There’s no doubt many of us have seen a few more blemishes appearing on our skin over the past couple of months, and it’s proving that ‘maskne’ (face mask acne) is real!
It’s even affecting those of us who don’t usually have the stress of blemishes, and as face masks are playing a crucial role in protecting our communities, it’s time to find a solution so that we can have beautiful skin while living with face masks!
With restrictions easing super soon, you're going to want to make sure your skin is ready too!
So What Exactly Is ‘Maskne’ & What Causes It?
Maskne came into our lives in 2020, and it refers to acne that is caused by face masks. Depending on the condition of your skin, the severity differs and you may notice a few extra blemishes, red bumps or dry chapped skin appearing where your face mask sits.
The face mask traps the moisture and bacteria from our mouth and nose into a confined space, wreaking havoc on our skin. Having this moisture and bacteria caught in the mask creates a humid environment and clogs the pores which is where blemishes thrive. On top of this, makeup can congest the skin and the constant friction of your mask can further irritate and inflame the area.
How To Avoid Maskne?
There’s a two pronged approach to minimising maskne - the hygiene of your mask, as well as the hygiene of your skin! Even with the cleanest face covering, we need to nurture our skin to adapt to this new environment:
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Daily face cleansing (AM and PM) with Retreatment Botanics Purifying Gel Cleanser to ensure you remove all bacteria gently, while balancing the skin’s moisture levels to support its natural barrier. TIP: If you find yourself at home for the afternoon and evening, don’t wait to cleanse your skin in the PM, do it once you get home to minimise the bacteria sitting on the skin for prolonged periods.
- To ensure you give your skin the best chance, wash your face mask frequently to avoid a build up of bacteria and don’t wash it in harsh chemicals - these can irritate the skin. Always use a fresh clean mask, every day.
How To Avoid Maskne? (Continued)
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Dial down your makeup, particularly the lower part of your face and instead focus on defining the eyes. Makeup can clog your pores and stick to the mask, furthering the spread of bacteria. If you can’t live without it, use a setting powder on top of your makeup.
- Retreatment Botanics Instant Glow Face Masque is perfect for treating and minimising the appearance of blemishes, while also hydrating and clarifying the skin.
TIP: We suggest applying the Instant Glow Masque to the face 1-2 times per week, and don’t worry about only applying it to the area affected as this masque is gentle and hydrating, doesn't crack and dry hard on your skin and is perfect for all skin types! You can also use it throughout the week as a spot treatment too!
Giving your skin a little extra tender loving care throughout this important time will make a huge difference to the health of your skin! Continue to be mindful of your mask/ skin hygiene and don’t slack off with your daily skincare rituals - they’ll keep your skin clear and glowing!
For all things skin related, head to our Skincare blog page and have a read of the following:
