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Simple skincare steps to prevent ‘Maskne’

Simple skincare steps to prevent ‘Maskne’
Ellie
3 years ago
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What is Maskne?

Masks and face coverings are now an essential accessory to our everyday lives however, they also come with a burden of unwanted skin issues. Maskne, technically known as ‘acne mechanica’, is acne formed by friction alongside the humid environment caused by wearing a mask. As most of us aren’t accustomed to wearing face coverings, this can result in spots, redness and inflammation on the cheeks, jawline and chin. Although it is not harmful, Maskne can be irritating and in some cases even painful, however by incorporating a few simple skincare steps into your routine you can finally keep the breakouts at bay.

Skincare steps to prevent Maskne

Step 1: Use a gentle cleanser

Cleansing is perhaps the most important step in preventing Maskne. By removing the initial build-up of excess oil, makeup and sweat this refreshes your skin giving it the chance to breathe. As masks trap excess dirt, you may want to double cleanse just to ensure that your skin is thoroughly clean and nourished. Using a gentle cleanser, such as Garnier Micellar Water, also prevents further irritation caused by harsh chemicals that may result in additional flare-ups and disruption to the skin. Simply apply your chosen cleanser to a cotton pad and wipe over your face, eyes and lips to free your skin of impurities.

Step 2: Use blemish targeting products

Blemish targeting products are effective in treating Maskne directly. By applying a thin layer of product onto the blemish, this not only works to attack the inflammation but also avoids disturbing the rest of the skin. Look for products including the ingredients Niacinamide, Glycerin and Salicylic Acid, such as La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+, to help clear your complexion. Niacinamide helps to rebuild skin cells and improve texture, Glycerin acts as an anti-bacterial treatment whilst Salicylic Acid unclogs pores and prevents further blemishes from forming.

Step 3: Keep skin hydrated

A common misconception with acne is to avoid hydrating products in order to dry out the blemish. However, keeping the skin hydrated speeds up the healing process of your acne, creating a barrier-function to protect the skin. Products such as CeraVe Smoothing Cream and Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Booster include hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides that help to lock in a layer of moisture and rejuvenate the skin.

 Step 4: Incorporate a serum

Although serums may seem daunting, they are packed with powerful ingredients that target deep layers of skin, helping to prevent Maskne. Serums including Vitamin C such as SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant shields skin from bacteria that may get trapped in your mask, preventing further acne from forming. In addition, serums such as Decléor Antidote include essential oils to strengthen the skin's barrier, leaving your complexion more radiant and blemish-free.

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