our faces will be mostly covered by masks (and to avoid tan lines caused by masks!), it's best to apply an even layer of SPF as the finishing step to the morning skincare regimen.

Look for non-comedogenic and oil-free options as they work to decrease excess oil that can clog pores and lead to acne. We prefer mineral options, such as Zinc Oxide which is an anti-irritant and has antimicrobial properties, both of which are suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin types.

Check out this dermatologist tested sunscreen, Mesoestectic Mineral Matt Fluid with SPF 50+ sun protection. It has zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as an active ingredient and designed to go from liquid to powder emulsion for matte finish once rubbed properly in the face. The great thing is it is also suitable for sensitive, combination and oily skins.

For other skin concerns, click here to check out our recommendations.

Written by Brains Street